I don't own Lord of the Rings. Wish I did. I also wish I could be a jedi elf princess, but that hasn't happened so far so...

Also there's a bit of risqué stuff in here. No lemons yet though, Sorry.

Also, Sorry it took so long to update. I've been visiting family and then my husband's motorcycle was stolen. Sigh... I hate crooks. If everyone in the world worked honestly for their stuff this place would be much less screwed up.

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"My lady?" came a voice beside her.

Nicole snapped her eyes up to the guard. "Sorry, I was just… I'm fine." She shook her head to clear it and started walking again. 'Let's file that one away for later.'

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Legolas sat on his horse impatiently with Gimli next to him. They waited ahead of the others. Legolas would have continued onward if not for Gimli begging him to stay near Gandalf. Bless the dwarf, but moving speaking trees seemed to be a frightening concept, especially when they were angry. Legolas himself had not felt any fear towards the plants. Many of the trees in his home were poisoned, turned completely to evil, so that they would swallow up travelers instead of feasting on the sun as they should. These trees were simply wild, not malicious.

He had jumped at the chance to head to Isengard despite the rare weariness in his limbs from slaying his 41 orcs. He heard that there were tidings of Nicole from Gandalf, but the wizard had either been unable or unwilling to give details, saying they needed to go to Orthanc in person.

'Why does he refuse to allay my fear? What is wrong?' The tension bound his mind tighter and tighter until he thought he might snap. His mount sensed his rider's emotions and tossed its head, nervously prancing sideways. Gimli's arms around his waist squeezed warningly,

"Legolas control this confounded beast," he muttered nervously.

Legolas took a deep breath and spoke a calming word to Arod, who obediently stilled under him. There were no words that could calm the elf though. He stared at the black spike that jutted up distantly into the sky. There were still hours of travel to the wizard's vale. Was she there?

It was nearly unbearable for him to wait through the dark hours with the others. He heard the trees passing them in the night and the elf listened closely. They spoke only of vengeance, not of any who had visited them recently. His gentle willow wouldn't have been able to communicate with these trees. Anger like theirs needed a loud voice to draw attention.

The next morning they made their progress closer, crossing a ford into strange barren land. Around him were the stumps of hewn trees. Sadness filled the elf. This is why they were so angered. He had heard of great battles were many peoples were slain, but had never seen such a number killed without reason. The stumps stretched away so far, he nearly could not see their end. He couldn't imagine how it must have felt to be unable to fight back against the fire and axes of the enemy. He fought the urge to close his eyes against the sight. At least soon he would be able to see Nicole.

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Later that day their group stumbled upon the hobbits… blowing rings of smoke and looking like they didn't have a care in the world. Pippin especially, since he was sound asleep and snoring quietly.

"Merry? Pippin?" Sputtered Gimli.

Merry was greeting king Théoden while subtly trying to nudge Pippin awake. Excitement overcame the elf and he coaxed Arod into a canter.

"Take it easy my friend" said Gimli behind him nervously. "It is further to the ground for me than for you."

"Merry, Pippin!" he called out, eagerness and excitement filling his melodious voice "We have been hunting you for leagues." The horse pulled up beside the hobbits.

Gimli grumbled and forced himself to release the elf's tunic. "And here we find you feasting and smoking" said Gimli gruffly. "Smoking! I can hardly believe my eyes."

"I wouldn't mind some wine." Legolas eyes darted about the rock. "If I had some fairer company to share it with. Where is Nicole?" he leaned forward with eyes glowing.

Pippin sat up and rubbed his eyes. Merry looked blankly at him.

The others fell silent. Legolas' next words died on his lips, "You… you haven't seen her?' dread was clawing its way up his throat.

Pippin stood and craned his neck, "No. Is she hanging back with the others?"

The crestfallen look in his eyes made the two swallow. "I don't think she's back there Pip." Said Merry quietly to the younger hobbit.

Aragorn glanced at the elf, "Nicole was taken. We had thought she would be here with you."

