Ahh…it's late. Sorry. I shall try for more punctuality next time!

Thank you to my lovelies: Maid of Imladris, Song in the woods, Mistress Hikari, ILoveBooksForever, Harteramo, Koizumii and afina . kedavra (sorry for the spaces in your name, but the document manager auto-deletes it otherwise…). Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Also, I think I'll leave the edited chapters until I've finished the story – I'm sure you'd all prefer new chapters rather than wait the horribly long time it'll take for me to check all the previous ones and repost them. So, yeah. Sorry about that. I did try, which is why I took so long this time…

Disclaimer: Oh. Um… I own nothing that I don't and do own stuff that I do. I'm definitely not trying to lay any kind of claim to anything I don't own. Mostly stuff belongs to other people.

.oOo.

To Be A Girl In Middle-Earth

Chapter 28: Horses and Will and Horses…and horses…and some more horses…

---

Then there was a Talk.

Gandalf must have picked up some of my subtlety and persuasion, because so far he'd managed to convince the King into nothing. Great, that, considering we kind of had to get out of here. Fast.

Because really, even though the walls of this place looked sturdy, I'd kind of blown it to pieces, and there was a better defensive place out there, even if it meant we couldn't run if things got nasty: Helm's Deep.

I really wasn't looking forward to that at all. More fighting. Way to mess up our holiday plans in Edoras.

Wait, it had been building up to war already? Really? I'd never noticed.

Back to the riveting conversation.

"You must fight."

And at those words, the King and the Ranger argued. At least, that's what it would've looked like to any passers-by.

In reality, Aragorn offered advice, and Théoden's pride got in the way of heeding it.

Such is life when you're an arrogant King.

At least, probably.

I'm not too sure, since I'm not one, myself. You get that.

As it was, our side (I side with the trusty Ranger, if it isn't already obvious – even though he has a tendency to misjudge the size of hills) got out advice ignored.

"Hey, hey…" I began, stepping forward. "Gandalf didn't mean for you to fight with us you know–"

The King's irate glare turned on me in an instant. I swallowed, stepping back quietly. Théoden turned back to boring holes in Aragorn instead.

So. We get glared at. Fantastic.

"I will not risk open war."

"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not," the Ranger said, still trying to press his point. It didn't seem to be working.

"When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan," Théoden growled.

Barely-masked insults. Lovely.

Silence filled the hall.

Gimli burped, and I tried to smother my giggles with my fists. Because this was all very serious business, you know. I bet if I laughed I'd be decapitated or something.

Deep breaths, Víra, deep breaths and no laughing – we like having our head atop our shoulders.

If only Aragorn was a shiny white Wizard of awesome, then maybe Mister King would pay attention!

Oh, no, wait, we already had one of those, and he wasn't getting anywhere either. Great.

"Trying not to insult Kings is really hard," I mumbled.

And of course, Legolas heard me. With the deathly silence, his Elf-ears and the fact that I was right next to him, I'd be very surprised if he didn't.

"That you are trying is an admirable start, Víra," he said quietly. "You can only improve from this point forth."

"I…guess," I replied. "It's a bit difficult when he's being so stupid and arrogant and bluntly refusing whatever Aragorn says. Idiot. He's even trying to have a childish staring contest now."

"Ah. You have regressed." The Elf glanced down and smiled. "I shall have to take back my words."

"Eh." I waved an uncaring hand. "Plenty of time to fix that, plenty of time."

"Also, Víra," Legolas added as an afterthought. "Should you call such a competition 'childish'? It would be something you would enjoy doing, would it not?"

"Exactly." I grinned.

The main glaring seemed to be reaching a conclusion, so I decided to pay attention. To my expected disappointment, Aragorn was backing down.

I don't think I was even clear what they were fighting about anymore – they both seemed to want the same thing. I suppose it was a slightly different means to an end or something?

Just make up your mind already! I thought. It's not that hard! Protect the people!

Gandalf stepped forward. I noticed that he'd left his staff leaning against the wall – probably to stop himself from knocking some sense into the King and future-King, Víra style.

"Then what is the King's decision?" he asked, firmly.

Thank you, Wizard-mum, for intervening with your no-nonsense voice before things got nasty. Now we can hopefully get somewhere.

"We shall ride…for Helm's Deep."

Seems like I'd tuned in at the right time then!

"Excellent idea!" I exclaimed brightly. At this point, I think I would have praised him even if he'd ordered us to dance around in animal costumes and eat chairs. "Let's get going then, shall we?"

