AN: Thanks for the reviews… would be nice to get over the 300 reviews before the end of this story...

36. The challenge.

Ginny was very much aware of the eyes on her. She did not need to turn around to know that Legolas was looking at her. She felt it burn in her body. For a second she felt shy and paused her actions only to realize a second later that she felt very flattered and sexy by his attention.

Legolas was a fine example of male beauty and she was well aware of that. She had been in his arms enough to know that there were solid abs underneath those elven tunics and his clothes did little to hide those strong muscular legs.

Yes, she was totally aware of the sex-on-legs that Legolas was but up until now she hadn't been ready to explore those thoughts. Even now she feared that her heart might break all over again for Harry as she thought of another man like that.

She was not yet over the fact that Harry was gone. She doubted she ever would truly. Sometimes she felt guilty but she had fought it. Harry was gone and wouldn't come back and she had promised Bill to try.

Previously her broken heart had prevented her to even imagine exploring the intimate part of her relationship with Legolas. Not that this relationship had been given a chance to do so. It was very new and time was short. They had been fighting for their lives and another battle was approaching quickly. Not really the perfect situation to explore a physical relationship. However that didn't mean that she felt no physical attraction to the elf.

In the absolute silence that hung about the top of the city she heard his breath hitch. It was enough to make her turn towards him. She looked up just in time to see the intense desire in his eyes before he turned away. She couldn't help but feel the same. 'Damn hormones' she thought.

As she washed herself she thought about being intimate with Legolas. She knew enough about that part of a relationship to be able to imagine it. She imagined it would be the moment of finalizing their bond. Legolas would make it a very special moment for the both of them, she was sure of that.

It was a good thing too. While she had promised to try and truly give herself to the elf, she knew she wasn't ready for that right now. There were still to many sharp edges and broken pieces of her to have anything that special to give. For now Legolas was the patient artist who was slowly gluing her together. And one day, after the battles and problems they would see where they stood.

She looked back at the balcony and saw Legolas standing against the ledge. His hair was blowing in the wind and his eyes closed. He was so beautiful and gentle. She wondered if she truly was that lucky to get a chance at that twice.

She once had that future with Harry, that was brutally taken away from her. Now it seemed that she would get a new chance with Legolas. It was a funny thing that she thought that both Harry and Legolas were so much alike and yet so different.

Both were gently, kind and caring men as well as fierce fighters. Though where Harry had been shy, silent and brooding was Legolas completely the opposite. Legolas was sure of his actions, open and patient. The only time she had seen him unsure was when he was asking her to love him.

She found a nightgown in her stack of clothes and was just dressed when Mathilda returned with some food and wine.

"Thank you, Mathilda."

"Anything else you need, milady?"

"No thank you. I'll be turning in soon."

"Okay milady. Goodnight."

Ginny took the carafe of wine and poured a goblet full. She quickly transfigured a small cup to a goblet and poured it full with wine as well. She took the plate and the levitated the two goblets in front of her and directed them towards the balcony.

"Here." She said softly as she directed a goblet in front of Legolas. He opened his eyes and looked surprised. "Magic." Ginny whispered. "Is not only for battles and healing."

"Useful." Legolas whispered and took the goblet. Ginny placed the plate with food on the table and sat down a large sofa like chair. It was just big enough for two slim people. She conjured up a blanket and wrapped it around herself.

Legolas sat down next to her. She looked at him for a while and wondered if she should breach the subject that was clearly on both their minds. After a minute she decided that it was better to let it flow naturally and not add too many words to an already complicated subject.

"You know that it is so hard for me to truly realize that I'm not the only one who have lost." Ginny said softly as she tried to get her mind on other subjects then Legolas's body. Faramir's words had been the first that popped up. "Realistically I know that there are people, especially in this war torn world who have lost just like me. My heart however is wailing that nobody can feel the pain as badly as I do. Hearing about Faramir's loss brought some perspective."

"Perspective is good. It will help you come to terms with your own feelings." Legolas told her. Ginny held out the plate with bread, cheeses and fruits to him.

"Yes, gaining perspective is good." Ginny nodded and they fell silent for a while. They shared the plate of food while they both mulled over things. "I don't want to die, Legolas. Not anymore." Ginny suddenly said. "I don't want to go into a battle knowing that there is no chance that I can survive it. It is even harder knowing that you will do the same."

"The plan to call out Sauron at the Black Gate is a daring one. However it's not completely hopeless. Aragorn can challenge him through the Palantir and wait for Sauron to come to Gondor again. While that plan sounds more reasonable, this city won't be able to stand another siege. We were too scattered and too few to defend the city and its inhabitants. Aragorn is expecting whatever there is left of Gondor's army will arrive tomorrow. He made calls to other regions. By the time we leave the city we hope to have a lot of extra men. When we march as a solid army, we will be much better prepared. We will meet the enemy at our terms." Legolas explained. "More importantly, we now know that Frodo is close and still in possession of the ring. We would have known if this was not the case. If we give him a free crossing to the mountain we will only have to hold off the army for a few hours."