"Nicole? Are you sure?" said Pippin. He and Pippin shared a bewildered look.

"Last we saw her was before we were taken." Came Merry's hesitant voice. He cast a look to Legolas. "I am sorry."

"Well well," said Gandalf, "Do not despair my good elf. I would not entrust these two to watch over Nicole even if she were standing beside us now."

"Hey!" said Pippin indignantly, "I would protect Nicole. Any of us would."

Gandalf rolled his eyes, "I do not doubt it. But I am speaking of your propensity to get into trouble. Nicole is wise at times, but possesses an enjoyment of the mischievous that you two would doubtless take advantage of in order to get into trouble."

"-and she would be the one protecting you." said Aragorn, his shoulders shaking in a silent laugh, "I have seen few who enjoy mothering you lot more than she does."

Legolas' panic left him at Gandalf's words. He at least didn't seem concerned. Nicole must be safe if he was chastising the hobbits in such a good natured manner.

"Indeed, I can see Nicole in my mind giggling at your antics as you put on a play for her with dangerous broken relics for props" Legolas looked back to see Gimli smiling fondly at the hobbits.

Despite the suffering of the past days he smiled. "She would not let them touch anything dangerous" he said, trying to be serious. It was obvious his friends were trying to cheer him… it was working.

He forced himself to relax with his friends as he listened to their tales. His anger against Saruman was still sharp and bitter. Which was why he jumped at the chance to be one of the party who went to parley with the wizard in his tower. As he climbed the steps with Gandalf, Théoden, Aragorn, and Gimli a sense of foreboding stole over him. Nicole had been prisoner here? Other than the ents the place reeked of smoke and evil. Gandalf was right to keep him from coming before. He could visualize the 10,000 orcs swarming about the place like a nest of spiders. He shuddered. How did she escape?

He listened gravely as Gandalf called Saruman out. The wizard came eventually as if pulled by a heavy rope at his neck. Legolas took a grim satisfaction seeing the creature brought so low. That was until he began speaking. It was difficult to hold onto his anger. Saruman did indeed have a powerful voice. For a few moments the elf floundered until the wizard made the mistake of turning his attention to him.

"And who might you be? An elf prince?" came the sly voice. "I had a mind to bargain with your great people for freedom."

"You have nothing that could interest me." Said Legolas stiffly, though doubt swirled in his mind. "All you house here is evil."

"Do I not?" The wizard smiled patronizingly. "I had a guest here recently. I believe her name was Eiliannel. Does that sound familiar to you?"

Legolas' eyes narrowed. The name she earned in Lothlorien?

"I see that it does," he smiled without kindness, "though she went by Nicole in her own thoughts." He waved a hand as if this bit of information was not important as he continued. "I had planned on treating her well and even giving her back to her people, but she was strangely uncooperative at first." He sighed, "After I told her I could send her back to her true home she gave up all her secrets quite willingly." He tapped his temple with a long finger.

"You lie!"

Saruman laughed as if Legolas had made a good joke. "Perhaps I did. Rest easy little prince, that she did not give up anything easily. I plucked each detail I wanted from her mind. It was quite an uncomfortable experience for the poor dear. She was babbling nonsense after a few days, telling me anything I wished to know about your recent journey..." he trailed off meaningfully.

Legolas scoffed at the statement. "Nicole would die before she told you anything."

"That is almost exactly what she said, before she jumped from my tower." He made a show of looking around. "I don't believe you'll find her body anywhere around-" The wizard's eyes widened and he jumped back, a speeding object whizzing past where his chin had been a split second before.

The company turned to Legolas, "Stop!" shouted Gandalf. Legolas froze in place, his second arrow already set to the string and drawn taught. His lips were curled back in a snarl.

"I am sorry Legolas," Gandalf's voice drifted to him. "We are on the doorstep of our enemy and now is not the time for lengthy explanations. Nicole is not here. She was a day ago, but she yet lives and has been taken somewhere safe."