Looks like those guest rooms wouldn't be being used by us just yet.

And here I'd been looking forward to a comfy bed. I guess I'd just have to take out my 'frustration' on some Orcs later.

Win some, lose some.

On the topic of fighting…I hadn't done so in a few days, either. I was surprised to realize that I missed sparring with Aragorn and Legolas. Gandalf had also wanted to 'test' me, whatever that entailed. Probably more fighting.

But, I guess we had some more important things going on right now. Like saving Rohan.

I'd have to bite back my words about having plenty of time.

Plenty of time?

Hell no.

We probably had about five minutes to empty an entire city of people and safely put them in a mountain nearly a hundred miles from here.

Five. Whole. Minutes.

Wish us luck!

We'd need it.

---

Everything started moving all at once. Háma and the other guards began to rush about outside and inside, shouting and trying to get everyone organised. It was as hectic as a chicken coop filled with snakes.

I stared to edge my way out of the hall. Slowly. I had things to grab, and whenever I had something to do in these situations, people always did their best to prevent me from getting to where I had to go by giving me odd jobs.

Legolas watched me silently. I put my finger to my lips and silently begged for him not to point out the weird Víra to other people. He looked a little confused, but nodded.

I continued my hasty edging.

I'd just reached one of the side doors and was turning around to dart through it when I heard a shout from behind me.

"Víralairë! Where are you, child!?" the Wizard shouted.

I grimaced and sheepishly raised my hand into the air. "Here, Gandalf."

He strode over easily. Even though they were in a rush, everyone made note of his position and scurried out of his way.

"What are you doing?" he asked when he'd reached me.

"I'm not running away at all Mister Wizard Sir!" I said immediately, and then stopped after meeting his stern look. "But you weren't accusing me of that, were you…?"

He continued to look at me. I felt like a naughty child in front of a disapproving schoolteacher.

"I, uh, I wanted to go get my weapons and my pack and things and be ready to go–" his expression didn't change, "And, um, help other people get ready then?"

Silence.

I felt my palms starting to sweat. "But…is there anything you want me to do first, Gandalf? Because I'll get right on that right away right now, I promise!"

"Wildcat," the Wizard said finally. I stood to attention. "Child, I simply wished to say 'take care', before I am robbed of the chance to do so."

"…Oh."

That's right, he was leaving.

"Indeed, you have a habit of making more of a situation than is necessary," he sighed. "I did not have the time to test you yet again, it seems. All is moving too fast and too swiftly for things to be orderly and precise the way we want them to be. What we wish for is not what is always granted to us. In fact, very rarely is that the case."

I got my head round that speech after blinking a few times – and nodded. Beyond him, Legolas and Gimli were delicately weaving and elbowing their respective ways through the crowd toward us, with Aragorn not far behind.

The Wizard must have noticed their approach, because he put his hand on my shoulder and said quickly: "Keep them safe, Víralairë. They need you, and Rohan needs all of you, more than is cared to be admitted." He glanced over at Théoden.

I nodded again. "Good luck with your job too, Gandalf." I chose my next words carefully as the others neared. "You'll find what you need. I know you will."

The Wizard smiled warmly as he took his hand away. "Thank you, child."

I grinned, and ducked around the corner.

"Gandalf!" I could hear Gimli calling as I broke into a run. "What is this errand of which you speak? Tell us!"

Oh, you'll find out eventually, Dwarf, I thought, dodging around a focused-looking man in a helmet. You trust him enough for that, don't you?

No matter how much the people of Rohan would think it strange that the Wizard was leaving, we would stand by him. For one thing, I knew where he was going. And for another, I don't think I'd ever know him to speak a lie.

Trustworthy almighty powerful Wizard. Sounds good to me.

Better than the other, more Saruman-y kind.

I reached the hallway where my rooms (ex-rooms now?) were, still running. There were more people around than I'd ever seen before – where had they all been hiding up until now?

And because of the semi-panic, no one seemed to be taking any notice of me and my freaky eyes, which was good.

…It was also bad, in a way, because no-one got out of my way anymore.

Ah well.

I headed for my door, not really looking where I was going, since I was only here for one purpose, and I had to be fast, because no matter what Gandalf had already said I wanted to be there to see him off or I'd feel bad.

That reminds me, I probably need to discharge some lightning sometime soon, I thought as I turned to enter my door. I guess I could do that on the wa–

–I hit the wall.

It let out a startled yelp, which was very confusing, since I was sure walls weren't meant to do that.

