A. N.- Gah, this was long. Uh, ok, disclaimer/warning thingy: non-sexual nudity here. Cover the kiddies' eyes, people.

Chapter Thirty One – Friction: Met

Caled mentally counted to ten. Then swore if she ever met whatever deity she had royally pissed off, she would kill him.

It did not work. The high-pitched squeals and cooing still grated on her ears.

And I thought the servants at Rivendell were annoying, she mentally drawled.

Not only was the woman they had helped married to one of the richer citizens of the town, they were also the only doctors for miles around. Apparently she had been out gathering herbs for the day when she went into labor.

Their home was a combination of dwelling place and treatment center for the area. This of course meant that it was far too large for one person to care for. They had a whole set of servants and helpers that flitted around the building, cleaning this and preparing that for surgery.

It felt like half of them had 'flitted' into Caled's presence.

Several maids had crowded into the rooms they had been lent, latching onto Caled. The maids were literally gushing, exciting at the trio's arrival. Caled had foolishly agreed to allow them to show her around the estate, not knowing they would stop to giggle with one another every two minutes. They chatted about the upcoming festivities and tried to get Caled to join them.

To be honest Caled was a bit curious about this Winter Moon thing that was going on. She had never before been to a festival and was tempted to pose a few questions of her own.

If only her current audience were not giving her a headache.

"Miss?"

Caled blinked, looking around. Seeing the expectant faces around her, she assumed she had been asked something. "Sorry, what?"

The maids exchanged grins. One, who was the self-appointed leader of the group, said, "Do you have an escort for tomorrow?"

Caled frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Again, giggles. "For the festival. I can only assume that since you and your companions are staying here that you will be attending the festival."

"What does that have to do with an escort?" Caled snapped, detaching herself from the group and moving to look more closely at the plants that lined the grassy walkway. They were currently in an open hallway that connected the living area and examination area of the building.

Even with her back to them she knew they were once again grinning at one another. What on earth was so funny?

"Well, escorts are a bit of a tradition you see," said the maid, speaking as though to a small child. "You can prearrange your escort or decide who it will be once you get there. There are a number of young men who are too shy to ask, you see?"

She was leading this somewhere. Caled did not know where, but she knew she would not like it. "What does that have to do with me?"

The maid flashed her a dazzling smile. "If you wish, we could find you an escort. Unless, of course, you already have one."

Caled resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I've only just arrived here, not to mention that fact that until now I've never heard of this Moon thingy. Of course I do not have an escort."

That sent the maids into hysterical giggles. The lead maid looked oddly triumphant.

A thought struck Caled. "Why do you wish to know?" she asked slowly.

The maid gave a slight bow. "Forgive me if I'm being too presumptuous, Miss. But would I be right in guessing that neither of your companions have escorts as well? As you said: you all have only just learned of the festival."

The smile Caled gave her was ice cold. "I think I've seen enough. I'll return now, thank you." She brushed through the knot of servants, swiftly making her exit.

As she turned the corner, the servants put their heads together, whispering and giggling. The lead maid smirked as one of the others asked, "When will you ask him, Corin?"

Corin straightened her shoulders and stated, "As soon as possible. Just because that fool of a girl can't see him for what he's worth, why should I allow anyone else the chance to be his escort?"

The others instantly offered their support, fawning up to her.

"Well then," Corin said imperiously, "come along. We still have chores that need to be down. It wouldn't do if we could not attend the-"

The last of the sentence turned into a shriek of fright, mingled with the same of those around her.

Corin found herself knee deep in the cold ground, the plants around her wrapped around her thighs to prohibit any chance of escape.

Caled grinned, sticking her tongue out at the trapped maid from her hiding place. Serves you right, snobbish hag, Caled thought, turning on her heel and moving away from the chaos behind her.

Though she had vented a bit-albeit in an immature way-Caled was still cross at the maid's words. Honestly, she should have seen it coming. Hadn't she noticed the stares they had when the three of them entered this place? It was no wonder the servants had cornered her like that.

They sought the Elf's favor and thought Caled would put in a good word if nothing else.

What was she? A go-to girl? If the stupid idiots wanted to talk to him why didn't they just up and do so? Why sneak around?

Caled frowned, recalling the tone with which Corin had spoken of Legolas. 'See him for what he's worth'? As if that girl had any idea! She was lucky Caled had not ignited her cap for that. Who did they think they were, trying to seek Legolas' favor? They had most certainly imagined themselves on his arm the following night, the envy of all other women.