Saruman scoffed, "There is no where she is safe."

"What is your meaning?" demanded Legolas. He released the tension on the arrow and drew himself to his full height. "Speak snake! I might show mercy."

The wizard scoffed again and turned to Gandalf. His voice became smooth again. "Let us speak now Mithrandir and leave these foolish children to play at royalty among their beggar kingdoms.

Legolas nearly hissed at being dismissed so easily. His hands clenched on the body of his bow. He still didn't have the answers he wanted.

"Peace Legolas." Said Aragorn calmly behind him. A hand settled on his shoulder. "He is cornered and wishes to cause unease and discord. That is all. Do not heed his words"

He nodded mutely, clenching his jaw. He wished the wizard didn't have such quick reflexes.

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She smiled against her arm. It was thrown across her eyes to keep out the bright sun. She flexed the muscles in her back. The warm sand shifted to form to her body. Normally, Nicole hated getting sand in 'all her cracks.' It was such a pain to get it out later when she was bathing, but strangely it didn't matter right now. She breathed deep, taking in the salty air and lifted her arm away from her face. Bright blue water lapped at the shore just a few yards from her. It was like crystal today. She could even see a few fish darting about under the surface. For no reason at all a laugh bubbled out of her.

A shadow fell over her face. She squinted up to see the figure above her cast into deep shadow from the bright light above. She said something and he replied kneeling next to her in the sand. Strangely, the sound of the shifting sand and crunching leaves was louder in her ears than his words. She glanced down at the space between them to see his long graceful fingers half fisted into the multicolored grains, a sun-baked leaf sticking half out of the sand between them. She took another breath. Sea-grape.

A cool touch to her hot skin turned her face up and she was met with eyes bluer than the ocean close… so close. Though the sun was behind him, she swore it shone from those windows to the soul. The sound of his voice washed over her. Almost in a trance she reached up to brush a few strands of inky hair back. It wasn't out of place… no his hair was always in perfect order. It was just that it both looked... and felt like silk under her fingers. She'd forgotten the resolve to look, but never touch long ago. A smile turned his mouth up and with a tug she was pulled forward. Just like that his smile was pressed against her own lips. She should have been shocked, surprised, or at least embarrassed. Instead, a warmth spilled over from her chest and washed through her body right down to the tips of her toes. Unabashed, her arm wound around his neck to pull him closer. The other crept up his side under his loose shirt and met with smooth skin. His muscles shifted under her fingers and a strong arm wrapped around her waist.

God! His mouth on hers was something she'd never could have imagined. She didn't know lips could feel like this. It was impossible to resist the urge to taste them further. She opened her mouth just enough to trace his bottom lip with the tip of her tongue. A groan rumbled from his throat into her mouth and she was abruptly pushed back against the hot sand. A gasp of surprise allowed him entrance. For a moment his tongue massaged her own in a way that made stars burst behind her closed eyes.

'Where did he learn that?' It took little time for her to find the rhythm and dance her tongue around his. Amazing. He tasted better than he smelled, which seemed impossible, but wasn't. He finally broke the kiss and buried his nose against the soft hair just behind her ear. Unable to lay still with him so close, she ran both hands under his shirt this time, reveling in the feel of his lean muscled chest under the tips of her fingers. He responded with a puff of air against her ear that made her shudder. He was speaking, words that she would never forget and she repeated them back in earnest. His lips molded against the tip of her ear. A gasp escaped her and her fingers curled, nails scraping lightly on his skin. A hand traced its way up the outside of her bare leg, higher and higher, under the skirt of her dress where it bunched up nearly to her hip, The hand stopped just beneath her bottom, the fingers curling under her and holding firm. She arched up and then shifted to wrap the leg around his waist in an attempt to pull him closer against her. All the while words were pouring from her mouth, his name mostly and whispers begging him to-.

