Indomitable

by Evil Irish Pixie

This is a three way cross over with HP, LOTR and InuYasha so none of the fandoms belong to me

Indomitable

Tumbling through the Veil to save her godfather had not been part of the plan for one Yuri Tania Potter when she had started planning her escape in the summer before third year.

Taking advantage of the lack of adult supervision to sit down with the goblins to find out what her parents had left her. Learn her history and why she'd been left with the Dursleys considering Lily looked nothing like Petunia.

What she'd learned the first day had left her angry and returning everyday right up until the Weasleys showed up at the Leaky.

Blocks on her magic, potions and spells compelling her though she'd broken through some through sheer force and magic in some instances like her ability to speak to snakes and the glimpses of her creature inheritance from her mother's side of the family.

Everyday spent with the goblin healers and her account managers sorting out her health and her vaults. Dealing with all the blocks on her magic and the result of ten years worth of abuse and malnutrition.

All part of the long term plan for Yuri to get out of England before Dumbledore forced her to her death via his tests or Tom Riddle and his band of lunatics got in a lucky shot.

Taking everything that was hers after having her parents will unsealed and packed it up into a multi compartment trunk she could shrink and wear on a necklace only she could take off.

All the jewels, jewellery, half of her family fortune and other treasures her parents families collected in one compartment. The books in their own compartment with the enchanted portraits of her Potter ancestors, a compartment with a budding greenhouse that her account manager suggested she have, an empty compartment where she could keep her personal belongings and the last compartment filled with the furniture she wanted to keep which ended up being anything connected to child rearing since most of them were family heirlooms she wouldn't leave behind for the vultures to pick apart.

Not when she was leaving what she hadn't packed for her American relatives and her few true friends like Fred, George, Neville, Luna and the one friend she'd made in secret in Blaise Zabini.

Blaise being the one she'd take to the Yule Ball the following year after the disaster of her third year with Sirius breaking out of Azkaban.

The only one she'd actually confide her plans in escaping Magical England to and leave all of the instructions with him should something happen to her. The contingencies she has in place to reveal her suffering and what Dumbledore had done to Tom Riddle and herself. That the goblins had taken her horcrux shard and would use it to find the rest to bring the man back and force him to either fix what he'd broken or lead those still willing to follow the man to freedom.

The only one she'd reveal to that her mother's family hadn't been magicless, that Lily Evans had been the first in centuries to have magic that the family had inherited from their ancestors; Moroha being a quarter inu hanyou and human, the daughter of the hanyou InuYasha and a human Miko, Kagome Higurashi and one of the three granddaughters of Tōga, the Inu no Taishō and Lord of the Western Lands of Japan.

That Yuri had inherited this creature inheritance since combined with the Potter family magics it made Yuri strong enough for the gene to return to the Evans family on top of the Parseltongue she'd inherited from her father's three generations back Indian roots.

That same creature inheritance being what would save Yuri's life as the Veil let her pass through to the other side, in the heart of the Shire.

Sleeping through the changes she would go through, minimal in that she'd grow to her full height of five foot two inches, eyes going from emerald green to gold, her nails becoming claw like, ears slightly pointed and inheriting Tōga's facial markings (though the marks on her eye lids were rose pink instead of red like Tōga's) on top of the heightened senses that came with the change. Her magic reserves expanding with the nature spirit side finally breaking through two years ahead of schedule.

The markings she's inherited from Tōga and gold canine eyes setting her apart from many in Arda.

Yuri waking up warm and safe for the first time she could ever remember, Beorn the skin changer sitting at her side as a means to question his latest stray when she woke.

Having found Yuri curled up in a ball in the snow on the edge of his home, one of his dogs having caught her scent and guided him to her form. Excited at the smell of a puppy and wondering when Beorn had brought another pup into the pack.

Beorn recognizing her for what she is and eager to get her out of the snow and into the protection of his home, knowing no one could know a nature spirit had made it back to Arda. Getting her changed out the bloody and torn clothes she'd been in.

Yuri sitting up sharply once she realizes what she's feeling and came face to face with a small woman.

