Interesting fact. The other night I was trying to map out how long this story is going to be. If my calculations are close, then we are only about halfway there. And we're still only in the first book. Phew, I got a lot of typing to do.

Izzy: Not to mention all the editing you have to do.

Readers: Yeah, go fix your typo's!

MN9: You had to remind them, didn't you Izzy?
Izzy: (smile) Your welcome.

MN9: Before we have a repeat of last week, let's begin.

Disclaimer: I have a secret. No come closer…I DON'T OWN ANY PART OF LORD OF THE RINGS! You get that?

Lawyers: (nod in fear)

MN9: Good.

Chapter 24 Recap:

"Let's go home."

She smiled. "It feels nice say that."

They smiled back.

"Even if it's only temporary," she said somewhat sadly to herself.

She brushed it off. She was determined to be excited and happy. It was time for a reunion of friends.

Chapter 25:

"Abigail, are you limping?" Arphenon asked, when they were halfway to the house.

"Ha, I almost forgot about that. Took an arrow in the leg back at the mines," she said sheepishly.

"And Aragorn allowed you to walk all day on it! Oh, when I see him I'm-"

"Easy, Haldir. He didn't know, and we had to leave Moria as soon as possible," she explained.

"Well, at least lean on me and take some weight off it," he pleaded.

"Fine," she sighed, and slung one arm around his shoulder. "While we are on the subject of threats, who the hell let Carnil on the guard?"

"Watch your language dear," Arphenon reminded.

She rolled her eyes, "Haldir?"

"He's one heck of a swordsman, I couldn't ignore that. The number of members is dwindeling, with so many leaving the forest. If someone is willing, I'm not going to say no. Plus, his father is the 4th marshal, so he had a bit of a say in it too," he added.

"It must be really bad if they let him join," she mumbled. "What about Hanwu?"

Arphenon laughed. "Even their father had to admit Hanwu is an idiot and not to be let near anything sharp."

She smiled. "At least one things didn't change when I was gone."

"I'd watch your back if I were you, though," warned Arphenon.

"What, for Carnil and Hanwu?"

"Maybe," he admitted. "They were always objective of you being you. But I was referring to Rodwen?"

She raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong with Rodwen?"

"Well, since you failed to inform us of your entire plan, she was furious with the fact that you missed the birth of her son."

Abby palled. "Oh no…you're…you're serious she already had the-did you say son?"

"That was a lovely sentence," said Haldir sarcastically. "And yes, Rodwen had a boy."

"That's so wonderful. Finwe must be ecstatic!"

"Indeed, but it was Authion who could not stop bragging about his new nephew."

"No doubt," she chuckled.

They reached the front of the house.

"Now out of my way," she squirmed out of Haldir grip and barged into the house.

"Now where is the little guy?" she called out.

She walked into the main room where everyone was just staring at her, jaws dropped (everyone meaning Rodwen, Finwe, Authion and Merilien).

Abigail spotted the baby right away.

"My, isn't he adorable!" she squealed.

"Why thank you Abby, I knew you would come around one of these days," Authion smiled.

"Idiot. It's a good thing I'm back to deflate your ego," she grinned back.

He stood up and moved to give her a hug, but Rodwen shoved him down.

"Ladies first, brother, you can wait your turn," she said.

She focused back on Abigail and gave her a tight hug.

"Rodwen, I'm so, so sorry, I missed the birth, I didn't plan on-"

"Don't worry, Hadlir pretty much answered everything. Your trying to save the world, can't hate you for that can I?"

"No, but you might hate me if I ruin you dress. You might want to take a step back?"

"Huh?" Rodwen was confused.

Abigail motioned to her leg.

"Blood and lace don't mix," she said casually.

Merilien jumped out of her chair.

"By the Valar, child, why are you still standing. In the washroom, now! Shoo, shoo!" She waved her arms

"Nice to see you too, Merilien," Abigail said.

Merilien just continued to push her out of the room, and Rodwen followed.

"Hello Finwe! Congratulation on your son!" Abigail called over her shoulder.

"Thank you, welcome back!" he replied.

The four men just chuckled.

"She seems the same," Arphenon said.

"No she's different, even though it's only been about a month," said Authion.