Caled ground her teeth together, nearby plants wavering in response to the anger the thought gave her. They had some nerve assuming he was as shallow and thick headed as they were. As if he would ever give them the time of day-

All at once Caled froze. Why was she so angry about this? Why did this upset her so? It was not as if they had openly harmed her in any way. Why was she so mad?

With a rush it hit her, her face reddening.

Her hand flailed around, gripping the wall for support. She was upset with the way the woman had tried to use her, certainly. But more than that, Caled had been infuriated by the way the woman had blatantly assumed that Legolas would jump at the chance to be her escort to this flaming festival. The fact that she thought so little of the Elf enraged Caled.

Caled did not need to question why.

She knew why.

It did not make the ache any better.

(trash)

Caled's free hand lifted, absently pressing against her stomach. She cringed, vividly recalling the image of her bare flesh.

(coramin)

...Would he still say that if he knew?

It was well past sunset and still Caled had not returned. Legolas refrained from pacing, knowing that Caled could take care of herself and that he should not worry. But where could she be?

A snort of laughter made Legolas look up. Across the room Mornie was lounging in a plush armchair by the fireplace, smirking back at his frown. "Fretting like a mother hen, aren't we?" the shape shifter asked

"No," Legolas snapped. He grimaced at how childish he had just sounded. "Just...worried. It's been hours, Mornie. Where is she?"

Mornie closed one eye, face screwing up in concentration. "In the gardens," he said, pointing just over his shoulder. "Where she has been since leaving that group of maids." His smirk widened. "Your fan club."

Legolas rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say," he said with a sigh.

"Deny it if you will," Mornie said with a shrug. When Legolas did not reply, just stood there staring out the window, the shape shifter's smirk faded.

He had gauged from the near violent barrage of emotions Caled had generated a few hours back that the maids had said or done something. Yet when no pain came, he assumed Caled had dealt with it or left. Yet the cycling waves of doubt, fear, and nervousness he was getting from her worried him. More so than he let on.

It was obvious what the maids had dragged her away for. One in particular had radiated more than just desire at the sight of Legolas. Mornie was thankful to be in his human guise, certain that in his cat like form he would have choked from the pheromones.

Yet he worried about what had been said or done to Caled. About whether it dealt with the one before him.

Mornie closed his gold eyes, sighing quietly. He would not meddle, he simply could not. From the moment he had set eyes on Caled he had sworn to protect her. Just the memory of the worn, sorry state she had been in roused his protective nature. Now, she was healthier, more stable, and even happier than he had ever imagined she would be.

There was no curse to worry about now. No fear that she would be hurt by its effects, even those she was not aware of.

But he would not meddle.

"Will you attend this festival?"

Legolas turned to him, surprised at the question. "What?"

Mornie gave a small shrug. "It could do you some good," he said simply. "A chance to relax before starting again. We may not get another, you know."

There was a pause before Legolas answered, "I guess. It could be interesting."

Mornie flashed a grin at the Prince. "Yes. Yes, it could."

He could not meddle.

But he could certainly pull a few strings.

The day dawned with excited fervor. The whole town perfected the preparations for the Winter Moon festival. Booths for games and food were erected, decorated in hopes of catching the eye. Merchants and salesmen for miles around flocked to the town, setting up their wares to sell. A troupe of musicians even began to warm up for the long night of revelry.

The air itself was enough to excite you. Even Caled could not ignore that. Despite her mood of the previous day she found herself eagerly waiting for nightfall.

After the noon meal, Caled stood just inside the entrance of the estate, watching the last minute preparations. Mornie sat on the ground beside her. Legolas was leaning against the doorframe of the entrance.

"You don't think THEY will show up, do you?" Caled asked, making sure no one else was nearby to eavesdrop.

"The you-know-whats?" Mornie shook his head. "No, if they were going to they would have done so already." He stifled a yawn, failing badly.

"Don't tell me you're tired," Caled said, crouching down so that they were level and scrutinizing him closely. "You slept two hours later than I did."

Mornie raised a brow. "Some of need more sleep than others. Besides, when did you actually get to bed?"

Caled looked away, avoiding Legolas' eye and muttering, "You're so nosy."

Mornie was silent before saying, "Still, you two better be careful tonight. You never know what will happen."

Caled's brow creased. "What do you mean?"

"You're not coming with us?" Legolas said at the same time.

The shape shifter gave them both a strange smile. Before he could say anything, a servant came through the doors. "Excuse me?" he said, catching their attention. "The Lady of the house wishes to see you two," he said with a bow to Legolas and Caled.