"Legolas" Nicole gasped, sitting up abruptly. In confusion she couldn't remember where she was. She blinked and turned her head about as she sat blushing in the dark. Slowly the elleth placed a hand against her mouth. She swore she could still taste his lips. A shiver swept through her. That was… vivid. Stunned at her own mind's audacity she stared into space, unable to do much other than relive the dream. After many minutes she was finally able to pull her thoughts from him. Mirkwood… right. Legolas' home. She let out a breath. 'Maybe that's why I...' She brushed a hand against her thigh through her shift to stop the tingling which brought back the image of his hand trailing up. 'How it would feel if he-'

'It's hot in here.' Nicole threw the covers back and stood, moving over to the window to pace back and forth before it. "What is wrong with me? I am such a perv." she muttered. This was different. She had sex dreams before, in them she had been men and women and her partners were both genders as well. Her sense of identity was fleeting and changed as the dreams progressed. This was nothing like those ridiculous mind farts. This time she knew clearly… and what she wanted. Like grains through a fine sieve words came back to her. She spoke them aloud as he had whispered them in her dream.

"Blessed Ilúvatar, I take your love given freely and offer my heart and body." Nicole stared out over the trees, her wide eyes not really seeing the landscape. She wished she was still sleeping. The elleth glanced back at the bed. She knew if she laid down she would end up staring at the ceiling. Where were Arwen and Faerveren when she needed them? What did this mean? She understood elves married by speaking the name of God and… doing it. She chuckled ruefully, that was a vulgar description of what had happened in her dream. It seemed so pure, and much like a half finished memory. Nicole would love some clarification right now. She glanced up at the stars. She had to get out of this room. Maybe she could strong arm the guard outside.

She took a breath and moved to her closet to pull a robe on over her thin gown. After a brief contemplation she stepped into some slippers as well. It was better to keep her feet clean, just in case there were some small open areas left from the glass.

She softly opened the door and peeked out. A guard she hadn't seen before turned his head and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. He had dark hair that gleamed auburn in the lamplight of the hallway.

"Hi" Nicole said articulately.

He nodded turning his head more to curiously eye her. His eyes were an interesting shade of hazel. She couldn't quite discern their color.

"I'm Nicole"

"Yes, my lady I am aware of your name." he said smoothly.

"Oh?" Nicole opened the door more fully. "Are people talking about me?"

"It would be difficult to suppress talk in these halls Lady."

Nicole leaned against the doorframe. "What are they saying?"

"That you arrived here in a pitiable state carried by a mythical creature and that you are engaged to the prince."

"Oh… well that sounds accurate." mumbled Nicole standing straight. "So… I'm feeling a bit claustrophobic."

"Claust…" His eyebrows pushed together. "I don't understand. Are you hungry?"

"Sorry, what I meant was I'd like to get out of this room. The stars look really inviting tonight." She fixed her best puppy eye expression in place. "Could you please take me outside somewhere?"

He turned to face her fully. "I have orders that you rest and prepare for the journey."

"Great!" She took a step outside her room. "I have rested. Now I'm ready to refresh my mind by communing with the stars. It's just another step in preparing for travel."

"I don't know if-" he began, hesitantly looking up and down the hall.

"Great so we are agreed" Nicole began walking. "After I take a break and look at the pretty lights, then we can go choose a sword and dagger for me from the armory." She glanced over her shoulder at him. "I trust you will make sure I don't take anything that is already claimed."

"My lady" came his smooth voice.

Nicole held her breath. 'Damn, He was going to make her go back to her room, She thought a dose of confidence would persuade them to let her have her way like yesterday.' She clenched her jaw and turned back to face him.

"The gardens are this way." He pointed behind him.

"Oh…" She couldn't believe her luck. Maybe they had to do what she asked. "Lead on then." she said imperiously, "please" she tacked on the end, completely ruining the effect. 'Better to be polite.' She told herself.

He began moving the other direction and she skipped forward a few steps to walk beside him. She had a tendency to give people flat tires when she walked behind them. She smirked at the thought of tripping up the guard by stepping on his heel.