"Ouch…" I groaned, staggering backwards and clutching my head. What the…? I'm sure I'm not stupid enough to misjudge the position of a wall… Actually, it was rather soft to be made of stone…

I looked up.

Will stared down at me, wincing slightly.

Ah.

"Apologies, Víra," he said with a smile. "I did not see you approach. I supposed that ought to be so – I have heard the speed of Elves is unmatched, after all."

"…I was behind a wall, Will."

"I know. I was trying for a compliment," he replied smoothly. He held out a bundle toward me, which I just blinked at. "I thought you would want them as soon as I heard our King's announcement. I have your pack, also."

"Ohh, right, weapons," I said, taking them from him. "Thank you."

"You are most welcome." He unshouldered my travelling pack and waited patiently as I strapped my blades and quiver on my back and adjusted my daggers. My bow in one hand, I held out the other for my bag.

Having everything on my back again was strangely awkward, even though it had only been a few hours since I'd been carrying it all. I'd get used to it again soon enough.

"I look forward to seeing you fight with those," Will told me. "You must have some skill to carry all those with you."

I stopped fiddling with the bag straps and considered him a moment. "…Why?" I asked finally.

He looked confused – a slight drawing together of his eyebrows that didn't take anything away from his face. Like Elfy, it seemed impossible for this guy to ever look bad. "About what are you asking?"

"Why did you get my stuff for me? And what's with all the attempted flattery?" I scowled. "Because now really isn't the time, you know."

"I am aware. As I said before, I thought you would want your belongings as soon as was possible." He grinned. "Your attempts at escaping the hall were looking to be futile, so I thought I would assist you. At these times, no-one questions a determined-looking man in armour."

"I'm sure there were more important things for you to be doing, but okay, whatever," I reasoned. I was starting to get impatient – although I wanted to stay and talk with Will, I needed to get out there to say bye to Gandalf…

"You should not frown so, Víra – a smile is many times more becoming of the beauty of an Elf."

My scowl deepened. I could feel the coil of embarrassment that always came upon hearing stupid flattery begin to crawl its way up out of my stomach. "I'm not an Elf. Only a third Elf. The other bits are Human and Evil, so scowling remains valid."

He ignored me, still smiling. "As for the expressions of admiration…" He leaned towards me and lowered his voice so it went a bit husky. "It is because you are even prettier when you blush, Víra-Elf."

And of course, my face flared with embarrassment.

He grinned.

My tongue stopped working, glued to the roof of my mouth somehow. Will's grin grew ever wider as he bowed and excused himself.

…What.

I stood there, slightly stunned, thinking about what a stupid idiot he was as I tried to make my body obey what my head was screaming at it to do.

After I had gained control of my voice again I glared after his retreating figure.

"It's third-Elf, got that!?" I shouted, my ears hot.

"That changes not the truth of my words, my lady third-Elf!" he called back as he rounded the corner.

For a while after he had gone, I just remained in place, looking at my toes and willing the heat of my face to go away, go away, go away…

Much like the people who had stopped to stare, even with their impending doom and everything.

Go away, go away, go away…

Lightning zipped over my arms and crackled around my hands, which I'd balled into fists. Yep, I'd probably need to go blast something soon.

I really had to work on a less severe way to expresses my embarrassment. Probably, it would also be a good idea before I saw him again, to suppress the urge to whack the guy upside his head.

That could lead to some awkward situations, depending on who saw. Explanations are really not my thing.

Jeez! Legolas never did this to me, damn it! Yes he made me fuzzy in my stomach, but Will made me fuzzy in my head as well! It was ridiculous! His flattery wasn't even proper… And it was so clichéd!

…ARGH!

Why couldn't Elfy be the one to say things like that!?

Because he's an Elf, I told myself sharply. And he doesn't like you that way.

I didn't think Will did either, considering he'd only known me for a few hours and had already tried to kill me once. I was pretty sure he was just teasing – I had a friend like that back on Earth.

Although…that friend hadn't tried to kill me, so maybe that made a difference? I had no idea. I also wasn't a third-Elf back on Earth.

But still. Pretty sure he was teasing. Pretty sure.

'Back on Earth'…heh. Made me sound like an alien.

Okay.

I'd been standing there like an unusual statue for five minutes already – maybe it'd be a good idea to get going.

I took a deep breath, made sure that I'd settled enough to not fall over if I started to move, and bolted.