Caled rose but gave Mornie a questioning glance over her shoulder as they turned to follow the servant. He resolutely watched the preparations, whistling to himself.

The servant led them into the nearby parlor. The Lady of the house, Liza, looked up on their entry. She sat in a large rocking chair, her newborn baby asleep in the crook of her arm. She smiled at them, carefully standing. The babe did nothing more than shift at the movement.

"Wonderful!" she said. "You're both here. Now, we must hurry, I'm not sure there will be enough time. You know it's horrible to attend such an event late." She shooed them through an adjoining door, leading to a spare bedroom. The two scarcely had time to exchange a confused glance before she was speaking again. It seemed child birth had not hindered her from being able to speak faster than they could hear. "Now then you, my good man, will be in here," she said to Legolas. "My dear friend Maryanne will be here shortly. Oh, that must be her now," she added when there was a loud knock from the direction of the front door.

"We must be off, she does not like to work with an audience." Liza hooked her free arm around Caled's, steering her out of the room and up the stairs to the second level. Caled barely had time to throw a startled look at Legolas before the door swung shut. "Now, my dear girl, it may take us some time but I am confident we can find something to put you in."

Caled opened her mouth to respond. Liza suddenly squinted at her, frowning in a way that worried Caled so that she forgot what she was going to say. "You know I've never seen someone with your eyes," Liza said when she turned away. "Not that they're anything to frown at, mind you. It just narrows down the playing field slightly."

"What are you talking about?" Caled finally interjected. It was near impossible to form a thought the way this woman talked!

Liza stopped, surprised. "My dear, we must get you ready for the festival! You certainly can't attend in that."

Caled looked down at the clothes she had on. They were a bit on the worn side. Truth be told, she had felt a bit awkward walking next to Liza in her elegant clothing. She had never really thought of finding something a bit more formal. Traveling across the world and fighting murderous creatures left and right did not endear one to fashion.

Liza had continued speaking during Caled musings. "In all sincerity, my girl, I have been thinking all night on how to repay you for helping me. I shudder to think of what would have happened to me and William here had you not been there." She paused to coo at the sleeping babe. "And it just seemed to come to me in my sleep-almost in a dream! I'll make certain you enjoy this festival, in the finest clothes I can offer you.

"I don't have any clothing that will fit that young man back there. 'Legolas' is it? Hmm, curious name. Anyway, my dear husband is a bit bigger in the belly and never had an eye for tasteful clothing. Thankfully Maryanne is a seamstress and has a whole wardrobe of fine tunics he can pick from. She'll make him look positively dashing! Not that he already isn't, my dear.

"As for you, well, I have a plentiful supply. They are hand-me-downs, yes, but there are certainly some surprises hidden in this old room of mine."

Caled's mouth dropped open. Liza had just pulled her into a large bedroom that was filled with countless gowns. All colors and fabrics flashed at her from every corner of the room, hanging from rods, peeking through the gaps in the wardrobes that lined the walls, standing on the tailor dummies that dotted the floor. There were all sizes and styles from puffy or slim to layered or slips.

Liza smiled at the look of awe on Caled's face. "Go on dear, start looking," she said, gently prodding her into the room.

Caled's eyes widened. "Oh, I can't!" she tried to protest. "These are far too beautiful for me to wear. I couldn't-" She stopped at the frown Liza gave her.

"The words 'too beautiful to wear' never appear in my vocabulary together," Liza stated. She breezed through the racks of clothing, shifting among the sea of cloth without jostling her baby. "Now I'm thinking of something simple. Definitely not like this," she motioning to a large gown with a sweeping train and gauzy trim. "No, something that won't make you cross eyed. Dear me, this may take longer than I thought."

"Pardon me for asking," Caled spoke up, wading through the room to get to Liza, "but what about Mornie? My other companion?"

Liza blinked. "Darling, I was told he wouldn't be attending. Was I wrong? Maryanne won't be annoyed to look at him either, I sure, but it needs to be done quick-"

"No, no," Caled interrupted, trying to give a laugh. "I just wasn't sure if he was going. He didn't say." She tuned out Liza's words, thinking.

Liza had said that the idea to give them clothes had come to her as if in a dream. Mornie himself had been hinting for the two of them enjoy the festival. Had he planned this?

A few hours later, when she saw the dress Liza pulled out to show her, Caled decided she didn't care if he had.

It was nearly time for the Winter Moon festival to begin. The servants and maids of the estate began to trickle out into the front yards, awaiting their employers. Everyone was dressed in their finest, arm in arm with their chosen escorts of the night.

