If you haven't yet found out, I just started writing one shot clips of this story called: Strange Gifts - One Shots. The first one has been posted if your interested in reading and following along. Thank you to the two readers that were kind enough to check it out right away.

LDiana - You might be right on the ball!

ro781727 - in response to your latest review, so am I.

- S


- Chapter 53 -


To say Shyloh was excited about meeting the Lord and Lady of the Goldenwood was a misconception; she was terribly nervous. Her hands ran over the smooth blue fabric of her gown with trembling fingers. The wind caught the tips of her loose white hair, making the curls dance as she stood next to Elladan and Elrohir on the dais; their tall frames making her look like a shrimp. Arwen stood on her other side; looking perfect and calm in every way.

At the top of the steps, bathed in white, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel descended with fluid like gracefulness she knew she would never be able to pull off in a million years. They smiled serenely and Shyloh practically froze in place. The elleth before her was so familiar in a sense that Shyloh was literally glued to the spot, and any words she had ready to say disappeared from her thoughts completely.

"No need for words my dear," the elleth said sweetly, as if she'd known what Shyloh had been thinking, and she stepped towards the Princess almost eagerly. When the Lady wrapped her arms around Shyloh's shoulders, then she really froze out of pure shock. With jerky like movements she embraced the elleth back, and when Lady Galadriel stepped back, her smile had grown.

"Long have I desired to meet you," she said, and her voice struck Shyloh as extremely familiar. "I am pleased this moment has finally come at last."

Shyloh blinked in surprise and fumbled for her words as Galadriel squeezed her hands gently and reassuringly. "It – It is a pleasure meeting you as well, although, you seem so familiar, as if we've met before?"

We have met, but not in the flesh.

The silvery thread drifted across her mind and realization hit Shyloh like a brick.

"It was you," she breathed. "You're the one I've heard."

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged glances with each other which did not go unnoticed by the Lady.

"Indeed, although I fear my grandsons are not overly pleased with that revelation."

"We are sure you had your reasons, daernaneth," Elladan said gently, but Shyloh could hear an edge to his tone.

"We are pleased that you made it safe and sound," said Lord Celeborn as he stepped toward his wife, who willingly stepped aside, and he surprised Shyloh by taking her right hand gently in his and kissing her fingers. "Welcome back to the family," he said as he drew back.

Shyloh's face reddened a little. "Thank you, and thank you for letting me stay for a little while."

"No 'thank you's' are needed, although I fear my wife will attempt to keep you as long as possible. Already we have learned much about you from our son and grandsons," Celeborn explained.

It took her a minute to realize that when he said 'son' that he was referring to Lord Elrond, who in fact, was their son-in-law. She also didn't know what he meant by keeping her in Lorien as long as possible, but she'd have to ask her siblings later on.

"I've heard a lot about you two as well," Shyloh said, still blushing at their warm welcome.

"What do you think of Lothlorien so far?" asked Celeborn, raising his eyebrows.

"So far it is absolutely incredible," she gushed. "The descriptions and stories I've been told about it don't do it justice. Definitely something you need to see with your own two eyes."

Celeborn looked pleased by that and Galadriel's smile widened.

"Come," the Lady said and she drew an arm around Shyloh's shoulders tenderly, like a mother would a daughter that she hasn't seen in a long time. "Let us talk over supper."


Dinner lasted much longer than it usually would have, and eventually they adjourned to a separate sitting area to enjoy wine and light snacks. They asked Shyloh dozens of questions, and she in return asked her share. The twins filled the void with their own input and happenings in Rivendell, much to Arwen's enjoyment.

Unsurprisingly, Lord Celeborn excused himself and the twins after a while. Shyloh figured they had more meetings to attend to and as they bid the Ladies a pleasant evening, Shyloh watched them go with a little bit of irritation. She didn't know why, but she assumed she would have been part of the meetings Haldir mentioned the day before.

Who are you to be offering information? Shyloh blinked as her own chastisement caught her off guard. She was hardly experienced enough to be included in such conversations anyway, nor had she ever been involved in such meetings before.

Galadriel was watching her with a soft smile upon her lips, and the conversation turned over to more feminine topics that Shyloh tried so hard to follow along with.

