Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Tolkien's estate and do not make any money from writing this story.

Chapter 25-All Good Things

I could feel our time in Lothlórien drawing to a close and I loathed seeing it go. My days had achieved a quasi-routine and I was not looking forward to returning to constantly being in a life-threatening situation. I was eating lunch one day with Almira and Trevadir, who often had lunch with us, when a most curious thing happened. Legolas and Gimli appeared together, both smiling, and sat to eat. Whispers spread like wildfire through the dining area. An elf was dining with a dwarf and seemingly enjoying it!

I hid a smile and resumed eating. "Well, your devotee has definitely had a change of heart," Trevadir remarked wryly, surprise clearly written on his face.

"Indeed," I replied noncommittally.

"And it is about time," Almira furthered. "This will make the Quest more pleasant, if that is at all possible."

"A tiny part of me wishes I could stay here forever," I admitted quietly, the thought of leaving casting a dark cloud over our meal.

"Me too," Almira agreed reluctantly.

"God, I feel guilty just saying it," I said disgusted running a hand over my hair agitatedly. "Never mind if I actually thought to do it."

Trevadir gave my arm a sympathetic squeeze. I forced myself not to think about leaving and managed to finish the meal in a relatively good mood. We parted ways shortly after and Almira and I headed for the training fields.

"En garde," she said with a quirky smile while unsheathing her sword. We began to spar and after about ten minutes I managed to disarm her. "Touché," she stated casting a rueful glance at her sword lying a few feet away. I looked about for the first time since we had started practicing.

"It seems we have drawn an audience," I stated quietly, espying Legolas walking towards us out of the crowd that had previously been other sparring elves.

Almira blushed. "Fantastic."

"Whether or not you believe it, you are quite decent for having roughly a couple weeks practice," I said, slightly uncomfortable with the idea I did not know exactly how much time had passed. It flowed away like water in the Wood, making it almost impossible to keep track of.

"How is your arm?" Legolas asked once he had reached us.

I rotated it experimentally, only wincing slightly. "Still a little stiff."

He nodded approvingly. "That is to be expected. It has only been a few days since you injured it." He turned to Almira, who had retrieved her sword. "What say you practice your archery with me?"

She looked so stunned I had to chuckle. "His bark his worse than his bite, I promise."

Legolas quirked a brow at my odd phrasing before he said, "Come," and led Almira toward the targets.

I watched them go before I sensed a presence. I turned and found Aragorn behind me. I gave a silent cheer at the fact that my spidey senses seemed to be improving. I raised one eyebrow in silent inquiry.

He grinned and unsheathed his sword. I sighed. I was about to get my ass kicked. Fifteen minutes later found me on the ground with Aragorn's sword at my throat. I rolled my eyes. "You proved your point," I stated. "I am still towards the bottom of the totem pole."

"I assume that means you acknowledge my superiority?" he asked with a cheeky grin as he extended a hand and pulled me to my feet.

I punched him in the arm and he pinched my side in response. I let out a yelp. "You are so dead," I stated and he laughed before taking off at a run. I chased after him towards the archery fields. I slowed as we reached them, conceding the fight as he had outdistanced me and came to stand beside Legolas and Almira.

"Should I be worried?" Legolas asked an amused gleam in his eyes as I glared at a gloating Aragorn. Apparently not having to stress about being a fearless leader made him feisty.

I scoffed. "As studly as our favorite Ranger is, you have got him beat six ways to Sunday in my book." He just stared at me patiently until I translated. "No." He grinned and kissed me on the cheek. Both Aragorn and Almira rolled their eyes. Legolas and I exchanged an amused glance before I moved to one of the nearby targets and began to practice. After only two rounds I began to wince every time I drew back an arrow. Legolas apparently noticed as he commented on it. "I guess that's enough for today," I said disappointed. This was the first day I had been deemed well enough to practice after being injured and I was sorry to have to cut it short. As much as I liked being in a safe environment I was rather paranoid about practicing. I knew I was only so good and some of our biggest battles were ahead of us. Needless to say I wanted to be as prepared as possible. I was turning into a regular boy scout.

"Do not worry, this shall not have an adverse effect on your abilities," Legolas assured me.

"How is it you seem to know exactly what I am thinking?" I queried amused.

"Because you rarely guard your expressions," he replied offhandedly.

"Oh," I said somewhat deflated.

"That is not a criticism, my love," he reassured me. "You are safe here, why would you need to hide your emotions?"

"A fair point, but I should remember to be more careful once we leave," I frowned as my thoughts once again turned to the next part of our journey.

He took my hand as we began walking out of the training fields. "We should also use your elven name from then on."

I grimaced. "That will take some serious getting used to."

"For all of us," he said squeezing my hand.