Legolas stood just off of the front landing, within view of the door. He had not seen Caled since Liza had whisked her away hours ago, leaving him to deal with Maryanne.

Over all, he was impressed with the seamstress. She had brought with her a fine selection of garments and had been patient as Legolas trudged through them. The only time she had gotten snappish was when he kept tugging at the collars. A quick alteration was enough to alleviate that problem, but the back of his hand was still sore from the number of times she had smacked it.

He wore a long sleeved tunic of deep emerald, patterned with scattered leaves. A high collared over tunic of silver grey was strapped over his chest and gartered by a belt, accenting his lean physique. His breeches were more comfortable than he would have guessed, a smooth dark leather that did not pull when he moved. His feet were shod with soft black boots that rolled down to mid calf. He had left his hair loose for the night, not sure what to do with it.

More than once since he had come outside the same woman tried to catch his eye. She was without an escort, which Legolas found odd. She was a highly attractive woman in his opinion and should not have had any problem in finding a companion. Still, she stood alone, sending a slow smile his way whenever his gaze wandered in her direction.

He withheld a sigh, absently fingering his disguise ring. Denya had crafted it for him not too long ago. It was a simple band of silver with a single vein of gold running along the center, resting on the middle finger of his right hand. The disguise it generated merely rounded his ears. Apparently Denya had felt it unnecessary to alter anything else.

A murmur ran through the group gathered near the front door. Legolas turned to see Liza and her husband emerge, the former looking very pleased with herself. They descended the steps and Liza looked back, saying, "Come on, dearie. You'll miss the fun!" Those closet to the door began to whisper, the hissing excitement traveling through the rest. Then Liza and her husband stepped away, leaving the view to the door clear.

Legolas' breath caught the sight before him.

Caled was making her way through the group clustered around the door. She wore a dress that was a pale, ice blue. It was of a simple yet elegant design. The square neckline was a modest cut, stopping just after her collarbones, yet the lace design that ran up the sides of the bodice accented her bust all the more. It was snug on her frame until her waist where it flowed out into loose folds, accenting her natural curves. The material there gathered on her left hip, enhancing the swirl the material made whenever she turned, brushing the tops of the white slippers on her feet. She also wore a matching cloak to ward off the cold. It had sleeves that melded seamlessly with the cut of the dress, the hem falling to her knees.

As if feeling his stare, Caled looked over at him. Half of her hair was pulled back in a bun at back of her head, the rest flowing around her in a curtain of satin sandy blonde. Her cheeks were red with embarrassment from the stares she was receiving.

She quickened her pace in his direction yet had to stop. Several young men had stepped into her path, each puffing out their chest and trying catch her eye. Caled stepped back, startled. Her eyes darted from one to another as she tried to excuse herself. She never got a word out before another oaf started speaking.

Legolas saw red for a moment. How dare those little boys corner his Caled like that!

Setting a smile on his face, Legolas moved forward. Easily moving past the men in his way, he extended a hand to Caled. "Ready at last, Caled?" he said in a clear voice, drowning out the others.

Caled smiled, her face brightening. "Yes, finally," she said, gripping his hand in relief.

Legolas set her hand on his arm, winking at her as they walked by the now silent would-be suitors. The two moved into step behind Liza and her husband, who were whispering to each other in a nostalgic way.

As everyone began to move to the town square, Caled caught sight of Corin. The maid was staring after them, furious. Caled could not help but smirk back.

In a room on the second floor of the house, a pair of golden eyes watched the pair of them. A smile crinkled the eyes before they closed.

The exact middle of the town square held a large platform. Several people milled around the structure, shouting advertisements for some of the things available for sell at the booths. When the party arrived from the estate, the Master of Ceremonies stepped up onto the platform.

He began by speaking of the Winter Moon and how it was the reason for the prosperous year, that this year's Winter Moon was a good one and that this year would be prosperous, blah blah blah. He droned on and one, oblivious to the fact that most of those around him were barely listening.

"I'm beginning to think this is all just an excuse to have a huge party," Caled whispered to Legolas as the man went into a spill about how the yellow hue of the moon meant a good year for progress and change.

Legolas chuckled. "I've found that is one wants to have a celebration, they do not look very far for a reason."

"Too true," Caled sighed.

The crowd then cheered as the Master of Ceremonies reached the end of his speech. He gave a dramatic sweep of his arms, motioning to the last light of the setting sun. He announced the that Winter Moon festival had begun.