The others just shrugged.

The more accurate truth was that she had changed in Authion's eyes. Seeing her again gave a strange sensation in the pit of his stomach, but the last thing he wanted to do was admit Rodwen was right.

"Your stamina will never cease to amaze me, dear," sighed Merilien as she bandaged Abigail's leg.

"Really. Most female elves you age would faint at the sight of blood," agreed Rodwen. "Then again, we already know your crazy for jumping into that Fellowship (Abigail had explained their journey a bit, but left out some detail's, like the Nazgûl).

"It was an impulse, but I don't regret I," Abigail admitted. "It will always be strange, being the only woman, but at the same time the experience has felt right. What I'm doing feels necessary if there is to be a change for good in Middle Earth."

"Well, more power to you, child," said Merilien. "But we're going to be worried sick, you realize. Mordor…I just can't believe," she turned her head away.

"Please don't cry mother, because then you'll get me started," Rodwen said, her voice already cracking.

"Listen, it's going to be fine. I couldn't ask for more protecting companions, and I can take care of myself. I won't lose to a creep like Sauron," she said, not knowing if that really provided any comfort.

"I'll give you bonus point on your companions. Are you really traveling with Prince Legolas?" Rodwen asked.

"Yes, but may I remind you that you are married and more than likely Legolas is betrothed or something."

"Do I detect jealousy?" Rodwen grinned, perking up at the thought of matchmaking.

"No, Legolas is not quite my type, " Abby objected quickly.

"I suppose, but weren't there two mortal men as well?"

"Boromir is strictly friendly," assured Abigail. "And Aragorn…"

She paused. She didn't know how she felt about Aragorn. He was so different from her, and he already had Arwen. But then there were the rare times they talked together, or when her accidentally touched her, or when he smiled.

She ordered herself to stop.

"He's promised," she decided to stay. "He's already in love, and we don't even know each other that well. I probably know him the least out of the group, actually. And I don't think he likes me that much."

Rodwen had other suspicions, but she just nodded her head.

"I could always try the dwarf," she teased.

"Oh, bad image, there," Abigail winced. "That would be like me and Authion."

She was expecting Rodwen to laugh, but instead the elf looked towards the ceiling.

"No. You're joking, right?" Abigail asked.

"It's not like he's said it out loud, but sometimes I wonder…" she trailed off.

Abby shook her head. "You're mistaken. We always be great friends, but that's it."

"I know it doesn't matter, but I certainly wouldn't object. It would make you officially part of the family," said Merilien. "Anyway, you better go get changed, dear. Supper will be soon."

When Abigail returned, she was dressed in a flowing gray skirt, a white women's tunic and a silver thread belt.

She was excited to see huge, delicious pile of food. Merilien must have been a lot of time into this meal. The conversation was very light-hearted and enjoyable. Abigail found herself forgetting about all the troubles of the fellowship more than once.

When dishes were being washed, she excused herself for a breath of fresh air.

After few minutes outside, Authion joined her.

"I see your still avoiding dresses," he commented.

"I've gotten use to skirts," she said simply.

"You look good, no matter though,"

"You're a sight for sore eyes, too," she smiled.

She was surprised at her own tone. Had she always been this…flirty around him?

"Since Rodwen stopped me before, can I give you a proper welcome now?"

"Of course."

She gave him a friendly embrace, but in the end it seemed he pulled away more reluctantly than her.

They stood in silence, but not awkward silence. They were just enjoying the night sky.

"It's been a few days since I've seen the stars," she said suddenly.

Authion, kind of absentmindedly, started to play with her hair.

This was a new gesture for her, and now she felt awkward. She stepped away.

"Umm, I should go check on the fellowship. Make sure there not lost or anything. Can you tell Haldir for me, I shouldn't be too long, thanks!"

She was rambling, and it was obvious. Slightly embarrassed, she turned and walked away quickly.

"Damn," he whispered.

He should of known that would have been to forward. Abigail's very shy.

Abby's heart was pounding a bit more loudly. Was there some truth to what Rodwen had suggested?

She calmed down soon, thought, and walked more slowly. She noticed the elves were singing tonight, but it was a melancholy song.

"A lament for Gandalf," she thought.