We reached his family's guest flet and found an elf waiting for us at the base of the tree. He bowed to Legolas, "My Lord," he said, "I have an invitation for you and your lady as well," I felt my eyebrows wing upwards as he extended the bow in my direction. Legolas shot me a surprised look as he took the invitations, but I was still reeling from being called Legolas' lady in a formal way.

"Kate?"

I snapped out of my daze when Legolas spoke my name and realized the messenger was walking away. "Yeah?" I gave an overly bright smile but Legolas seemed to know better. However, like usual, he did not push and began leading me up the stairs.

"What do you think these invitations are for?" I asked.

"Judging by experience, I would say a feast to celebrate our imminent departure." Once we reached the top he dropped my hand and opened one. "And I would be right." He grinned and handed me mine as I groaned.

"Do you think I could get away with pretending I never got this?" I asked only half joking.

"No," he stated succinctly.

"Ugh, I hate these things." I flopped into a chair. "They are depressing."

"How you manage to find that comfortable…" He shook his head as he took in my haphazard position in the chair. He went and retrieved the books we had been reading this week and handed one to me. We spent the rest of the afternoon in contented silence, each involved in our reading. After the sky had darkened and the shadows lengthened in the room, Legolas shut his book and asked, "Are you hungry?"

"Yes." He nodded and rose and after a moment I followed him into the kitchen. We prepared supper silently, a slight tension between us. It had not dissipated entirely since our argument and I was afraid it would not disappear until I had decided whether or not to stay. I had finished my task of washing the vegetables and passed them to Legolas who began slicing them. I paused for a moment staring at his back before approaching slowly and tentatively wrapping my arms around him from behind and laying my head between his shoulder blades.

He stopped moving and placed his hands on the counter. Turning his head slightly towards me he said softly, "You sensed it as well?"

I nodded. "What do you make of it?" I asked, fearing his answer. Had we rushed into our reconciliation? Was he having doubts?

He considered carefully, then answered quietly, "I think we are entering a very difficult phase of our relationship, perhaps the most complicated one we will ever encounter, and that if we can survive this then the rest should be easy."

I smiled and he continued more seriously. "However I believe we must both be vigilant and committed to being open with one another. It will take great patience on my part and great confidence on yours. You will have to be brave enough to make whatever decision will make you happiest, even if it means my unhappiness."

I squeezed him and placed my forehead against the middle of his back. "Why did they have to make this so hard? It is sadistic to expect me to make such a choice."

"I cannot say I envy your position," he stated wryly.

I pinched him. "Hey," he cried and turned in my arms. He tilted my chin up and looked me in the eyes, back to being serious. "I love you, and will always love you no matter your decision."

"What did I ever do to deserve you?" I wondered aloud.

He smiled impishly. "I have no idea."

I rolled my eyes. "Jerk." I went to move away but he pulled me back to him and kissed me soundly.

"Well," I stated dryly several moments later, "At least we do not have to worry about that aspect of our relationship."

He grinned and propelled me in the direction of the table. "Sit and I will finish."

I thanked him and within ten minutes we were eating a simple meal of fruits, vegetables, cold game, and wine. We conversed quietly as we ate and continued the conversation as we cleaned up and finally ended up on one of the sofas with me leaning against him. Eventually I started to drift off.

"Kate," Legolas murmured.

"Hmmm…?"

"You should return to Malthenwen's."

"I don't wanna move," I mumbled sleepily.

"Well, as much as I would like for you to stay I really do not want to end up on the tip of Glorfindel's blade."

"Well when you put it that way…" Grumbling, I rose, stretched and grabbed my weapons.

"Ready?" Legolas asked.

I nodded and he escorted me back to Malthenwen's flet. I bid Legolas goodnight once there and entered to find the main room deserted. Rather relieved, I crossed to my room and went to bed.

I rose early the day of the banquet. I was not excited about the upcoming festivities. I readied quickly and proceeded with Almira to the pavilion where the Fellowship was residing. I arrived and plopped down next to Legolas who handed me a plate of food which was a pleasant surprise. "Thank you," I stated. "I was expecting to have to fight for it." I kissed his cheek before tucking into my food. I saw Boromir pass Almira a plate with the barest shadow of a smile. She looked at him concerned but he did not seem to notice. I watched with a somber expression. Almira had said that Boromir's happiness was muted lately. We could both guess at the reason, which was round and gold. But what could we say?

Gimli muttered something in Dwarfish and I realized he probably noticed the interaction as well. He and Legolas exchanged a worried glance before turning their attention to their food once more. I knew others would notice, but I was not prepared for it.

"Strider, we are leaving soon are we not?" Merry asked suddenly.

"Indeed," he answered gravely. "One day hence."

"Oh bother," muttered Pippin whilst taking a third helping of breakfast.

"It's sad I am to have to leave this place," Sam stated. "Why it feels like we only just arrived!"