There was a prolong cheer before he stepped away. The troupe of musicians settled onto the platform, making a few last minute preparations. People began to migrate to the clear area around the platform, a slightly raised wooden dais. As the troupe started a lively beat, the dance began.

Legolas and Caled wandered around to the booths, each deliberately avoiding a look to the dance area. They busied themselves looking over the wares on sale, making a few purchases for things they needed. They sampled the food, bravely tasting something that looked like a large rat on a stick. Neither could remember when they had laughed so much. Or simply enjoyed themselves like this.

Caled paused by a jewelry stand when one of the displays caught her eye, Legolas at the next stand haggling with the vendor over the price of a quiver. It was a necklace with a crescent moon pendant. In the crook of the moon sat the small figure of a child. She gently touched the necklace, marveling at the simple beauty it held. She wished she could buy it but they needed to be frugal.

She sighed, moving away. Perhaps another time. When she turned away to see if Legolas was done, she nearly ran into Corin.

Corin gave a theatrical jerk of surprise. "Oh! So sorry, Miss. I didn't see you there."

Caled forced a smile onto her face. "No harm done, Corin," she said through gritted teeth.

Corin's eyes raised to meet Legolas' as he joined them. "Good evening, sir," she said. She gave a curtsy that revealed far too much cleavage to be purely accident. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, thank you," Legolas said, absently wondering if this woman was stalking him.

Corin's face puckered in a look of innocent hope. "I was wondering, sir. Could I have a dance? With you?" She motioned to the dancing area, the slit in her skirt somehow parting to show an ample amount of leg. Ignoring the whistle a passing drunk gave at the display, she added, "I've noticed that you haven't danced yet. It would be a shame to forgo such a pleasure as that."

Caled bit the inside of her cheek, telling herself not to set Corin's hair on fire.

"My apologies," Legolas said coolly, "but I'm afraid I can't."

For a moment Corin's face twisted in a most ugly way. Then she smoothed it over, asking in a voice of strained patience, "Why not, if I may ask?"

Legolas caught Caled's hand in his. "I owe my lovely companion one," he said with a smile

A look of fury passed over Corin at those words.

Surprised, Caled was tugged away from Corin as Legolas moved to the dance area. When she turned to him, she saw he wore a hopeful if hesitant expression. "That is...if you don't mind?" he whispered. He paused just before the dais. He faced her, taking her other hand. "May I have this dance, Caled?"

For a moment, Caled did nothing. Then her hands squeezed his. "Yes."

The smile he gave her sent a wave of warmth through her.

They moved onto the dance floor as the troupe began a new song. Taking one of her hands in his, Legolas rested his other on her waist. Caled set hers on his shoulder, whispering, "I'm not that good at dancing. If I step on your feet, deal with it."

"Just follow my lead," Legolas said, chuckling.

Thankfully the song was slower yet still had an easy beat to count to. Legolas moved into the steps for a waltz, slowing the pace and whispering the counts to Caled. She bit her lip, concentrating on moving correctly. Gradually she began to move without needing him to prompt her.

The words issuing from the troupe washed over them, mingling somewhere in the back of their minds.

I never knew

I never knew that everything

Was falling through

That everyone I knew

Was waiting on a queue

To turn and run

When all I needed was the truth

But that's how it's got to be

It's coming down to

Nothing more than apathy

I'd rather run the other way

Than stay and see

The smoke and who's still

Standing when it clears

Everyone knows I'm in

Over my head

Over my head

With eight seconds left in overtime

She's on your mind

She's on your mind.

They moved across the dance floor as if they had been doing this for years. Caled was a natural. She had caught the flow of the song and the dance perfectly. She kept glancing at the floor, determined to step in the right area. Yet occasionally Caled would raise her eyes to meet Legolas', smiling nervously.

In those moments, illuminated by the Winter Moon over head, Legolas was awed by the charming beauty in his arms.

Let's rearrange

I wish you were a stranger

I could disengage

Say that we agree

And then never change

Soften a bit

Until we all just get along

But that's disregard

You find another friend

And you discard

As you lose the argument

In a cable car

Hanging above

As the canyon comes between.

And suddenly

I become a part of your past

I'm becoming the part

That don't last

I'm losing you

And its effortless.

"Want to try something?" Legolas whispered.

"What?" Caled hissed back. "It's a miracle I haven't fallen on my face and you want to complicate this!"

"You're doing fine," Legolas assured her. He glanced over her head. She had not noticed that the other dancers had stopped and were watching them.

"What then?" Caled snapped, eyes flashing in warning.

"Just follow my lead."