Running cleared my head. I'd made sure to go in the opposite direction to Will, and somehow I managed to avoid running into him again before I reached the giant front hall. I spied Gandalf leading my three companions out the doors and began to make my way through the crowd. Most of the townspeople were outside anyway, so the group of people inside were slowly thinning as those who dwelled in the Halls of Meduseld gathered their provisions and departed. Still, quite a few people remained to dodge around, as well as tables where unneeded items had been stowed for attempted protection.

Better inside than outside, I guess.

And we were all going outside. Aren't we clever?

But hey, we had sharp pointy things and a walking nuke in the form of a sixteen-year-old-girl. We'd be totally safe.

Really.

By the time I reached the doors, the four had already started off down the slopes toward one of the vast stables. It was getting more and more difficult to reach them. Everyone was crowding around outside and there were horses out and about now too, along with their helmeted riders. Sensing the rising panic, they seemed a bit on edge as I nervously passed by – although their masters seemed to mostly have them under control.

Probably. As far as I could tell. I'm not a horse person.

As anyone would be able to see, if they cared to watch me carefully tiptoe past them all.

I saw the flash of Gandalf's white cloak vanish as they entered the stables. I bit my lip – would I make it?

My lightning crackled.

"Ah, to hell with it!" I yelled, and began to run, screaming all the way down.

They all look at me like I was mad, but at least they got out of the way.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH– Stop!" I shouted when I reached the stable doors, skidding to a halt in the dust, arms outstretched and waving in an attempt to maintain upright stability.

Flap, flap, flap, flap…flap…there. Alrighty then.

Regaining my balance, I looked around. A couple of the Rohan stablemen were frozen in place, staring at me openly. Their skittish horses danced back and forth on their lead ropes, anxiously tugging at them.

I guess I freaked both species out but with varying reactions?

This was like a social science experiment on drugs.

Actually, most of my interactions with people could be classified as such.

Facing the stunned men I bowed politely.

"Wildcat at your service!" I exclaimed, beaming. Then I nodded sharply and entered the building.

Ducking away from a horse I waved hi to Legolas and darted past him, still not too sure of myself after the episode with Will. Gimli was busy being wary of the lovely beasts so I left him to it and kept walking straight to the back.

"Three hundred lives of Men I've walked this earth, and now I have no time," Gandalf was saying as I approached. "With luck, my search will not be in vain."

"It won't be," I said firmly. Covering the last few steps as quickly as I could I practically threw myself at the Wizard in a hug as big as I could make it without accidentally attacking him with my bow. "You've got lots of luck. You even came back from death once already. But still…good luck."

"I wish you luck also, child," the Wizard murmured, his free arm around my shoulders in a kind of half-hug that was still filled with warmth. I stepped back, smiling, blinking back the stupid tears in my eyes. Showed how brave I was about this upcoming battle, didn't it?

I'm so pathetic.

With his staff, he tapped me gently on the head. "Take care."

I scrubbed at my eyes and grinned. "We will!"

He mounted Shadowfax and turned to Aragorn, who stood aside to let them pass. "Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day," the Wizard told him as his farewell. "At dawn, look to the east."

Aragorn nodded. "Go."

I backed up against a wooden post as white Wizard and white horse raced past, seeming to go from standing still to super fast in the blink of an eye. Legolas and Gimli also had to jump back as he galloped by – I heard a few shouts from outside and guessed that the same thing was probably happening out there too.

I walked over to the Dwarf and the Elf.

"And so he leaves us yet again," Gimli huffed.

"Yeah," I said. "But at least he's alive this time, right?"

"Truer words were never spoken," Legolas agreed.

"Enough melancholy!" the Dwarf said after a moment's silence. "Back to these horses! Must I ride one of these creatures again?"

"Absolutely." I patted him on the shoulder. "If I have to, you have to."

"That is not fair, lass!" Gimli grumbled. "You are higher off the ground than I! Used to it, you are! I like being on the ground – my feet are sturdy, and are not partial to rearing up at any given moment!"

At his words, the closest horse snorted into his ear.

I swear I have never seen the Dwarf jump so far since. He was halfway across the stables and out the door almost as fast as Shadowfax had been moments earlier.

"You'll get used to it!" I called after him then squealed as I felt warm breath down the back of my neck.

I whirled around with a glare, ready to face whatever horse had dared to do that.

As it was, my glare only intensified.

"Aragorn! What was that for!?"

The Ranger stepped back and grinned. "One should not speak of conquering fears which one has not conquered yet themselves," he said, mock sternly. "Legolas, go fetch Master Gimli – we cannot part from him in this mass of people or we will not see him for some time. Go."