She tried hard to hear the words, and sang with them a little as she caught on.

Farewell sweet earth and northern sky

For ever blest, since here did lie

And here with lissome limbs did run

Beneath the Moon, beneath the Sun

(A/n-I thought I had the actual Gandalf's Lament, but now I can't find it. This song is from the Silmarillion, and it's the song of parting of Beren and Lúthien. I thought it was fitting enough.)

Abigail only sang when she was alone. True, Rodwen had heard her sing, being her voice instructor and all. And she could be caught singing softly around Haldir now and then. But compared to the elves, Abigail never felt confident to sing to others. She was content with only having herself as an audience, though.

She shivered a little, and decided she should hurry her search so she could get back home.

"I always forget my cloak on the coldest nights," she muttered.

"Oy! Is that you Abby?"

"It'd be darn nice to see a familiar face around here, I'll tell you that."

"Gee, I wonder who that could be?" she asked out loud.

Right after that she was tackled from behind.

"It's your favorite hobbits, my lady."

"Oh, so it's Bilbo and Gaffer?"

"Now that hurts a touch, wouldn't you say so, Mer?"

"Indeed, Pip. Maybe we should leave her by her lonesome."

"Not so fast."

She grabbed Merry and Pippin by their collars. "I need you to show me where the camp is. At night, the trees look all the same."

"The tree's look the same during the day too," said Pippin.

"That's only because you haven't lived here. Now are you taking me or not?"

"Hmm…not!" they said together, and ran off.

"Drat!" she cursed, and sprinted after them.

"Pippin, Merry, please don't make me run in my dress slippers. It's rather uncomfortable!"

She caught up to Pippin first.

"Ah-ah!" she said proudly, as she grabbed him.

"Merry! I've been captured!" Pippin yelled.

"I'll save you!" Merry replied, as he pulled Abby to the ground.

"For the shire!"

The three of them started to laugh.

"Oh, sure. Right good time to be playing games," said Sam, appearing in front of them.

"Come on Sam, there's fun to go around," said Merry cheerfully.

"Did you ever think that some elves might want to sleep at this hour?" Sam said.

"I think you'd be surprised at how late elves actually stay up," said Abigail. "But I think we should apologize if the rest of the company is nearby."

"I don't think many of us are going to get sleep tonight anyways," came a softer voice. It was Frodo. Even with only the moonlight, she could see his pain.

"I suppose there is a lot to think about that would keep one awake," she said, standing up. She approached him, and crouched down.

"Will you be alright, Frodo," she asked seriously.

He said nothing for a moment, but nodded his head slowly.

"I guess I will. The song…it reminds me of him, and it makes me sad. That's the point of it, though."

"No, I understand what you mean," she said. "It is suppose to be a peaceful gesture to the dead, but to the living it can be almost painful to listen too."

He nodded again. The other hobbits were listening respectively off to the side.

"Have you heard it before?' Frodo asked.

"Not like this. Gandalf was a great man, who had good will with the entire wood. Many will mourn him tonight." She stood back up. "There is also some protection that comes with the music. It's meant to help those in pain have a dreamless sleep. It's a small comfort."

"Yes it is," he said.

"Come on, Mr. Frodo, let's get back to camp, before Strider gets all worried," said Sam.

"I'll come with, just to check on the others," Abigail followed.

"Mother hen," whispered Pippin.

"I hear that! And I am not."

Aragorn's POV (sort of)

Aragorn leaned against the boulder, eyes turned up at the sky but he wasn't really looking at anyway. He felt Lord Celeborn was right. Hope was lost without Gandalf, at least that's how it seemed right now. Maybe no one noticed, but he relied heavily on the old wizard. He would give anything for a no-sense, riddle right now.

Noise to his right caused his gaze to move. Abigail was coming, with the four hobbits in tow.

He mentally cursed himself for not even noticing they were gone. He was lucky they were in Lorien and not the wilderness. He then cursed himself again, because the only thing he had noticed was that Abigail was gone, even when he knew where she was. She looked a true member of Lorien, clad in silver and white attire.

The hobbits gathered around their beds, while she went to sit next to him.

"Can I sit down?" she asked.

He nodded.

She slid down gently, her shoulder just barely touching his.