"Do you miss Rivendell?" Galadriel asked her after a while.

Shyloh kind of melted at the question. "Yes," she sighed, then turned to Arwen. "I don't know how you stay away from home for so long."

A smile spread across Arwen's fair face. "You are still young yet," she said. "After a few thousand years, a hundred doesn't seem like so very long at all. But yes, I do miss home as well."

"When are you planning on going back?" asked Shyloh between sips of her light wine.

"In a few years I expect," Arwen said. She took a piece of cheese off the platter and nibbled on the edge of it.

"I would hardly wish to part with either of you when you decide to leave," Galadriel said. "I know your stay will not be quite so long Shyloh, but I do hope you enjoy your time here, and that you learn as much as possible."

"I hope so too."


A knock on her door the next morning pulled Shyloh out of bed a lot earlier than she was hoping. The sun was up, however, the wine she had the night before seemed to be taking its toll on her energy level. Donning a robe, she tied it around her waist with a firm yank and opened the door. Waiting out in the hall was Elladan, and this shocked her as much as the tray he was holding in his hands did.

"Breakfast," he said and raised it up for a better look.

She raised her eyebrows and placed a hand on her hip. "Ah, they finally demoted you have they?" she joked and he gave her a slick smile.

"A peace offering," he stated.

Pressing her lips together unconvinced, she opened the door wider for him and he stepped inside and headed straight for the table.

"You weren't still sleeping were you?" he asked, his eyes drifting over the messy bed as he passed it.

She rolled her eyes and closed the door behind her.

"Just catching up on my rest," she replied easily.

He hummed a reply and then sank down onto a chair as if he were inviting himself to join her for breakfast.

"I believe you wanted to make a peace offering?" she teased as she sat opposite him. Breaking her muffin in half, she offered him some.

He took it, but didn't dive right in to eating. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you." The tone in his voice almost seemed hesitant and he set the muffin down on the table.

Placing her fork back down, she shoved the tray away and crossed her arms in front of her on the table top.

"I knew there would be a catch," she said diplomatically.

He raised his hands in defense. "I only wanted to talk to you about earlier."

Settling back in her seat, she forgot all about the food he brought her. Crossing one leg over the other, she waited for him to just say it out loud.

"Alright," she sighed. "Spill it." He gave her an accusatory look before looking down at his hands.

"I know I said it the other day," he sighed. "But I just wanted to say again how deeply sorry I am that I sent you away like that."

"Elladan -,"

"Just wait," he interrupted. "I had no idea if Boss would listen to me or not, especially since he did not listen to my commands when it came to crossing the river but, when I saw you two sprinting away, I could not tell if I made the right decision or if I just condemned you two to death. When those Wildmen showed up out of nowhere, I knew we wouldn't be able to cross the river quickly enough to get to you. All I could think about was getting you out of there as fast as possible."

He paused and fell silent. She took a steadying breath and twisted her fingers in her lap. It wasn't hard to hear the pain in his voice.

"I just wanted you to know, that I take full responsibility for everything. I should have never left you on the other side of the river alone like that. I was just hoping Boss would follow. When Legolas told us what he had to do to get you to cross, I almost kicked myself for not thinking of that myself."

"Wait, you talked to Legolas already?" Her eyes snapped up but he gave her a stern look.

"Of course I did," he said firmly. "He told us everything that happened from the moment he found you to the moment you walked through the gates of Caras Galadhon."

She let out an annoyed groan and his eyes hardened.

"Something tells me you might not have been so honest about your trip."

She scowled. "That's hardly fair," she snapped. "I wouldn't have lied to you, and you didn't even ask."

"No, but I think you would have bent the truth. You don't like people fussing over you or making a big deal out of things, but this is serious business Shyloh, and Elrohir and I have every right to know exactly what happened. You're welcome to tell us your side, but we've known Legolas a long time and trust his word."

"So Legolas' word is now gold and you don't trust me?"

"That's not what I said and you know it."

"Might as well have. You never even asked me what happened."

"Legolas told us everything that you did," he said quickly then raised his eyebrows questioningly. "Unless you left something out?"

He peered at her expectantly and she clenched her jaw together. No, she'd told Legolas everything right down to killing the Dunlendings horse and where she stayed during the long, lonely nights.