She shot him a glare.

"Trust me," he pressed.

Caled bit her lip again, then nodded.

Without a sound

We lose sight of the ground

In the throw around

Never thought that you wanted

To bring it down

I won't let it go down

'Till we torch it ourselves

And everyone knows I'm in

Over my head

Over my head

With eight seconds left in overtime

She's on your mind

She's on your mind.

Everyone knows

She's on your mind

Everyone knows I'm in over my head

I'm in over my head

I'm over my...

Everyone knows I'm in

Over my head

Over my head

With eight seconds left in overtime

She's on your mind

She's on your mind.

"Now!" Legolas hissed as the music reached a crescendo. He released her waist, tightening his grip on hand. She swung out then spun back to him, her skirt whirling around her. As he caught her, he bent to one side, dipping her easily.

Caled blinked up at him, her expression one of surprised delight. She laughed when she realized what they had pulled off. He stood, pulling her around back to her feet as the song drifted to a close.

Applause exploded in their ears. The dancers and spectators had moved to give them space, forming a circle around them.

Caled gripped Legolas' arm, hiding her face in the front of his tunic. "I can't believe I just did that!" she exclaimed.

"You've never danced in front of people before?" Legolas asked. A new song began, a soft, slow melody. He wrapped his other arm around her, gently swaying to the music.

Caled shook her head, raising it up to look at him. "Never. I never really had the chance."

Legolas mentally kicked himself. "I'm sorry," he began. "I wasn't think-"

"It's ok," Caled cut in gently. "Don't worry about it." A flush colored her cheeks. She slowly raised her arms, looping them around his neck. Neither broke eye contact.

They danced through that song, and the next one, and the next. The night wore on and the crowd did not die down. If anything it grew.

Legolas felt Caled tense suddenly. She was glaring at something over his shoulder. "I'm going to kill that hag!" she muttered.

Shooting a quick glance over his shoulder, Legolas saw Corin making her way to them. Right behind her was one of the young men that had cornered Caled earlier. The man was staring at Caled-no, leering would be a better word. He then rubbed his hand eagerly, licking his lips.

A rush of heat at the back of his neck alerted Legolas. Caled was preparing a fireball and the gleam in her eyes was enough to tell him where she was planning to put it.

"Let's go," he said under his breath, leading her away from the dance floor.

Caled made a sound of disappointment.

They maneuvered through the crowd, picking up speed to lose their pursuers. Legolas was beginning to wonder if they should just head back to the estate when Caled tugged his arm. She pointed to a gap between two stalls that lead into the woods. He nodded and they slipped through.

They had not taken ten steps when they heard Corin and the man trying to follow them. From the sounds of it, Corin had knocked over a bottle and the vendor was demanding payment. Legolas led Caled deeper into the trees, keeping a close look at how far they had gone. When all they heard were the sounds of the musicians, they stopped.

Caled was furious. "How dare that little hack try to pull such a stunt!" she raged. "Before we leave, I swear I'm going to-to-Oh! Something! I'll do something to her to make sure she'll never forget this."

Legolas merely nodded. He too was simmering in anger. Just the thought of that poor excuse of a man coming near Caled sent Legolas' jaw grinding. And the way he had looked at her.

His fist clenched tightly. Legolas swore that before they left he would find that man and-

A small hand closed around his fist. "What got you so worked up?" Caled asked, concerned.

Legolas paused, wondering if he should voice the reason. While she had been showing more of an attachment to him, he was not certain whether or not she would shove a fireball down his throat if he said he was jealous.

Jealous. Ever since Caled had left the estate men had stared at her, enamored. And every time Legolas caught sight of another pair of lustful eyes wandering over her figure his blood would boil.

At last he said, "Don't worry about it, coramin. I just-what is it?"

Caled had pulled away suddenly. There was a strange expression on her face. A mix of uncertainty and doubt. Her hands wrung in front of her, shaking slightly.

"What is it?" Legolas said again, mind racing to see if he had done something to warrant this.

"Wh-what do you mean by...by that?" she stammered. "What do you mean when you say it?"

Her stuttering more than anything was what sent a bolt of trepidation through his gut. "I don't-" he began.

"That word," Caled cut in. She opened her mouth but no sound came out. She stopped, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Her hands pressed against her stomach as if in pain. Yet when her eyes opened, they were not shining with pain.

They shone with fear.

Again, she tried to speak and again, nothing. She turned away, swallowing. Then her voice worked. "C-coramin," stumbled out of her mouth, a slight edge to the word. "What do you mean when you say it?"