"Where is Legolas' favorite place to go?" She asked companionably. "You know… to think about things"

The guard glanced at her thoughtfully. "That would be the garden outside his rooms."

"Oh take me to that garden please" said Nicole eagerly.

At his amused look she toned down her voice a bit. 'Seriously, when had she become such a fan-girl.'

The cave system was surprisingly vast. It took over 15 minutes at a steady pace to reach the royal wing. She saw some vents here and there, but there were far more that were unseen. She felt breeze on her face as the air flowed through the halls like the very breath of the mountain was pulling in the freshness of the trees outside. She imagined it could get quite drafty in the winter. As they climbed higher her curiosity grew. The hallway suddenly opened up into a wide hall. A thin bridge of stone arched high over a deep ravine. Water whispered past at the bottom. Nicole followed behind the guard carefully. Once they crossed he gestured to a passage off to the left.

"That is the way to the gardens."

"Thanks" Nicole passed him and hurried forward. She heard his soft footfalls following more slowly behind her. The passage bent upward sharply and led to a small forest of trees.

"This is a garden?" Said Nicole in confusion.

"Yes." Came the voice of the guard behind her. "These are all flowering trees that bear fruit and nut" he pointed to one tree that rose high above all the others. "Except that one."

"Oh, what kind of tree is that?"

He gave her a strange look. "Beech" he said finally.

"Right" Nicole could tell by his tone that she'd just shown her ignorance about something commonplace. "That's the one he likes best." She said.

"How do you know that?" He said in surprise.

"Because it's the tallest" she said confidently, "and it looks fun to climb."

A laugh beside her made her smile.

"I do not doubt it. He was always up there. Liked to take naps to avoid lessons in the afternoon."

Nicole smiled and cut between the trees till she stood at the wide base of the beech. She didn't want to try climbing in a dress but there was a root that twisted around in an incredibly inviting way. She could walk right up it and sit with her back against the trunk… so she did. The smooth bark at her back was nearly polished. She could only assume it became that way from hundreds of years of elves leaning against it to stargaze. She tried to clear her mind, opening it to the life around her. The tree under her hummed. She could be certain he sang during his visits here. The tree remembered the music. Snatches of song filled her mind. She would teach it another.

"All my life is changing every day... in every possible way. And all my dreams. It's never quite as it seems, never quite as it seems."

As she sang she leaned back to see the sharp white of the stars in the sky above between the budding leaves of the tree. This is his home, where he spent most of his time.

"I know I've felt like this before, but now I'm feeling it even more, because it came from you."

She had felt this way before, if her former life could be compared in any way to what she had become here. The next words of the song were sung in a whisper. She knew they were true.

"Now I open up and see, the person falling here is me... a different way to be."

As the last words faded away, she thought she imagined the tree whispering it back to her.

She stood. As she stepped back down the root she caught sight of a hole in the ground between two splayed roots of the tree. In it she spied softly glowing lamp light. 'A skylight' she realized. Her curiosity peaked, she bent down for a closer look. There was no glass and it was easily wide enough for her to slip inside. For some reason she had the strangest urge to jump down there like a rabbit and go explore.

"What are you doing?"

Nicole jumped guiltily. "Just looking" She leaned back and tried to look innocently at her guard. "Where does this window go?"

"To the prince's chambers."

Nicole fought to keep her expression neutral. "You don't say." She responded casually. "I bet he climbed out this window a lot."

"It was rumored. Though no one ever caught him doing it. It is quite a distance from here to the ground of his bedroom-"

"Bedroom?" repeated Nicole a tad breathlessly. Oh now she really wanted to go in. She had this thing. She swore it was a mental problem. She loved to break rules, especially if it didn't hurt anyone and she knew she could get away with it. And she missed his smell. No stop! Bad Nicole! Stop acting like a stalker.' She sat there on her haunches, "So... there must be another exit then."

"Of course," said the guard.