"If only," I whispered morosely. Legolas rubbed my back comfortingly but all I had for him was a sad smile.

Breakfast was a rather reserved affair as everyone seemed to be contemplating the road ahead, yet no one seemed ready to broach the subject of how exactly we wanted to proceed. When the meal ended, Gimli and Legolas went on one of their now customary walks and Almira, the Hobbits and I progressed to the training fields. They had not spent as much time on their training as Almira and I had while we sojourned here, instead preferring to lighten their spirits through rest and fellowship. So it was no surprise they joined us as we were close to leaving since it would be wise to freshen up. We practiced together until lunch and then returned to the Pavilion. Lunch was jollier than breakfast and I was relieved. It was hard to be somber around the Hobbits and if they were upset you knew it was serious. Though Frodo seemed to be the exception, his joy was muted and it tugged at the heart even though his mood was understandable. When lunch ended, Almira and I returned to Malthenwen's flet, cleaned up, then relaxed until it was time to prepare for the gathering.

I was sitting in my room reading when there was a quick tap at my door and Malthenwen poked her head in a second later. "Did you get the dress from Lady Galadriel?"

"I did," I answered, casting a reverent gaze upon the dress hanging in my closet.

"Good, then let's get you into it."

Several minutes later, I was seated with Malthenwen fussing over my hair. I was getting one of those warm, fuzzy feelings as I recalled how similar this was to pre-Prom ritual with my mother. When she finished, she turned to go and I quickly grabbed her hand and squeezed. "Thanks," I stated trying not to go all weepy.

She sensed my emotion and smiled gently. "You are most welcome. Do not forget your cloak. There is a chill in the air tonight."

I nodded and once she left I turned to my reflection in the mirror. "Snap out of it," I stated firmly and grabbing my cloak entered the sitting room.

There was a knock at the door, and since I was the only one around I answered it. I smiled upon seeing Legolas. His gaze swept over me and I felt my cheeks heat up. I fidgeted with my sleeve. I was wearing a lovely green and silver silk damask dress that barely covered my shoulders and was lightly corseted. I loved it but I still odd. "I am still getting used to these dresses. I feel so out of place in them."

"Believe me, you do not look it," Legolas murmured lowly taking my hand and placing a soft kiss on it. My blush deepened but I still beamed with pleasure..

"Is that Legolas?" I heard Malthenwen call.

"It is," I replied, stepping aside thereby allowing Legolas inside. He nodded to Glorfindel and a moment later Eruanna and Almira appeared from Almira's room. Almira was in a similar style dress as mine, however her dress was completely off the shoulder and a deep golden silk.

"Are we ready?" Malthenwen asked, and as the general consensus was yes we left for the banquet. It was being held in the Lady's garden and I was in awe as we stepped into the clearing. The area was softly lit with lanterns hanging from the lowest tree branches and surrounded by bushes riotous with colorful blooms. Legolas led me over to where refreshments were being served. I took the glass of wine he offered me then led him to a bench nearby. We talked softly as the clearing filled until it was time to be seated for the meal. I sat directly across from Legolas with Glorfindel on my right and Aragorn on my left. Eruanna was on Legolas' left and Gimli on his right. The Fellowship was more or less seated together. Glorfindel leaned over to whisper in my ear, "I would like to direct your attention to Nimmir who is once again infatuated with Rúmil, meaning Legolas is safe for the time being and you get to leave this place without decking anyone." I grinned wickedly and glanced at Rúmil in sympathy. He looked miserable as Nimmir was blathering on about something, most likely herself. I smiled, thankful that this banquet was set to turn out so much better than the last. Although, not for Rúmil and Almira who looked just as miserable and I noticed Boromir nudge her, looking at her questioningly but she waved a hand dismissively and smiled too brightly. Boromir did not look convinced but simply sighed. I once again looked at Rúmil and noticed him staring at Boromir with a gaze that bordered on unfriendly. I then turned to Legolas whose grin was growing more mischievous with each second that passed. I quirked a brow and he mouthed "later" at me. I nodded and dug into the food.

"You are up to no good," I stated as Legolas led me towards the clearing where the dancing was to take place. "Admit it."

"I am up to no good and verily quite proud of it."

"Well…?" I prompted.

"Oh no, I am keeping quiet on this matter. It would not do for someone to overhear and ruin my fun. No, you shall just have to wait and see."

I pouted for a moment, but met with his resolute silence gave up laughing a moment later. "Fine, keep your secrets. Only promise me that your endeavors will not keep you from my side for too long," I finished feeling flirtatious. I batted my eyes playfully, in the style of his more vapid admirers.

"You have my word," Legolas stated sketching a jaunty bow as we reached the clearing. "I will return in a moment, my love. You will barely notice my absence."