Legolas stared at her back, unable to understand why this was affecting her so. Then a thought occurred to him. Steeling himself, he said slowly, "Why don't you call me by name?"

The reaction was instant. Caled spun around, eyes narrowed and shoulders tense. Yet it was not in anger or to fight. She looked at him skeptically. "Does that really bother you?" she snapped.

"Yes, it does!" Legolas exclaimed. "It bothers me a great deal, Caled." Though he spoke heatedly, he held himself in check. They had finally breached the subject and he would not ruin it by frightening her. "All you ever say is 'elf.' That's all you have ever called me! Why do you insist on doing this? Haven't I earned your trust? Am I not a friend? Do I not mean more to you? Or is that all you ever see when you look at me? Do you only see what I was born as? Do you not see me as anything else? Do you not see me as 'Legolas'? As the one who loves you!"

The air rang with the echo of his words. Caled stared at him, eyes wide. Her face was strangely blank.

Legolas tried to catch his breath, alarmed at his words yet refusing to take them back. For too long he had kept his feelings bottled up and damned if he kept it up. He knew this would change everything. They could no longer go back to the way things were, and a whole hatful of cliques more. Either way, he waited for her response.

Time ticked by and Caled did not move. The sounds of the festival close by droned on, heedless of the coming dawn. The horizon began to soften to blue, the stars dimming.

"And what would you do with that love?"

The abruptness of Caled's words made Legolas jerk. "What do you mean?"

"What is it to you when you love someone?" Caled asked. "What is normal for those in love to do?"

Legolas brow furrowed in confusion.

"Marriage?" Caled posed. "Living together until their deaths? Or other such events," she added, waving her hand in a motion to him, indicating his kind's longevity. "Consummating their...pledge?

The last was whispered and her eyes dropped from his.

Legolas felt a throb in his heart. Did she truly believe those lies that had been screamed at her? Did she still feel that she was ugly? That she was not worth his affection?

He took a step towards her. When she retreated, his heart ached again. Was that truly the reason for her hesitance? Was that what kept her from him?

Or was there more?

Somehow that did not seem right. There was something that made him suspect another reason.

"It won't work."

Caled raised her head. Tears streaked her cheeks. Her hands were once again pressed against her stomach. "I can't give you that," she said again, voice cracking.

"Caled, I don't care about what happened to you," Legolas said lowly. "None of it was your fault. You had nothing to do with any of it. Please, Caled, listen to me," he implored when she shook her head. "I don't think any less of you. You amaze me every day just by being here." He paused, then, "You're beautiful."

A hoarse laugh barked from Caled, startling Legolas. "'Beautiful'?" she repeated, her voice strangled. She raised her left arm, showing the two silver bracelets resting there. "All you see is the image this thing projects! You don't know-don't know what he did! You-"

"Then tell me," Legolas broke in, forcing his words to be steady. "If you think anything that crazed wizard or those cursed Orcs did could make my feelings for you any lesser, then tell me."

As she stood there, bewildered at his words, Legolas' gut twisted. She had a disguise bracelet? Since when had she had that? How much of her image did it change?

Caled gave a soft snort of a laugh. She reached up and undid the clasp of the cloak she wore. When it was off she threw it to the ground.

Legolas' mind raced. What was she doing?

Her arms twisted behind her, swiftly untying the cords of the dress' bodice. As she did this, her eyes remained fixed on the cloak at her feet. When the last of the knots was loosened she pulled the garment down. Giving only a second's hesitance, she ripped at the bracelet on her arm. Both fell to the ground along with the dress, pooling around her legs.

Her body, already shadowed in the poor light, became blurred for several seconds from the neck down. Then it came back into focus. It took Legolas a moment before he realized what it was he was seeing.

Her arms moved to cover herself modestly yet they did not hide the scars that marked her flesh. His eyes stared at each score and depression, a numbed shock creeping through him. His mouth opened but he was speechless. Then he saw it. Once his eyes adjusted it stuck out like a beckon.

Extending from between her breasts down to past where her lower hand shielded her was a shining white scar.

The White Hand of Saruman.

And running down the middle of the Hand was a wide, puckered line.

"He took more than dignity," came Caled's broken voice.

Legolas tore his eyes away from the gruesome mark. She was shaking and pale. She looked to be on the verge of collapsing.

"It won't work." She raised her head, her eyes swimming with remembered pain. She stopped, drawing a deep breath. Then came the whisper, "We could never be a family."

The emphasis on the last word drove it home. "You can't conceive," Legolas blurted.