"Where am I?" Yuri croaks out as Beorn notes the wariness in her eyes that spoke of years of hardship only those like himself knew though for one so young to share those experiences is a sad and terrible thing.

"My home near Carrock" Beorn answers, glad the girl knew Westron.

"I don't know where that is" Yuri whispers tiredly as she rubs her eyes and pulls her hands back, catching a glimpse of her hair and nails, hissing some choice words. Realizing that her inheritance had come out earlier as she pulls a lock of her hair forward to note that it's tamed from the rat's nest it used to be to mostly straight with the ends curling a little bit.

"Why don't you tell me how you came to be outside beaten bloody in the dead of winter" Beorn offers as Yuri clenches her fists in her lap and begins the tale knowing the man needs to trust her. Missing the fact Beorn spots the words 'I must not tell lies' carved into her hand.

Telling Beorn of the races long thought lost to Middle-Earth and how she'd been born to them, her mother thought a first generation mage from a family of men and her father born to an ancient line of mages, of the two wars that had been fought amongst her community over the rights to practice the ways of old and how those ways were slowly being lost when those of the 'light' kept catering to the supposed first generation mages who were bringing the beliefs and traditions of Men into their hidden world.

How those of the dark rallied behind a mage much like Yuri herself, a strong half blood from an ancient lineage that had managed to survive the passage of time through sheer luck. That the dark tried to do things peacefully at first but the longer the dark had gone ignored the angrier they became till Yuri's counterpart rose up and began fighting back with force, not quite sound of mind due to the really dark magic he'd performed in his youth and kept doing the more desperate he became not to die before his self appointed task was done.

Spoke of how the dark was winning by the time Yuri was born to her parents; her parents still young themselves, their own parents lost to disease and the war. Leaving her father the last of his line and in need of heirs. That her birth had been a joy to her parents, so she'd been told, before that joy was ruined with a prophecy and forced them and another family to go into hiding behind strong magic.

How even that hadn't been enough since not long after her first birthday her counterpart learned of her family's hiding place from one who should have been a friend, how first her father had been cut down and then her mother. How her mother's magic and the magic her counterpart had done to stay alive had saved her from the curse no one had survived until Yuri.

Spoke of being abandoned to her mother's sister and the abuse that she would suffer for the next ten years as nothing more than a live in servant and how Dumbledore, the leader of the light, put her there in hopes she would bend to his will once she was retrieved from her relative's home.

Spoke of the yearly misadventures and how before she turned thirteen she'd finally learned about her family's history and finally broke free of the chains Dumbledore had attempted to place on her with the help of the Goblin nation that had followed the mages to the other side of Aman with the Valar's blessing. Learned of her mother's history and that she wasn't the first in her family to have magic, just the strongest in many generations to wield it and that their ancestors were great nature spirits that ruled their lands before some of her ancestors traveled west.

How combined with her father's magic Yuri was strong enough to inherit and wield the power of her ancestors. Hence why she looked the way she did now.

"Yōkai or a Nature spirit is what those of the east on the other side of Aman called us. Those of the west though called us demons…I would have had to leave when the 'light' found out what I had become since the community I had been born into didn't suffer those that were different and treated those like me as lesser beings" Yuri finishes as Beorn nods and asks of her father's treasures.

"I packed up what was mine of the family treasures and left the rest to those I cared about and what wasn't set aside went to my very distant relatives across the sea. I left the instructions to my plan with my best friend, the only one I shared all of this with. He'll make sure everything is in place and that those I left behind understand why I did what I did and force those that caused my suffering to face justice" Yuri explains as Beorn nods and would let her settle back into the bed after a wide yawn.

Unphased by her sharper canine teeth knowing what Yuri is and that isn't a threat. Just a puppy hurt and without a pack in a world that isn't quite her own yet.

Beorn taking Yuri and making her part of his family, passing her off as a skin changer to the rare few they encountered when they left the safety of Beorn's Hall. Yuri learning under Beorn's protection how to be an inu and taking the time to read through the many books she'd brought with her on magic.