A small smile curled her lips. It was time to do some exploring. She fought the urge to glance at the guard furtively. She had no clue how perceptive he was. Maybe he had already guessed what she was thinking. Taking a gamble she stood and turned to face him with a wide smile.

"I bet it would be really scandalous for me to jump down there huh?"

He laughed, "It certainly would. I imagine the king would not be amused."

"He wouldn't? Really, because I would find it hilarious if I were him."

"That sounds more like something the queen would be a party to"

"Good to know" Nicole said lightly. "Well, let's get going to the armory then. Is it far from here?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Lady you are making me very suspicious."

"Am I" Nicole forced a frown onto her face. "I hate making people uncomfortable. Sorry." Inside what she really wanted to do was laugh maniacally and rub her hands together while saying 'yes yeeessss' in a creepy hissing voice. She doubted that would go over well though.

"Follow me" he turned and began walking. Nicole followed obediently. It was a much shorter distance to the armory. It was also a much less complicated path. They made only a few turns before walking down a steep winding staircase. Unlike the hallways they travelled earlier, this one was deep inside the mountain and so felt less airy. The only light was from lamps that lined the walls. At the bottom was a tall sturdy looking door of plain wood and metal.

"There aren't any guards?"

"There is nowhere to go here except up." He fixed her with a look. "No one would dare steal from the King. He is very harsh with punishments."

"You don't say? So he might, for instance, lock up a band of dwarves in the dungeons for crashing one of his parties."

"Oh you heard about that" His face scrunched up in a look of distaste. "Really, one does not need much of a reason to lock up dwarves. They were trespassing."

Nicole rolled her eyes and shrugged. "Okay, I know a few really decent dwarves that don't deserve that, but whatever." She brought her hands together in a clap and then rubbed her palms together. "Let's go look at the shiny pointy things."

The elf cocked his head to the side. "You are very strange."

"Yeah I hear that a lot." She gestured to the door. "Shall we?"

He reached for a key ring at his belt and unlocked a thick padlock. Nicole grabbed the handle and pulled the door slowly open using her body weight.

He shook his head with a smile. "I could have gotten that for you my lady."

"I'll let you in on a secret," whispered Nicole holding a hand close to her mouth, "I'm not really much of a lady. I prefer pants to skirts. I like to belch and sit with poor posture."

He shook his head. "I think you will find many friends here my lady." He took a lamp that hung beside the door and walked inside the room. Nicole followed behind, her eyes wide, trying to see into the dark. She took a few steps inside and waited for the elf to light more lamps. Once a few more glowed into the dark He handed one to Nicole and walked past her into the gloom. Nicole followed closely, holding her lamp high. Gleaming swords, knifes, spears, bows, and arrows lined the walls on racks. Shelves ran in a ring around the outside of the circular room. The center of the space was smooth, flat, and empty. Her companion pointed to the space. "That is where we test the weapons to make sure they are the appropriate weight and balance for each elf."

Nicole nodded absently. She was speechless. This was quite possibly the coolest room she'd seen in a long time. The ceiling rose high above into darkness, At the very top, approximately 3 stories up, a few windows allowed pale silver moonlight to shine dimly in where it reflected off the dome shaped ceiling. The dark surface had been polished to a high sheen and she could see crescent moon reflected on it's surface along with a few stars whose light also streamed through the window. How had they managed that, she wondered. Elves were sticklers for pretty things. She highly approved.

"Come here Lady Nicole."

Nicole jumped. She'd been so taken with the sight above, she forgot where she was for a moment. She scampered closer.

"What've you found?"

He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "These are the weapons that currently have no master, and are light enough for an elleth of your build to manage easily."

Nicole ran her eye over the weapons on the wall. They were all beautiful. She felt like she was in a candy shop. She loved pretty things that had an actual purpose. Not to say she didn't like jewelry, but all it did was decorate. There was little function involved.

She reached out and lifted up a knife that was about as long as her elbow with a slight curve to it that Nicole liked. The sheath was plain dark leather. When she pulled it from the sheath it gleamed white in the lantern light. Next she picked out a smaller knife in a similar style that could be tucked into a boot.