The Elf nodded, and left, weaving effortlessly through the people of Rohan in search of his friend. No doubt he could see him clearly, and was just picking the best route to get to him.

"Ah, to have Elf-eyes," I sighed.

"Whenever you are in need of such sight, I do not think he will hesitate to oblige you, Víra," Aragorn said carefully. Someone came up and gave him a saddle, which was partly what we were here for, apart from seeing Gandalf off. They must not have trusted me with one, because I was left out.

Thankfully. I wouldn't have known what to do with the thing.

"Mm, he's kind like that, isn't he?" I agreed.

Aragorn snorted.

I glanced up at him. "What was that for?"

"Ah. I seem to have some grass seed caught in my throat," he said, turning away and sniffling loudly. "Give me but a moment, I will be fine."

…Oookay. Random.

I thought that was my job.

Anyway, standing here with nothing to do except get strange comments from Aragorn was making me fidgety – not to mention I was getting sick of dodging horses – so I decided to try my luck in the outside world.

Surely I would be less in the way there. It's a larger space with more room to put things, for one.

So I wished Aragorn luck in finding our horses and walked outside into the sunshine…

…Where it was just as crowded, if not more, because everyone was carting around belongings and not just horses.

Although, horses are pretty big, mind you, and there were plenty of them in the stables.

Trying to reach a comparison here just isn't working. I'll move on.

The stablemen from before were still there, but this time they were moving, and with different horses. I waited a few minutes for someone to give me something to do, rocking back and forth on my feet and swaying from side to side.

"Nothing…" I hummed tunelessly. "Nothing, nothing, nothing…"

Once again, the stablemen looked at me like I was nutty.

Which I am. Completely insane. Ask that giant squirrel over there, he knows.

I look freaky and act freaky – no wonder people weren't asking me to do stuff!

Revelation, here! It's amazing!

"I think I'll just go back inside and find Aragorn, since Elfy and the Dwarf are nowhere to be seen. Good day!" I waved to the bemused-looking men before darting back inside again.

"Aragorn!" I called, reaching the end of the row of pillars that lined the stables. "Hey look, this continues around the corner! I wondered where all those extra horses and people were coming from. Aragorn!"

Another revelation – I talk to myself when there's no one around that I know. My sanity levels are rising, definitely.

"Aaaaragooorrrnn–! No wait, that sounds like I'm calling a naughty kid. I'll stop that now. Thank you." I nodded to a stableman and a horse who'd heard me mumbling to myself and backed out of the way. "Insanity is not catching, so you'll be fine."

I think.

Nearly all the horses in this part of the stable had been saddled and taken out – only a few were left. I peered through the semi-gloom and spotted Aragorn down the far end, heading towards me. I waved at him and he nodded back.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of gold. I turned around to see what it was and came face to face with Éowyn. And the grey horse she was leading.

"Ah. Hi," I said. "What are you doing down here?"

"Helping," she said, looking pointedly at my arms full of nothing. She passed the lead rope to a waiting man. "I do what I can to assist."

"Well, I'm pretty useless, so you should feel pretty good about that, Lady Éowyn."

I felt smug. Which is unusual, because I'd basically just insulted myself. She should be the one who was feeling superior–

Hang on, I thought. What if–

Someone roughly shoved me aside.

"Look out!"

I spun around, eyes wide, and backed up, just as a pair of angry hooves landed where I'd been standing. I stopped moving away once I'd hit a post-pillar-thing beside Éowyn.

"See?" I gasped to her. "Useless and scared of horses."

"You would not make a fine Lady of Rohan, certainly," Éowyn said with a small smile.

I smiled back, shakily.

But still with the annoyingly smug feeling. What the hell?

The horse continued to rear up, flicking out with his front hooves, scared of something. He seemed like he was able to smell the fear of the people around him even more acutely than the rest of the horses, and it was affecting him greatly. Two men were struggling to keep him down, a rope on either side of his bridle.

Giving his saddle to a passing stableman, Aragorn stepped up to the challenge.

"That horse is half mad, my lord! There is nothing you can do – leave him!" the man called out.

Éowyn and I watched with interest as the Ranger bluntly ignored him and focused on the horse, grabbing one of the ropes from the men and taking over.

"What does he think to do?" the lady murmured to me, eyes fixated on the scene.

I was seriously worried for her. Aragorn was awesome, yes, but really… He had Arwen already.

"Just watch," I said knowingly.

She flickered her gaze at me briefly – a surge of jealously welled in my chest, then died down as she returned her attention to Aragorn, who had begun to whisper to the horse in Elvish, calming him.