Learning how to use her poisonous claws to great effect and keeping up with her spear training from the goblin's of Gringotts, killing any orcs and Wargs that crossed into Beorn's lands. Prowling with Beorn in her inu form which was a purely black Kai Ken looking dog the size of a horse and still growing.

Eventually she would get restless and use her hard won lessons to fly like her maternal ancestor and begin exploring the lands around Beorn's home, going further and further east with each trip away from what had become her second home.

Unaware that those that had felt the strong surge of magic that signaled her arrival were still looking for her.

None of those able to sense the surge able to find Yuri until Thorin and his company came barging into Beorn's hall with Gandalf the Grey in the year TA 2941, Yuri home for a change from her wanderings. Her spear settled next to the door; the blade mounted to the top made from one of her oldest ancestor's teeth. The rest of her spear made from meteorite with a basilisk carved into it in honor of Salazar's basilisk familiar.

None of Thorin Oakenshield's company able to make heads or tails of her until Gandalf realized what she was, a strong hybrid of mage and nature spirit. Beorn growling in warning of the wizard's excitement over his adopted daughter when she'd come back from a hunt without her necklace on; Excited over the large stag she'd brought down.

Becoming the sole female of the company and would wave off her share of the treasure. Not interested when she already had a horde still stashed away in her trunk when it became clear she'd been prowling Mirkwood without Beorn. Culling the spiders whenever she could without getting caught.

The outcome of the quest less bleak as Yuri used all of her skills to keep the line of Durin alive, becoming close, much like Bilbo would, with Thorin and his nephews. Her inu form a boon in the Battle of the Five Armies and her spear the weapon that would end Azog the Defiler.

Her magic helping her remain undetected in the kingdom of Mirkwood and healing magic saving many that would have died at the end of the battle.

Yuri remaining to see Thorin crowned King under the Mountain when Bilbo returned to Bag End with Gandalf, the hobbit and the royals the only ones who knew the true extent of her power and knowledge. The hobbit following her wishes to remain hidden, not willing to be caged to be studied or become a brood mare to more Youkai/Mage hybrids.

Hiding her youkai nature under a charmed necklace for the event, looking like another daughter of man with her old features as she stood with the company at the front of the crowd when the day arrived for Thorin to take his place as King under the Mountain.

Dressed in a long, flowing dark blue gown with gold designs at the bottom looking like the queen the company knew she could be. Her hair pulled into high ponytail instead of at the base of her neck (Think Wei Wuxian), hiding the two beads made of mithril Fili and Kili had given her to mark her as their friend, and small gold hoops in the lobes of her ears.

Unaware that during the quest that Bilbo had picked up the One Ring while he'd been separated from the company in the Misty Mountains though able to sense he'd picked up something dark.

Eventually drifting away from the Lonely Mountain once the rest of the company started getting on with their everyday lives in Erebor, leaving behind a means to visit Bilbo in portkeys made from a set of her best throwing knives and a way to contact her should they wish to see her. Having tamed a young eagle to carry letters much like Hedwig once had for her.

Naming the eagle, Ezio much to Fili's amusement once she explained what the name meant.

Time would pass and many letters would be shared by the time Yuri finally settled in Bree as a kitchen hand in the Prancing Pony.

Her charmed necklace firmly in place and making her look like a green eyed, raven haired woman barely out of her adolescence to those that didn't know her; Much of the older crowd that patroned the inn recognizing Yuri from her wanderings in and out of Bree few that those times had been and knew her true age.

It's during one of her shifts in early October of 3018 that her peaceful life since the completion of the Quest for Erebor would change once more.

Yuri looks over as the door opens and smiles, recognizing the man entering the Prancing Pony. Most of Bree's inhabitants generally kept their distance from the Rangers but they made Yuri feel safe in the same way being in Beorn Hall with Beorn once had.

Yuri would quickly duck into the kitchen and re-emerge with Strider's usual meal and drink, placing them on the small table before the Ranger, the man giving her a nod and a few coins. Yuri smiles back, shoving her hair out of her eyes as she went to put the money away. It's early still so the inn is fairly empty other than a few people staying in the rooms above. Yuri moves around the room, cleaning tables and generally trying to make the place look clean. She knows though that without resorting to magic it would never truly look clean, no matter how much she scrubs. And she's reluctant to resort to magic; the last thing she wants is to stand out more than she did.