She looked at all the swords with a critical eye. She even picked up several and tested how they felt in her hands, but could find none that she liked as well as the sword that Glorfindel had given her. She sighed.

"None are to your liking my lady."

Nicole glanced at him before looking over the weapons again. "No… It's not that. They are all adequate it's just… I wish I had my sword. I lost it when I was captured." Slowly she turned from that part of the wall and ambled forward with the lamp held high, examining all the weapons closely.

When she reached the other end of the room she stopped and stared. There, slightly apart from the rest of the weapons, resting in the outstretched hands of an elf statue, was possibly the most beautiful sheath she had ever seen. She moved forward and stared up at the face of the elf. His features were benevolent and beautiful. A crown wrought in silver made to look like antlers was perched on his head. She reached out and picked up the gleaming silver sword, just to test its weight in her hands. It was far too heavy and broad for her to handle even with two hands, but she just had to see it up close. Carefully she pulled it partway out of the sheath, and was not surprised to see elegant scrolling in unfamiliar characters adorning its surface. She looked furtively over her shoulder for her guard, but he was behind the shelf looking over the swords she had dismissed with a thoughtful expression on his youthful face. She placed it back just as she'd seen it. She had just turned away when she noticed another sword next to it, also on its own stand. It wasn't nearly as fancy. The sheath was dark molded leather, like the knives she'd chosen, with small silver adornments at either end. The length and thickness reminded Nicole of her lost sword, though the blade was straight, and when Nicole pulled it from the sheath, she saw it was double edged. The cross guard was a twisted silver, made to look like vines or branches woven together.

Carefully she moved out into the open area in the middle of the room and swung the sword a few times. The balance was wonderful. She moved into a simple form that wouldn't be hampered too much by her long skirt and found she liked the sword even more after she'd had the chance to test it.

"I see you have found a sword that you like," said her companion.

Nicole turned to him with a grin. "Yeah, it's great!"

He moved forward and held out his hand. Carefully, Nicole passed him the sword handle first. The moon was setting now and the only light in the room was from the lamplight. He held the weapon up to his face for a moment, examining the sword closely. Suddenly, he stood straight and turned to Nicole, who leaned back, startled by his movement.

"Where did you find this?" he asked, eyes glittering in the lamp light. Nicole looked uncertainly over her shoulder to where she had set her lamp, next to the statue.

"Why do you ask?" She shuffled her feet.

"Because this is Queen Areth's sword, back when she served as King Thranduil's captain."

"Oh" Nicole's heart sunk. She stared at the sword mournfully. She really liked that one.

He laughed suddenly. Nicole glared at him. 'What the hell! It's not funny! I wanted that one.'

"You look like someone stole your favorite toy."

"More like I almost stole the queen's favorite toy." Nicole mumbled irritably.

He shook his head. "Maybe you should ask if you can borrow it."

Nicole stood straight. "Really! You think she'd let me?"

"She hasn't used it in many years. She may like that it is put to good use again." He fixed her with a serious look. "Just don't lose it or scratch it up too much or she will be seriously displeased."

"Right" Nicole held out her hands and wiggled her fingers eagerly. "I'll carry it now."

He chuckled and passed the sword back to her. She resheathed the sword and followed him to the door.

"Oh Here Lady Nicole. I found this for you." He handed her a belt. The knife was already strung onto the thick band.

"Wow! Thanks!" Nicole grinned. "You all have been so generous to me. I don't think I can repay you."

"These all are happily given. If you make the prince happy we won't ask you to return any of it." He winked.

Nicole blushed. "Yeah. I'll try my best." She murmured. 'What is wrong with me? All someone has to do is mention him and I act like I'm 13 again.'

Nicole busied herself with stringing the sword's sheath onto her belt and then the belt around her waist. Once it was buckled in place over her dressing gown she smiled. "I can't wait to wear pants again."

"Pants milady?" questioned the guard.