"A few hours?" Ginny asked weakly.

"Two days ago you battled for almost seven hours." Legolas pointed out. "If Frodo moves quickly it will only be half a day, a day at the most."

"Yeah, okay. I'll give you that." Ginny sighed. She leaned against Legolas and looked out over the Pelennor fields. "What is it like, the road to Mordor and the Black Gate?"

"I can not tell you. I have never been there. I know that the road to it will be harsh. During the day the sun will make it unbearable hot, the wind will make it dry and during the night it will be freezing cold. According to Aragorn there will be little cover, no trees, no shade."

"Tomorrow, after I made sure Aragorn doesn't do anything stupid with the Palantir I will make re-hydration potions and blue-bell flames. The potions will stop people to suffer from the dry heat and the flames can be used to keep warm without smoke."

"That would be very useful. Those were the things Aragorn was planning on asking you. Is there anyway you can do something for the horses?"

"Oh, uhm, feather light charms on all the gear and I can conjure up water for them. Food, I do not know. I'll see when we leave."

"There is no chance in asking you to stay with Èowyn?" Legolas asked.

"No more then you staying with Faramir." Ginny answered with a chuckle. "Let's talk about something else."

"Like what?"

"Tell me about your home, how do you live? What is your father like? How will people react to me if I travel there with you?"

"Greenwood, or Mirkwood as it is called these days is the great woodland realm between Gondor and the Grey Mountains. It used to be a big forest, always green and full of life. We elves would live outside in wooden houses that were one with the forest. Life was mainly outside. When Sauron's darkness took hold of the world very big and poisonous spiders invaded the forest and destroyed it. They forced us to seek shelter in massive cave systems. We rarely venture out anymore. That is why I travel so much; I can't stand living in the caves. Too dark and too closed off from the forests."

"Will the defeat of Sauron mean that your people can go outside again?"

"Maybe but not for many years. We need to destroy the spiders first. Not to mention the other dark creatures and Necromancers that have been destroying the forest."

"That is so sad." Ginny sighed. "What about your father?"

"My father is a very proud man. He used to be kind and connected to the world but since my mother died he has become too protective of his people and no longer knows what is happening outside of his caves." Legolas sighed. "He is very stubborn and hold grudges for a long time. He doesn't want anything to do with other folk, even Lady Galadriel can't reason with him. However he is a good and kind father."

"So, he won't like me." Ginny concluded.

"Actually, Aragorn and I have a bet on that. He thinks you and my father won't like each other one bit. He's expecting you to loose your temper and curse my father till there is nothing of him left. After that you will insist on leaving or my father will kick you out. I on the other hand think differently. Your character is very much like my mothers and I think you two will have this huge argument first but after you cursed him into the next week he will actually like you. He does appreciate a strong minded person who stands up for herself."

"That doesn't sound all that hopeful, Legolas."

"Everything will be fine." He said with a smile. "The people of Mirkwood will like you. You seem to have this gift to wrap everybody around your little fingers."

"If not, I curse them." Ginny said with a chuckle before yawning.

"I think it's time you get some sleep."

"Yes. I'm exhausted. Tomorrow will be another tiring day." Ginny answered and got up. Legolas helped her to get into bed and placed a soft kiss on her forehead before leaving her room. She was asleep in seconds.

G&L&G&L&G&L&G&L&G&L

After a restless night full of nightmares about the Nazgul and not being able to find any of her loved ones on the battlefield Ginny woke up screaming. Mathilda had come in running and suffered from an array of curses before Ginny even realized she had been dreaming again.

After healing Mathilda and apologizing a dozen times Ginny stalked down the hallway towards the throne room. It was quite obvious to anyone who saw her that her mood wasn't good. Her eyes were on fire and her magic was swirling around her.

At the door Gandalf was waiting for her.

"Ginevra." He greeted her but made no plans to move.

"Morning Gandalf." Ginny said and waited for him to move.

"Ginny, Aragorn needs to do this alone." Gandalf told her.

"Absolutely not." She stated. When Gandalf still didn't move she growled. "If you know what's good for you, you move."

"Ginny, your presence will be noticed."

"Sauron already knows about me. His nine, oh, eight servants will have told him about the witch who can throw fire." Ginny argued. "Now move."

"Ginny…"

"Too late. I'm sorry Gandalf." She said and hit the wizard with a stunning spell. She would apologize later but she was in no mood of arguing right now. She opened the door and saw Aragorn sitting on the steps to the throne.

"He let you through?"

"No, I will have some making up to do later." Ginny grumbled. "I won't let you go through this alone. Don't even start arguing about it. I haven't slept well and it's all your fault to start with."

Aragorn looked at her for a while and wisely decided not to argue with her. Instead he nodded and focused back on the altar that held the Palantir.