"I didn't leave anything out."

He nodded, satisfied with her answer. "As far as the horse," he started but she interrupted.

"The horse stays and that's final," she snapped.

He held up a hand and brushed her words aside. "The issues with the horse will be resolved in due time -,"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"-but Elrohir and I have talked with our Grandfather and Haldir, and the two of you will begin your training in one week," he held up a hand to stop her from interrupting. "Adar agrees, especially given how things played out on our trip here."

"One week?"

"That'll give you enough time to settle in and get a little acclimated to life here. Haldir will write up a training schedule for you and you will stick to it like you did with Lord Glorfindel."

She shook her head. "I don't -,"

"It is not up for debate."

"I'm so glad you all had a pow wow without me," she snapped, rising to her feet. "And to top it off you then proceeded to plan out my schedule without even talking to me about it?"

"Legolas agrees with the training," he said, his tone suddenly softening as if that might make things better. It didn't, and she spun around angrily.

"I hardly think he should get any say in the matter." She put her hands on her hips and he stood up and leaned over the table toward her.

"He's your soulmate -,"

"He's not my betrothed, husband, or commanding officer," she argued. "He doesn't get a say in any of it."

Elladan fixed her with a hard look. "I understand you're upset with him, but after everything he's done for you -,"

"I'm well aware of all he's done -,"

"Then you should be a little more grateful and understanding of his position."

"Position? What position is that exactly?"

"He is the crowned Prince of an entire kingdom, a commanding officer of his King's army, a representative and diplomat of the Woodland Realm, a council member to the King, and the soulmate to a Princess of Rivendell," Elladan said, and his tone made her snap her mouth shut. "If he feels you could benefit from more training then I wouldn't disagree."

"I'm not denying I need more training, but you talk like I'm completely defenseless."

"You are not without skill," he sighed heavily. "But -,"

"We literally just arrived and within the few hours that I've been here you've already discussed my training with not one, not two, but four – maybe five – different people without even consulting me?"

"If you're going to be a warrior -,"

"That is not the point Elladan!"

"You were not experienced enough to be on your own, heck, you should not have even gone with the dwarves much less been allowed to fight in the battle at Erebor."

His words were like a slap in the face. "I am so glad you have all the confidence in the world in me," she retorted, her voice trembling.

"This is not a joking matter Shyloh, this can mean the difference between life and death."

"I know exactly what death is like Elladan, you do not need to remind me," she snorted.

"Then maybe you need to take this conversation a little more seriously," he snapped, his voice rising. "Because there are a lot of people here that would like to see you live longer than a few years, but at this rate you're going to get yourself killed before you even reach one hundred years of age in this world."

Her fuming glare was unrelenting and she crossed the threshold of her room and opened the door for him, clearly indicating this conversation was over, then she turned on her heel and disappeared into the wash room and slammed the door behind her, muttering something about not letting the door hit him on the way out as she passed by.

She pressed her back against the door and held her breath. After a moment, there was a soft knock but she refused to answer or acknowledge him in any way. He called her name gently, but when she didn't answer she could hear his retreating footsteps and the bedroom door closed.

Pressing her eyes closed tightly, she exhaled and sank down onto the wash room floor.


Shyloh stepped out hesitantly from her room, poking her head out first to make sure the coast was clear. The only ones she passed on the way down the covered walkway were a few servants, and they simply bowed to her as they went about their business. She had no idea if she had free reign or not, but decided to go anyway. No guards trailed after her so...

Praying she met no one else, she descended the tree and let the soles of her boots touch the forest floor quietly. Catching a passing guard, she quickly asked where she could find the stables and he pointed her in the general direction she needed to go. Thanking him sweetly, his face blushed a little before she turned and hurried off.

She needed some Boss time, desperately, plus she needed to check up on him since she hadn't said a proper farewell the other night, and she wanted to make sure he was settling in. Still angry with her brothers, she wasn't paying attention to where she was going and as she followed the path around a corner, she collided head first into someone else. A set of arms caught her as she stumbled and she was pressed into a firm chest.

"I'm sorry," she sputtered, then when she looked up, his blue-grey eyes shined with amusement.

"Quite alright my Princess," he said, and she blinked in surprise.