"Where are the others?"

"They left a while ago to have their wounds checked."

"What about you? Does your back hurt?" she asked.

He looked at her, her dark blue eyes filled with concerned.

"You noticed?" his voice was dry.

"Of course I did. It's women's job to notice the details."

She sighed, quietly. Everything was quieter tonight.

"Well, I know you won't let me touch it, so will you please see a healer tomorrow. You need to take care of yourself. If not with you own will, then for our sakes."

"I know. Time just moves slower at night, when sounds are silenced. I sometimes stop noticing."

"Remind me to never let you have night watch again," she smiled. He even managed to smile a little too.

She suddenly got up, and quickly returned with a glass if water.

"You sounded parched," she said, handing him the glass.

He was taken aback, but took it anyway.

"Oh, sorry," she said, realizing how she was treating him. "I guess Pip was right, I am in feeling a bit too motherly. But I just saw my best friend's new child. She got me in the mood," she explained.

Oddly enough, he didn't mind being a bit vulnerable with her. He had never allowed it before. He was supposed to show strength and he didn't take his responsibilities lightly. But he knew she would never think less of him for it, so for now he let it go.

"It's fine," he said, his voice much stronger. "How old is the child?"

She smiled. "He's only a couple weeks and the most innocent thing I've ever seen."

"There only a few precious things left in the world that are."

He fingered his necklace gently.

It made Abigail sad to see him touch it so tenderly.

"You do miss her. Don't deny it."

"As I've said before, it's difficult, for more than one reason."

Well, if she means enough to you, then have faith. It's what fight's the darkness and doubt."

"That and hope," he added.

"And maybe love," she said, staring and the sky again.

He looked at her dark auburn hair, softly brushing past her pale skin. He resisted the small urge to pull it back, just for the excuse to touch her.

'No. Remember what she just reminded you of. Your love for Arwen,' he thought.

He was about to stand up, when she beat him to it.

"I should go back, before Haldir has a fit. I was only been back for a few hours when I left again," she said.

He stood up next, and walked with her to the edge of the camp, even if that was only about 20 feet.

"I'll find you all again tomorrow. But I promised Rodwen and Authion I'd ride with them in the morning."

"Those are the two good friends you speak of?"

"Yes. I also said I'd give the hobbits a grand tour. Your welcome to come, but I'm sure you know you way pretty well already."

"True, but it's been a while. Who knows, maybe everyone can come."

"Sounds excellent," she said, completely honest. "Well, goodnight."

She wondered for a moment if she should hug him or something, and then decided better of it.

"Tell the others I stopped by," she said, walking backwards.

"Abigail, tree," he said.

She stopped right before ramming into a big oak.

She chuckled. "Er..right then. Thanks. Goodnight!"

She turned around and walked facing forward this time.

He smiled and shook his head.

What's up with Authion? Does Abigail feel the same way? Is Aragorn having doubts?

So many question, so many possible answers.

Thanks to Reviewers:

Animeotakufreak: Short and sweet review. Thank you!

ArwenEvenstar83: I agree;fighting for my life would be too much pressure. I've been dying to learn fence for like forever, though, or something like that. Maybe someday.

LadyEruaphadriel-orderofthe...: I do think in other cases Boromir would be a good guy for her. But I've planned on having him die just like the book, which would kind of ruin any romance plans. Also, since Aragorn has prolonged life, I imagine that if he were completely mortal he would be equal to 30 something, similar to Boromir. So the age difference doesn't really matter.

KillerRubberDuckiesR-J: Interesting, two reviewers for one name. Anyway, her powers will become important again. She just has to lie low for now because of the Nazgul. And yes, Aragorn will be the love interest. But honestly, it's hard to have a relationship when you're in a fellowship. Tell Jason I'm very happy my story rox his sox!

Narnian Sprite: Nothing more needs to be said. Thanks!

LOTR Lover 247: Don't worry, I didn't forget that she was suppose to be hurt. But I also figure that under the circumstances she really was able to ignore that pain.

Chaos Queen2.0: I have friends in California who feel the exact same about snow. They freak out when it's 70 degrees and I'm like, heat wave! I dunno how I feel about caves. It would be kind of cool, but I also enjoy sunlight.