Ginny stepped back and waited for Aragorn to make his move. She would only observe and interfere when really needed. This would keep her full capability from Sauron for now. What ever the Nazgul had seen of her wasn't all she could do.

Slowly her new brother got up and walked towards the altar. Ginny held her breath and he pulled away the cover. The Palantir already showed the eye of Sauron. The dark lord was controlling the Palantir. She feared that Aragorn had no chance of overruling that control. She whispered a shield charm to protect her from the dark magic that was flowing through the room. Sadly she couldn't do anything for Aragorn.

Her heart pounded in her throat as Aragorn reached for the stone. His hand immediately glued to the flaming surface.

"Long have you hunted me. Long have I eluded you. No more!" Aragorn stated. Ginny held her wand ready as Aragorn pulled his sword. "Behold, the Sword of Elendil!"

The words of her spell were ready on her tongue as Sauron took the bait. Aragorn went rigid and his face contorted. She did not know what Sauron showed Aragorn but his eyes suddenly snapped open and he stepped back quickly.

Like in slow-motion Ginny saw Arwen's necklace falling. She didn't know why but she knew she had to prevent it from breaking. Before her mind could catch up she was already summoning the necklace. Seconds before it hit the floor the necklace was caught in the charm moved towards her.

Aragorn looked up in shock. His face was sickly pale white and his eyes were watery. Ginny caught the pendant and was suddenly hit with a vision.

A beautiful woman with dark hair and pale skin was lying on a bed. She looked sick and deathly thin. The woman's eyes met hers and she heard a voice inside her head.

'My newest sister, save my love, protect him. I long for the day of peace and family just like you. You can help him make it happen. Be strong, be brave and protect the king. Only then we will get our happy future.'

Ginny's eyes that had closed on their own accord snapped open and saw Aragorn fall to his knees. Tears were already running down his face. Right then he truly looked broken.

"I failed her." He whispered.

She had the presence of mind to cover the Palantir with the blanket by using a levitating charm before removing her shield. The second later she was running towards Aragorn and wrapped her arms around him. For minutes he softly cried in her arms. She held him closely and stroked her hand soothingly through his hair. She had done this many times for Harry in her fourth year and after Sirius had died. Just being there was enough.

After a while Aragorn looked up at her.

"I'm sorry. You didn't need to see me like that." He whispered as he tried to pull himself together.

"See it as a way to return a favor. You have held me in my bad moments as well. That's what siblings do for each other." Ginny whispered. "I have something for you."

She held out her hand with the pendant.

"It fell." He whispered.

"Sauron wanted you to believe that. However he never noticed my presence. He will never know that he can't control everything." She told him. She carefully placed the necklace around his neck and placed the pendant just above his heart. "Love is the most powerful magic in the world. Middle Earth or Earth it doesn't matter. Love is the most dangerous, the most underestimated and the strongest power there is. It can drive men mad, it can give you strength you didn't know you have or like in my case it can heal even the deepest wounds. It's the one thing Sauron doesn't know or understand. It's the one power he has no experience with and that is why Frodo is still out there and why you will be standing tall and strong."

Aragorn looked at her for a long time before pulling her into a bone-crushing hug.

"Thank you, Ginny."

"You are welcome." She said with a smile.

They got up and walked to the meeting table in the corner. They sat down and drunk a steaming cup of tea in silence. Once they were finished Ginny sighed and got up.

"I'm going to revive Gandalf, face his rants and then prepare for the trip to the Black Gates. Legolas explained to me what to expect. I'm going to find a room in the infirmary to brew potions for re-hydration and during that I'll be making something useful for keeping us warm."

"That would be really welcome." Aragorn said.

"Will you please make sure I don't miss lunch? I need to ensure I regain my full strength."

"I'll send somebody to alert you."

"Thanks." Ginny got up and left the room.

It had taken Gandalf till midday to stop complaining, muttering and threatening Ginny for her stunt. She couldn't care less. Her presence had been needed and it was only thanks to the stupidity of men that Gandalf underestimated the value of what had happened there.

While she listened to Gandalf's whining she started on her potions. She had decided to restock on her other potions as well. She had at least a day to brew everything so for the basic of potions it was enough.

Once Gandalf left she got in a rhythm of brewing and charming flames. Legolas came to get her for lunch but as she was in a crucial stage of the brewing process he offered to bring her food and drink. She agreed and continued working.

By nightfall she was finished with the blue-bell flames and her potions would be ready before they would march. She was exhausted and in pain. Her body was only now catching up with the events of the last few days. She hadn't gotten out of the battle completely unscratched. She was bruised in places where she didn't knew could bruise.

Slowly she made her way back up to her rooms. She was sure it would have been wise to eat but she was just too exhausted to do so. She barely noticed Mathilda opened her door for her and asking her if she needed anything. She remembered saying that she would be happy with some food but had forgotten about it the moment she saw her bed.