"Haldir! I'm so sorry," she gasped, and her face reddened. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

"No need to worry," he said as she stepped back. The guards that flanked him watched with both curiosity and amusement and her face reddened even more. "Are you heading to the training grounds?"

She blinked in confusion at first then shook her head and peered around. "Actually I was looking for the stables, but I believe I took a wrong turn somewhere."

He grinned and released her so she could step back once more.

"Afraid you've reached the training grounds," he said, looking back at the handful of troops that appeared to be done with their morning exercises.

She frowned. "I guess I did."

He turned and nodded to the ellyn that were watching their exchange, and without a word they disbursed and returned to talking among themselves, casting the two of them curious glances as they went about their business.

"Would you like me to show you to the stables?" he asked.

She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "I wouldn't want to take you away from anything."

"Nonsense," he said. "We were finished. I would be happy to show you the way." He adjusted the long bow in his hand and they fell into step together.

"Did training go well this morning?" she asked, attempting to strike up conversation.

"Indeed," he said. "I'm told you and I will be doing some training together soon."

Her face reddened again and she twisted her fingers together. "That's the rumor," she said with a tight smile.

They stepped down a different path. "I assume Lord Elladan and Lord Elrohir already spoke with you then?"

"You could say that," she said stiffly.

He raised his eyebrows but seemed to sense it was not something she wanted to talk about. "Are you planning on going for a ride?" he asked, as he looked down at her riding boots.

She followed his gaze to her tunic and leggings and then shrugged. "I really just wanted to check up on my horse," she admitted. "I wasn't planning on riding."

He nodded. "I see."

She felt guilty for not being in a more talkative mood but as the stables came into view her heart seemed to lighten a bit more.

"Is something troubling you my Lady?" he asked as he peered back down at her.

She pressed her lips together. "I'm sorry," she said, glancing up at him. "I'm probably not the best company right now."

"Anything I can do to help ease your troubles?" he asked and she smiled lightly.

"You already have," and she looked pointedly at the grand stables before them.

Taking her hint, he smiled in return and they walked the rest of the way together in silence. Upon entering the vaulted building, Shyloh's worries seemed to slowly melt away. The smell of horses to her was like the sweetest perfume in the world and she drank it in like a fine wine. He watched her smile grow and the tension in her shoulders seemed to dissipate. It wasn't hard for him to come to the observation that the stables would be her place of comfort.

"Haldir, I was not expecting you until this afternoon," the sable master said as he greeted them with a bow. His eyes swept over Shyloh curiously as he stepped up to them from a room off to the side.

"Normo," Haldir said, and bowed his head in return. "I am simply escorting the Princess. She wished to see how her horse has settled in."

"My Princess, I am pleased you came to visit. Your horse is just down this way," Normo said, and they followed him down the pristine aisle toward the back of the barn.

There in his stall, Boss stood dozing. His head was lowered and his bottom lip was drooping. His slender ears were resting off to the side and Shyloh halted before they got too close. With a back leg resting, she didn't want to disturb his slumber. He more than deserved his rest and with a look at Haldir and Normo, they let the horse sleep.

Slowly they walked back down the aisle; passing both empty and occupied stalls as they went. She was disappointed she didn't get to spend time with Boss, but maybe the next time she visited she would be able to take advantage of the peacefulness of the barn now that she knew where it was.

"What will you do now my Lady, since your plans are foiled," asked Normo once they reached the front doors.

She shrugged, then looked outside. "I'm not sure actually," she admitted and she chewed on her bottom lip.

"If you are looking for something to do, perhaps we should see about getting you a new bow," offered Haldir.

"Oh yeah," she sighed. "I suppose that would be a good idea since mine is broken."

Haldir grinned. "To the armory it is."

After thanking Normo for his time and promising to return soon, Haldir and Shyloh stepped out into the sunshine and headed for the armory. Once again she got lost shortly after they started walking down different paths but Haldir wasn't worried.

"You will get used to the different trails after you've been here a while," he told her.

"I think there are more trails here than in Rivendell, and don't even get me started on the paths in the Woodland Realm," she said with a laugh.

"I have been to both, and I think the Woodland Realm easily beats us," he said. "Did you enjoy your time there?"