She wince at the word but nodded. A sob stifled her briefly. She cleared her throat then hiccupped, "You're a Prince. You need someone who can give you a child. Someone who can please you properly. Someone who's body doesn't look like old leather. Someone who hasn't been used-"

Caled stopped, shocked. Legolas had crossed the distance between them and enveloped her trembling frame in his arms. She was even more surprised to feel a tremor running through him. The tenderness she felt in the embrace brought a new wave of tears to her eyes. She bit her lip against it, cutting into the skin accidentally.

Legolas buried his face in her hair, breathing in her scent. She smelled of plants and soot, a scent he would forever remember. He tightened his hold on her, feeling her tense. He would not let her go. Not until he had his say.

"My title be damned," he swore, voice raw with emotion. "I don't care about an heir. If I had to choose my home or you, I'd pick you a thousand times over."

Caled's shoulder hunched slightly, a choked noise coming from her throat.

He pulled back slightly, wanting to see her. When she did not look up, he hooked a finger under her chin. Seeing the baffled expression on her face caused another pang in his chest. Did she really not believe him?

Slowly, so as not to alarm her, he trailed his hand down her body. His fingers grazed the shape of the scar dominating her torso. His eyes held hers, marveling at the way they still flashed in her distressed state. He rested his palm on her belly, covering both scars.

"I said it before," he murmured. "You're beautiful, coramin. Why would I want anyone other than you? Why would I want a woman who wishes to do nothing more than manage a household? Why when I can love a woman who threatens to shove a fireball down my shirt as often as she looks at me?"

Legolas felt the muscles of her stomach jerk with a suppressed laugh. Gaining confidence by the way she was slowly relaxing, he moved his hand to trace the scar that lead down her thigh. His other hand cupped the back of her head, tilting it up to his slightly. "I said I didn't care about what happened," he repeated, his voice dropping. "I mean it. You're not 'used.' You're as pure as the moonlight in Lorien."

An odd thing happened then. From the depths of her crimson eyes came a flash of gold.

A smile tugged the corner of his mouth. "And as feisty as a Balrog."

Caled had hardly let out a quiet laugh before Legolas lowered his head. He paused just before reaching his intended goal, waiting for her permission.

Again there was a flash of gold from her eyes. Then her hands reached up to cup his face. Raising up on her toes, she pressed her lips to his in a hesitant kiss.

Legolas had to hold back a moan. After wanting to kiss her for so long, doing so felt like a dream. No. Dreams did not make him wish he could die simply to preserve that moment.

They pulled back briefly to catch their breath. Caled bit her lip again, accidentally ripping into the skin again. Instinctively Legolas leaned in, drawing her lip between his and gently sucking the small wound. Caled gasped at the sudden sensation. Her hands speared into his hair, gripping it.

An strange heat rushed over the two of them. A green flame was circling around them, spiraling from the ground to circle around their heads. Caled broke away when she saw it, face aflame with shame at losing control. The flame dispersed harmlessly.

Legolas chuckled, drawing her back to him. "No harm done," he assured her when she quickly looked him over for any burns.

She groaned, shaking her head. "This will take getting used to," she muttered, shivering as the wind blew.

Legolas mentally scolded himself. He bent down and retrieved her dress and cloak. "Get back in your clothes, woman," he said, teasingly. "You'll catch cold." Even as she rolled her eyes, Legolas saw the goose bumps that dotted her skin from the cold.

The sun was rising, the sky now bleeding from blue to red on the horizon. When Caled had adjusted the last of her clothes, Legolas reached for her again. This time she leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist. They enjoyed simply holding one another, hearing only the sounds of the stirring wild life. The festival must had wound down at some point.

Reluctantly, Legolas said, "Come. Mornie will be wondering where we are."

Caled made an agreeing noise, stepping away. As Legolas turned in direction of the town, Caled latched onto his hand. When he looked down at her in question, she gave a small smile. "Know what?" she whispered.

"What, coramin?"

She now grinned at the word. Skipping onto her tiptoes, she pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

"I think I love you, Legolas."

His eyes widened, whether at the confession or from hearing his name from her lips was anyone's guess. Then a grin split his face. He swooped down on her, lifting her into the air and spinning around.

The quiet dawn was shattered by their ringing laughter.

A. N.- Mwahaha! SAP SAP SAP! Happy yet?

Song is Over my Head (Cable Car) by The Fray. While writing the dance scene this song popped up on my playlist and I thought it was perfect. Forgive the modern mentions, i.e., 'in a cable car.'