What…was all that about? I squinted at the lady as she continued to watch the Ranger. Little shivers of the aforementioned feeling were oozing down the back of my neck as I did so.

Hm.

I frowned, and turned my eyes back to Aragorn, although I wasn't really focused on what he was doing (which was more horse-whispering, taking off one of the ropes, and gently petting him).

All these weird emotions weren't mine. I was sure of that now. But if they weren't, then…

…No.

That couldn't be right, could it?

I refused to believe it. This was not a science-fiction novel. Or a supernatural futuristic story.

I mean, we had to walk everywhere, pretty much, unless there were horses. Futuristic it definitely was not.

But still.

People didn't just go around suddenly developing psychic emotional-sensory fairytale powers.

Then again, I wasn't exactly what would be considered a person, now was I?

Aw, hell.

Still didn't believe it though. It'd be extremely annoying and get in the way an awful lot. Not happening. No not ever never.

Another discovery – it is quite easy to convince myself of something by repeating it over and over in my head. No wonder Sauron got into my mind so easily…

"His name is Brego," I heard someone say. "He was my cousin's horse."

While I'd been thinking, Éowyn had disappeared from beside me and popped up over with Aragorn. Brego was almost fully calmed by now.

"Man le trasta, Brego? Man cenich? (What troubles you, Brego? What did you see?)" the Ranger whispered.

"Probably me," I mumbled, turning away as Éowyn began to question him.

Poor Aragorn, I thought. Being the object of her admiration and not knowing exactly how to deal with it must be tough.

I'd leave him to it.

Slowly, very slowly, I began to walk away.

"Turn this fellow free," Aragorn said loudly from behind me. "He's seen enough of war. If you will excuse me, I must see to it that the Wildcat does not get herself lost."

I heard him take his gear from the stableman. Then he smoothly fell into step beside me without saying another word.

I glanced back, and cringed at the stiff-jawed look Éowyn was sending after us. Particularly me.

Ouch. Misplaced jealousy much? Although, I didn't blame Aragorn for unintentionally using me as a scapegoat: he really didn't have time right now for this kind of relationship drama.

It wouldn't hurt me to take note of that fact as well.

Stupid Will!

I sighed heavily as the two of us reached the entrance.

"Troubled, Víra?"

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the Elf's unexpected appearance. Where the hell had he come from!?

Stupid Legolas!

"You scared me!" I gasped. Too many things had surprised me these past few hours – maybe it was Scare Víra Day. "Did you find Gimli?"

The Elf stepped to one side, gesturing to the nervous Dwarf who was standing well back from the stables and eyeing everything like a horse was about to jump out from behind it.

I understand you perfectly, I thought dryly. It wasn't just magically-appearing horses I was afraid of though…

I sighed again. Legolas looked concerned, so I quickly told him not to worry.

"Shall we depart then, if we all are ready?" Aragorn asked.

"Woo! Finally!" I punched the air. Taking a deep breath, I raised my foot to begin walking down the hill.

A pair of gentle but firm hands on my shoulders stopped me in my tracks.

"Wrong direction, melda," Legolas murmured into my ear.

Too close! I felt myself slowly beginning to blush. "O-okay. Which way, then?"

I hopped around on one foot as the Elf turned my shoulders to face me the right way. Beyond a throng people, I could see Hasufel and Arod tethered to a post. Aragorn and Gimli were already headed over there.

"Ah," I said intelligently.

The Elf let go of my shoulders and stepped around me to lead the way through the crowd, thankfully not looking back and – even more thankfully – not noticing the look on my face. I darted after him.

Damn it!

Stupid Will and stupid Elfy, yeah…

But stupid me most of all!

This is going to be a looong, awkward road trip, I thought tiredly.

I ducked around yet another horse, which snorted at me before continuing on.

…Maybe even longer than I'd thought, because I was seriously considering walking.

Walking is good.

Safe.

Bugger – I was starting to sound like Gimli.

.oOo.

And they're finally off! I managed to make the place they spend the shortest time into the bit with the most chapters. I have no idea how my head works anymore…

No one mentioned anything about wanting Víra to have a birthday…so I'm assuming no then? Hm…

I wait with bated breath to hear from you all! I love to hear your thoughts! Appreciation! Suggestions! Oi-LeD-something-doesn't-make-sense-here-ness! Much cookies and chocolate and Elf-shinys shall be given!

So, please review! Review, review, review!

-LeD :)