She hesitated. "Well..."

He raised his eyebrows questioningly. "Should I take that as a no?"

"It's complicated I think. The dwarves, dragon, and battle sort of made it an interesting visit."

"I see," he said, then he led them down another path. "I heard you were injured in the battle, am I correct in assuming you are all healed?"

Her face flushed. Was her injury the only thing people were going to remember about that battle?

"I'm fine, thank you," she said. "I got nicked with...with an arrow."

He nodded in understanding. "Your brothers filled me in on what happened. Thankfully Ernil Legolas found you."

Her face flushed even more. "Yes, thankfully."

If he caught the stiffness of her voice he didn't mention it, and simply changed the topic while they climbed the steps up to the armory and stepped inside. He left her standing off to one side by the archery equipment and disappeared. When she looked around, she caught sight of a familiar face and hesitantly stepped over to him.

"Sidhel," she said quietly. He turned around to look and when his eyes landed on her he gave her a warm smile.

"My Lady," he said, and stepped aside so she could stand next to him at the counter.

"What are you working on?" she asked.

Before him was his unstrung bow.

"I am simply replacing the old string," he said, and held out the new string in his hand for her to see. "What has brought you here, unless you've started your training earlier than I thought?"

She attempted not to roll her eyes with irritation. "No, actually, Haldir is helping me acquire a new bow."

His eyebrows shot up. "Really? They are going to entrust you with a new one?"

She nudged him in the ribs with her elbow and he grinned. "Very funny. If that guy hadn't fallen on top of me, I would still have my own."

"Better that the bow snapped, than yourself," he reminded her easily, and this time she did roll her eyes.

"Yes, I know."

He gave her a measured look then went back to his task. "Are you settling in alright?"

She shrugged a shoulder. "I suppose."

He gave her a sidelong look. "You suppose?"

"It'll take some getting used to I think."

He hummed an agreement.

"What about you? You liking it so far?"

"I suppose," he said, then gave her a wry look and she laughed.

"I did not think we would see you smile before we left," said a voice, and Nodron stepped up to the table they were at.

Cocking her head, she frowned. "Just how soon are you leaving?"

"Are you anxious to get rid of us?" asked Sidhel.

She shook her head. "Definitely not."

Nodron smiled. "We will be staying a few weeks, then we must get back."

Her shoulders slumped a little.

Sidhel unraveled the bow string. "Have you talked to -,"

"No," she cut in and Sidhel closed his mouth without finishing his sentence.

The two elves were quiet so she sighed.

"Don't worry fellas," she said. "I'll get over it."

They watched Sidhel attach the string to one tip of the bow.

"What are you doing here? Did you start your training early?" asked Nodron, but Sidhel answered before she could.

"Haldir is helping her find a new bow."

Nodron raised his eyebrows. "Is he?"

"What's that tone for?" she asked.

He shot her an innocent look. "What tone?"

"That tone you just used."

"I didn't use any tone. Sidhel, did I use any tone?"

She narrowed her eyes.

"I heard no difference in his tone," said Sidhel.

"Whatever you two are thinking, don't," she said, easily recalling the conversation she overheard their first night together out on the plains.

"We were not thinking anything," Sidhel said as he finished stringing his bow.

Catching Haldir's eye across the armory, she straightened.

"Uh-huh," she breathed before leaving the two alone.

Sidhel and Nodron watched her leave and join Haldir across the armory. After a few moments she laughed at something one of the Lórien guards said and Nodron frowned.

"Something troubling you mellon nin?" asked Sidhel.

Nodron's frown deepened and Sidhel followed his gaze.

"He should not be looking at her that way."

Sidhel snorted. "What way is that?"

"That way."

Sidhel turned back to observe the marchwarden. "He knows she is bonded to Legolas. Lords Elladan and Elrohir told him and his guards after they arrived in the city when they had to explain why we came. It appears the brothers had the same concerns we did."

"Perhaps they should be reminded," suggested Nodron.

"Do you take that task upon yourself?"

Nodron sighed. "It would not be my place."

Sidhel pressed his lips together unhappily. Double checking his bow, he deemed it satisfactory.

"Perhaps we should check out the archery range."

Nodron lifted his own bow. "Perhaps we should."