"I doubt that," I muttered at my back which of course Legolas heard. He turned and grinned to acknowledge the fact and I rolled my eyes. I made my way to where Almira and Malthenwen were standing.

"Your significant other is up to no good," Malthenwen said.

I turned to see him standing with Boromir, wearing a scapegrace grin. "No he is not. But he was smart enough not to include me in his plans, or I would give you a heads up."

I refocused on Almira and noticed her glum expression. Trying to think of something good to say, I was prevented from making an attempt at lightening her mood by the arrival of Boromir and Legolas.

The musicians began a lively tune right as they reached us. "Honor me with a dance, milady?" Legolas asked with a roguish grin.

"It is I who am honored," I replied flirtatiously. "What have you done?" I whispered as Legolas drew me into the circle of his arm for the dance, casting a glance at Boromir and Almira nearby.

"Not what you are thinking." At my dubious glance he elaborated, "At least not in the way you are thinking. I am playing at matchmaking, and if you would take a discreet look at our friend Rúmil's face," Legolas spun us, so I could see him quickly, "then you will see that it is working."

An admiring grin lit my face. "Sneaky, my love, very sneaky."

"Why thank you," Legolas replied easily and I had to laugh.

Several dances later, Legolas and I exited the dance floor. "Oh my," I said abruptly.

"What?" Legolas asked and I pointed towards Rúmil who was glowering at Boromir and Almira, who were sitting with the Hobbits. Almira's mood seemed to have improved as she was smiling and laughing freely. "Ah, how unfortunate," Legolas stated in faux concern.

"Indeed. Whatever will he do?" I replied with a smile which quickly turned to a frown when Rúmil turned and started heading for a certain female.

"Oh no," Legolas groaned.

"Time to run interference," I stated, making a beeline for Rúmil.

"Time to what?" Legolas asked, following me.

"Never mind, just follow my lead," I hissed in a whisper and Legolas seemed to catch the gist of what I was saying as he hailed Rúmil a moment later. He stopped abruptly and awaited our approach.

"Good evening," he stated stiffly, making a formal bow. We returned the gesture, a little surprised and I was at a loss as to what to say. Luckily years of social training seemed to kick in for Legolas as he began polite conversation.

"Are you enjoying the gathering?" he asked politely.

"Yes," Rúmil answered shortly.

"Obviously," Legolas responded sardonically and Rúmil shot him a withering glance to which Legolas raised an eyebrow. Rúmil rolled his eyes and shifted uncomfortably, glancing at me before looking back at Legolas.

Getting the hint, I searched around for some excuse. "Oh look, Aragorn is by himself. I should…talk to him…or something. If you gentleman would excuse me?" I curtseyed, they bowed and then I escaped. When I reached Aragorn's side he gave me an odd look.

"You are up to no good. Admit it."

I smiled guiltily. "I am up to no good."

"Am I correct in assuming you are not alone in this endeavor?" He shot a surreptitious glance at Legolas and my smile turned sheepish. "I see," he said. "It is as I feared."

"Best to let it lie," I said. "I doubt you would want to get involved."

He nodded resigned. "Sound advice. Would you care to dance?"

"I would love to." I took his proffered hand and followed him onto the dance floor.

When the dance had finished, I searched around for Legolas and found him sitting next to Gimli.

"Time to discover the fruits of our labor," I stated impishly. Aragorn simply sighed and followed me to where they were sitting.

"Well?" I prompted as I took a seat beside Legolas.

"He is going to speak with her," he answered. Elated for Almira I leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before turning and looking towards where Almira was most likely receiving Rúmil. But I could not see them. I heard Legolas sigh deeply and returned my attention to him, lightly touching his arm.

"Shall we dance?" Legolas asked, more reserved then only a moment before reserved and I nodded, brow furrowed. He led me onto the dance floor.

"Is something the matter?" I asked.

Legolas twirled me once and when I returned to his arms, he whispered, "Aragorn was reminded of his missing love when he witnessed our affection and I believe he is also worried about our imminent departure. He will be the leader now and that is a fearsome burden."

I sighed sadly and Legolas drew me slightly closer. "I too am anxious about the road ahead. I am not ready for this. I am just a simple woman. I am not a great hero meant for such an important quest. How I made it this far is beyond me."

"Perhaps you were not when you first came here, but do not underestimate yourself. Were you truly incapable you would not have made it this far."

I was taken aback at his words. "I never thought of it that way," I murmured. "I always considered it dumb luck I have survived thus far," I admitted with a self-deprecating laugh. "No more of this talk," I stated determinedly a moment later. "Tonight is for us and we should enjoy it."

Legolas smiled tenderly. "Agreed." The rest of the evening was then devoted to revelry, yet there was a heaviness present in our hearts that could not be gotten rid of.