Humming to herself one of the few songs she remembered from Earth when Strider startles her badly enough to flinch {Play Once Upon A Dream – Lana Del Rey}.

"That's an interesting tune" she nearly hexes Strider as he spoke up, spinning around to face him, cleaning cloth in hand.

"Sir?" She asks having only heard the man speak once before, the first time they met over a year before when Strider had passed through Bree.

"The tune you were humming" he answers, lighting his pipe and Yuri blinks, unaware she had been humming loud enough to be heard. Usually better about keeping quiet.

"Something a friend shared with me" Yuri whispers, ducking her head. Remembering Luna sharing it with her during one of the rough nights during that horrible fifth year at Hogwarts. The two bonding over music as a way to escape the pain of reality even if only for a brief period.

Strider watches her, hearing the sadness in her voice as the seemingly younger woman went back to work. She was a hard worker; Strider having never seen her do anything but work when he was in Bree. She looked young and yet her eyes…..they reminded him of the eyes of a Ranger, old before their time.

He wonders what brought her to Bree for she isn't a native to the town. In fact he has never heard an accent quite like hers before. Nor seen anyone with features quite like hers.

In these times strangers are people to be wary of and yet…this one did not give him any feeling of wariness; despite the fact she always wore black and kept to the sides when the inn was full. Sure enough as darkness fell and the inn filled the young woman withdrew, serving quietly, eyes on the ground.

Yuri glances over at the door when she notices her employer talking to a small group. Doing a double take at the sight of the group of young hobbits and not locals. She knew hobbits weren't ones for travel and she can feel the darkness hanging over one of them and it makes her skin crawl in a way it hasn't since she last saw Bilbo.

She quickly serves them the food they ordered and retreats from the main room into the kitchen for a quick drink and then outside for air, leaning against the wall as she breathes deeply. Whatever that feeling is coming from is worse than any Horcrux. Hearing a commotion she ducks back inside to see the Hobbits vanishing up the stairs quickly and the rooms' occupants muttering about things. Inhaling when the muttering reveals that one of the group seemingly vanished into thin air for a brief moment, just like Bilbo had during their escape from Mirkwood and in the Battle of the Five Armies.

These uneasy thoughts follow her to bed, changing into the under layers of her travel clothes she would curl up in a ball in her bed.

Only to jerk awake a few hours later, looking around wildly for danger, magic gathering under her skin as she got up and dressed silently. Quickly sliding the holster for her spear across her back and slipping her focus ring onto her right middle finger before slipping from her small room at the back of the inn.

With the ease of someone used to sneaking around she makes her way through the inn before breaking into a run at the cry of terror. Running up the stairs to see the black figures in the broken doorway and Strider standing with his sword drawn, protecting the hobbits that had arrived earlier. These figures feel purely evil and Yuri doesn't hesitate, her Patronus leaping among them and causing them to screech as they scatter in agony.

Aragorn stares in awe as he sees the young kitchen maid standing in the hallway, gold eyes hard and her hand extended, a spear belted across her back. One of the Wraiths lunges and the woman ducks away, pulling her spear free and attacks back.

Aragorn shakes his surprise off and went back to the fight, not sure what to think of the silver stag protecting the hobbits. One of the Wraith's screams and Aragorn glances to see the other human pulling her spear from its side. That Wraith quickly flees and the others are less eager to engage the young woman. Aragorn grabs a smouldering torch and thrusts it at another and the lot flees.

Yuri lowers her spear and lets Prongs fade, panting slightly in exhaustion. In the last few years since settling in Bree she hadn't had to fight like this outside the few times she slipped out into the woods to stay in practice.

"Anyone hurt?" Yuri asks, moving closer to the room and finding herself under the wide eyed stares of the hobbits. Giving them a small smile she looks at Strider. "Those things haven't gone far; you need to go. Now" Yuri urges him, sensing the creatures outside the town.

Aragorn frowns but nods and urges the hobbits to gather their things.