"Yeah pants" Nicole laughed. "You know those things you are wearing that cover your legs."

He shifted. "But you are a lady. You would not be more comfortable in a dress?"

Nicole eyed him as if he'd grown another head. "How is tearing across a continent filled with orcs and god knows what else in a dress in any way practical?" She crossed her arms. "And I told you already. I'm not really much of a lady."

He leaned back and held up his hands, "Forgive me. I did not realize your preference. We will have to find some clothes to fit you before you leave in a few hours."

Nicole sighed "Alright well-" She stopped when she saw what she needed to complete her master plan just over his shoulder on the wall.

"-I'll forgive you if you give me a few coils of rope for the journey." She pointed behind him.

He looked. "Fair enough" he turned back with a smile.

Nicole strode forward and picked up two slender coils of rope from where they hung. "Let's go?"

He gestured to the open door with a grandiose arm motion. "After you my lady"

"Thanks" chirped Nicole. 'What a great morning. I get a bunch of cool weapons… aaaand next'

She slowed so she was walking beside her companion. She fingered the end of a rope coil and glanced at the elf. "I'm ashamed to admit I don't know much about tying knots. What's a good knot that's fast and easy, say…" she tapped her chin, "if I have to climb down from a high place really fast?"

He smiled at her easily. "Oh that's nothing to be ashamed of. Here let me show you." They slowed their walk. He took the rope and deftly made something that functioned like a fancy slip knot.

"Hmmm," She smiled shyly up at him. "Can you show me one more time? That was really fast."

"Sure" he said easily. He gave her a satisfied smirk that showed her she was stroking his ego. Nicole fought the urge to roll her eyes. He tied the knot more slowly this time. Then he handed her the rope.

Nicole tried a few times before she got it. "Ha!" she exclaimed. "I have bested you rope. Now you must do my bidding."

He laughed and shook his head. "I think I understand now."

"That's good" Nicole smiled as she re- coiled the rope around her arm, leaving the loop with the slip knot around her wrist. "What do you understand?"

"Why the prince chose you."

Nicole let out a little nervous laugh. "Thanks. He thinks I'm funny too."

The hallway opened up on one side and Nicole noted that they were passing the royal garden again. She kept her eyes forward until they reached the bridge, slowing her pace just slightly so she walked behind her guard. He didn't seem to notice. When he crossed the narrow bridge Nicole held back on the other side. Once he'd crossed, she called out.

"I think I dropped something. I'm gonna go back really quick and get it."

He turned back with a frown. "I'll come with you. You are not supposed to be wandering about by yourself."

"I'll be fine." She made a show of turning and squinting back down the hall. "I think I see it there just before the bend" She jogged back down the tunnel towards the garden.

Her former companion stood impatiently with his arms crossed for a few moments before calling, "Hurry up or I will have to come after you."

There was no answer except the constant whispering of air and water in the ravine below. He swore. Then he sprinted across the bridge after the awol elleth.

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Nicole fought the urge to giggle wildly as she ran towards the tree from earlier. She had no clue what had gotten into her. Normally she wasn't this daring, but after that dream… and now she had the opportunity to see where he slept. Well, it was just too good an opportunity to pass up.

Once she reached the entrance she looked about quickly for a place to tie off her rope. She only had a few minutes tops before her guard caught up with her, if he could guess where she went. She smirked. It had been obscenely easy to get the tools and information out of him that she needed for this. She understood why the dwarves were able to escape now. There! The perfect spot. A large root jutted out of the ground only a few yards from Legolas' skylight. She took the loop from around her wrist wrapped it around the root and pulled the rest of the coil through it. She tugged it tight and then dangled her legs over the edge of the opening between the roots in the ground. 'Here goes nothin' she grinned and turned to begin climbing down the rope.

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Uh Oh! Looks like Nicole is getting into some good ole fashioned mischief. Wonder what she'll do in there. Maybe she'll get caught sniffing his underwear. Lol! Just kidding… or will she. o_O