Their saviour vanishes and Aragorn leads them from the inn only to find her outside, a bag belted across her front as she straps another bag to a pony. "Who are you?" He asks and gold eyes stare at him, in over a year he has never actually heard the others name.

"Yuri Black. Here" Yuri thrusts the reins at him and began herding the hobbits through the silent town. Aragorn pulls the pony along, not sure what to think of Yuri but for now they can use the help.

Instead of taking them to the gates Yuri leads them to a small gap in the towns walls and then out into the wilderness. Yuri leads them at a fast pace until she eventually stops, eyes closed as she breathes deeply. "Lost them for now" she sighs and then grabs a water skin, drinking deeply. "What are those things?" she demands, turning to Aragorn.

Aragorn stares back, not sure what to think of her. She has helped them but for what reason? Was she a servant of the Enemy sent to find Frodo and take the Ring? She could not be Istari, could she?

"Ring Wraith's; Servants of the Enemy" he finally answers only for Yuri to roll her eyes at him.

"That tells me nothing" Yuri grumbles before stretching. "You better keep moving. They're heading East at the moment. Good luck" she says quietly.

"You're leaving?" One of the hobbits demands.

"You should be able to avoid them in the wilderness easily enough and get to wherever you are headed master hobbit" Yuri answers.

"But…" Another starts only to trail off.

"Whatever you carry, they want it desperately. Do not let them get it" Yuri warns the dark haired hobbit whose hand went to a small pocket, hiding something behind his hand and Yuri knew it's the source of evil she can feel. "Good luck Strider, I hope to see you again at the Prancing Pony" she says quietly turning to leave only to stop when Strider's hand clamps down on her shoulder.

"You know what Frodo carries?" He demands and Yuri shakes her head.

"Only that it is really dark magic that makes my skin crawl. That he isn't the first to carry it that I've met" Yuri says as Frodo realizes who it is he's looking at. His Uncle's friend from his adventure to the Lonely Mountain, Shadow the nature spirit.

"You do not hear its call?" Aragorn pushes and Yuri again shakes her head. She may not be strictly a Light Wizard but she wasn't Dark either so able to resist the call, knowing it would only lead to pain and suffering should she answer it's call.

"What was that light back at the inn?" Aragorn asks.

Yuri swallows, nervous, but answers. "Magic" she whispers.

"You are unlike any Witch I have ever seen" Aragorn eyes her warily. "How old are you?" he asks and Yuri gives him a dark look for it. Fiddling with her necklace as she thought over how to answer.

"159" Yuri relents as Aragorn raises an eyebrow in surprise.

"159?! You look younger than us!" One of the unnamed hobbits exclaims and Yuri smiles slightly. "You should come to Rivendell with us. Gandalf will be there!" he points out.

"Thank you but I should get back" Yuri tries to wave off. Not willing to put herself at risk in Rivendell unless it's an emergency.

"Do you have family in Bree?" Frodo asks and they all see the flash of pain in her eyes. Having touched on an obvious nerve.

"My family died a long time go" Yuri admits quietly. Beorn having passed the year before she'd settled in Bree.

"Pippin may be right; you should come with us Black Witch" Aragorn states, he would feel better if he could keep an eye on her and if she is an enemy Gandalf and Elrond could deal with her.

Yuri blinks at the title, hesitating but the hobbits swarm her cheerfully, tugging her on and she gives in. A part of her craving serious companionship again as she surprises them all by changing mid step and continuing to follow on four legs instead of two, her dark fur better at night for blending in with the wilderness. Surprising the Ranger with her mixed status.

Aragorn would glance back at the young skin changer the next morning curiously as he heard the hobbits laugh, obviously keeping them entertained with a story of some sort. He isn't entirely sure what to think of the young woman, she's unlike any wizard he has met or heard of. But she did save them from the Nazgul and gotten them out of Bree unseen. Still, he would stay on guard around her until he could consult with Gandalf and Elrond.

Yuri smiles at the antics of Merry and Pippin as they travel; Reminding her of Fili and Kili and leaving her wondering if she had ever been this innocent once, knowing that the near death adventures at Hogwarts had killed what little innocence she might have still had returning to the Magical world after a decade of abuse. Yuri grabs Pippin's cloak in her jaws, righting him before he can fall into the still, muddy water face first. It's bad enough to have to wade through without bathing in it.

"Thanks" Pippin thanks.

"Watch your step Pippin, taking a bath now wouldn't be wise" Yuri warns, the hobbits more than used to her male sounding voice, Pippin nodding. Glad she had spelled all of their clothes to be waterproof before they'd entered the marshes. Firmly shaking herself out to remove any of the bugs that had found their way through her fur; apparently mosquitoes found hobbit and youkai blood delicious. Smirking when she spots Strider sneakily kill one that is on his neck, so apparently they like Ranger blood as well.

Yuri knew though it's a risk to stay with them, she can feel the darkness around Frodo and the ones tracking them and yet….something wouldn't let her leave them no matter how much a part of her wants to. She'd fought for her freedom and for the freedom of the free people, why can't she live in peace now? But deep down she knows better than that, war would break out and in this world it would spread like unchecked Fiendfyre.

The group reaching firmer ground and setting up camp brings Yuri out of her dark thoughts, Strider leaving to hunt down some meat for their meals.

Yuri getting a nice fire started while Sam tends to the pony and the others set out bed rolls; When Strider returns with several rabbits they are soon set to cook in a hearty stew.

They continue with this routine for a few more days before reaching a hill that Strider calls Weathertop.

"We'll camp here for tonight" the Ranger announces before placing a bundle before the hobbits that opens to reveal what for them would be swords. "These are for you, keep them close. I'm going to scout around, Yuri will you accompany me?" Yuri blinks but nods and heads into the falling darkness with him. Human shaped for a change.

"What is it?" Yuri asks once they are out of earshot of the hobbits.

"Can you still sense our trackers?" Strider asks and Yuri nod.

"They're gaining ground every night, apparently they don't need sleep, or at least a lot less than we do" Yuri hisses out in frustration, hand drifting to her spear. "How much farther till Rivendell?" she asks knowing that is where they are going, knows that with her following the ranger and hobbits that her time of hiding is over.

"Still several days moving as fast as we can" Strider kneels to inspect something and Yuri stands at his back, keeping an eye out for trouble.

"Not good" Yuri says, seeing a light from the hilltop they'd left and swears. "They've seen the light!" She yells before taking off at a run for the camp. Strider quickly overtaking her and Yuri mentally curses her shorter human legs. Yes she's grown but she will never be considered tall like the Ranger in front of her or her maternal ancestors.

As they get closer they can hear the hobbits shout and the clash of blades. Yuri unleashes her Patronus ahead of them, praying they get there in time.

They burst into the clearing created by the ring of statues and Yuri stabs her spear at one of the wraiths before lashing out and kicking it away, sending a tongue of flame after it. She smiles viciously as it shrieks and stumbles away. She turns to face another and pauses as she sees another raising a wicked looking knife over empty air…Frodo! Yuri apparates on instinct, appearing over where she could smell Frodo, blocking the knife with her spear.

"You will not touch him" Yuri hisses, gold eyes practically glowing with power. She feels it as a terrified Frodo appears behind her, sprawled on the ground. "Move Frodo" she barks out and the hobbit scrambles away, Sam pulling him up.

Yuri snarls at the wraith and then moves but it blocks and soon they are locked in a fight. Yuri, sensing the darkness on the blade, knew getting a wound from it would be a very bad idea. The other wraiths begin to retreat as Strider fights them off with his sword and a burning branch, setting several alight. Yuri presses against what appears to be the lead wraith, fighting furiously but she's still out of practice and cries out as her ankle turns on a rock, sending her down to the hard ground.

"Shadow!" Frodo screams as the wraith prepares to end the fight permanently. The hobbit throws himself at the creature, Elven blade in his hand. He stops the attack on Yuri but then screams as the blade pierces his arm, midway between shoulder and elbow. Yuri snarls and lashes out with the full force of her magic, Fiendfyre dancing to her will and the wraith screams, stumbling away in agony while she catches Frodo as the hobbit collapsed, gasping in sheer agony.

"Stay awake, Frodo" Yuri urges as she rips his sleeve away to see the wound even as Strider kneels beside them.

"A morgul blade" the Ranger drops it as it disintegrates. "This is beyond my skills; he needs elvish medicine" Strider lifts Frodo and stands up. Yuri nodding and with a wave of her hand the camp is packed up and ready for travel. They take off through the night, Yuri at the back to ensure the hobbits are safe.

They stop only briefly, whenever the hobbits can go no further. Strider does what he can for Frodo and Yuri tries what she can but the hobbit's condition worsens hour by hour.

Moving quickly with Frodo cradled to her chest, Yuri would take her turn carrying the too still form. Frodo is pale and cold in her arms despite the blanket wrapped around him, occasionally gasping for air. He seems to alternate between raging fever and tremors and becoming too cold and still. She knows they're still three days out from Rivendell; Startling in surprise as they enter a clearing with a familiar set of stone statues.

Seeing the other hobbits panting for air she gently settles Frodo down in the soft grass at the base of one of the statues even as Sam moves over, lifting a torch over them. "Look Mr Frodo, it's the trolls from Mr Bilbo's story" Sam tries to smile and Frodo just wheezes, starting to tremble. "He's burning up!" he calls out.

"He's fading" Strider states as he checks Frodo over.

"Fading?" Yuri asks.

"Crossing over to be one of them, Sam do you know the Athelas plant?" Strider asks the other hobbit

"Athelas?" Sam asks in confusion.

"Kingsfoil" Yuri clarifies and the hobbit nods. "It may help slow the poison" Strider confirms Yuri's thought; The two moving off to search while Yuri gently wipes Frodo down with a cool cloth, gently pushing magic into the wound to try and slow the poison.

"Is he going to die?" Pippin asks and Yuri looks over at him, smiling softly.

"We will do everything we can" Yuri reassures gently. She looks up as Strider and Sam return with the plant and Strider went to work with it. "Will he make it?" Yuri asks and Strider shakes his head ever so slightly. At the speed they're going Frodo wouldn't last long enough. Yuri frowns and then snarls at what she's sensing. "They're catching up again" she growls in frustration.

"Once we cross the river we will be safe, protected by their power" Strider reassures.

"We have to get there first" Yuri sighs and lifts Frodo again. "How close are we?" She asks, a plan forming.

"About a day" Strider says.

"And it's the only river around?" Yuri prods knowing this plan is likely stupid but it's the only one she has.

"Yes" Strider looks at her oddly.

"Okay I should be able to manage that" Yuri says as she adjusts her grip on Frodo.

"Do what?" Merry asks.

"Without Frodo here they would leave you alone right?" Yuri asks and Strider nods. "I'll get Frodo to the river then" she says, making sure Frodo is secure against her chest.

"How?" Merry asks.

"Magic; Hope you're right about the elves' protection though cause this will drain my core" Yuri grumbles.

"You can get him to the elves?" Strider asks.

"We should be close enough" Yuri agrees. She tightens her hold on Frodo and closes her eyes, hating she has to apparate blind but Frodo needs help now. All she needs to do is find the river…with a pop the two vanish much to the shock of the other hobbits and Ranger.

Yuri stumbling and falling to her knees once she lands, clutching Frodo to her chest, the sound of her arrival bringing the help Strider promised would come before she passes out.

Yuri would sleepily open her eyes and blink blurrily at the ceiling above her. Mentally going over her condition as she wonders where she is, her magic is nearly drained so that explains why she feels so horrible. But how had she drained herself so badly….Frodo! She bolts upright and hisses in pain, hearing a chuckle. She turns and sees the familiar face of Gandalf, noting her claws are visible so her core had drained enough for her necklace to stop working.

"Where?" Yuri asks tiredly.

"Rivendell, you were found on the borders two days ago" Gandalf explains.

"Frodo, Is he alright?" Yuri demands as Gandalf chuckles fondly. Yuri certainly hadn't changed, always putting others health before her own.

"Frodo will live although the wound may always trouble him" he smiled as Yuri relaxes.

"Good, that's good" Yuri whispers before her eyes closed again in sleep. Gandalf sits back, smoking his pipe thoughtfully as he watches the young lady sleep. Silently wondering where Yuri had been all this time, having vanished with little trace after Beorn had passed. Yuri and Frodo having been found by a patrol not far from the river and brought in for medical aide. They had almost lost Frodo several times but thankfully Lord Elrond managed to save him. Yuri suffering from exhaustion only which is a little odd considering he knows the power Yuri holds, Elrond having felt it too and it made the elven lord wary and yet hopeful for Elrond recognized her physical traits for what they were. A nature spirit had returned to Arda.

Aragorn would lead the three hobbits into the elven city, smiling slightly at their wonder as they look around. From the activity he's hoping that meant Yuri and Frodo had arrived safely. He feels relieved when he sees Gandalf and his foster father walking towards them.

"Gandalf! Is Mr Frodo alright?" Sam calls out when he sees the wizard who smiles at them in return.

"Frodo will be just fine Samwise. He is still resting as is your new friend" The wizard assures them gently and the hobbits all relax.

"I knew Yuri could do it!" Pippin cheers happily.

"So our young guests name is Yuri. Where did you find her Estel?" Elrond asks the mortal man he has raised for so long.

"She was a kitchen maid at the Prancing Pony in Bree. She has been there for at least a year" Aragorn says, going on to explain what had happened, shocking Elrond even if he manages to hide it. "It's good that they made it here" he sighs.

"Actually a patrol found them both not far past the river. She was unconscious and Frodo was nearly beyond my aide" Elrond admits.

"But they will both recover?" Aragorn asks.

"Yuri has already woken once but was still weary; Frodo should wake in the next few days" Elrond reassures.

Bilbo quick to visit Yuri in her room once word of her arrival reaches his ears, his old friend awake and sitting up when he's let in. Her glamor necklace tucked away since it was clear everyone had seen her true appearance.

"Oh Shadow how you've grown" Bilbo chuckles fondly, able to see the subtle changes Yuri had gone through since he's last seen her in person. Having received letters like the rest of the company had since she'd left the Lonely Mountain.

"And you've aged well Master Burglar" Yuri giggles fondly, opening her arms to her hobbit friend and holding Bilbo close. Letting her magic trickle out to ease some of Bilbo's aches and cleanse him of the dark magic still clinging to him.

"Not a burglar" Bilbo laughs as he leans into the familiar strength of the inu who had become his best friend. Feeling his pain ease away and the shadow that once clung to him going away to his silent relief.

"You'll always be the company burglar Bilbo that much I can promise" Yuri laughs as Bilbo leans back and asks where she's been.

"I wasn't that far away, settling in Bree after months of wandering…I knew when Beorn passed I wouldn't be fit company so took the time to grieve before rejoining polite society" Yuri admits as Bilbo nods knowing Beorn had been the guardian she'd needed so to lose him had been hard.

"I'm glad since it put you on the path of my nephew" Bilbo agrees as Yuri grins and points out Frodo only ever called her Shadow unlike his friends who called her Yuri.

"You were Shadow in the stories I told him and in the book I'm writing though I did share your real name with him your title stuck" Bilbo chuckles as Yuri smiles fondly.

"Shadow of Durin is what they called me after the battle was won and I let the name stick considering Thorin, Fee and Kee named me a friend of their line" Yuri sighs fondly as Bilbo nods, both sharing a tired look before moving onto happier topics. Yuri offering to take Bilbo to the mountain so he could be with Thorin and the others in his retirement, recognizing that Bilbo's age is finally catching up with him and he couldn't walk there like he'd wanted.

Bilbo quick to cover for her when Yuri makes her escape later that afternoon; Found by Merry, Pippin and Sam wandering the halls, dodging the healers. The trio unphased by her true appearance, just happy to see her awake and healthy.

"Yuri!" She turns smiling as the three hobbits rush over, talking excitedly as they surround her.

"I'm glad you all made it here safely" Yuri tells them, sitting down on a bench.

"Gandalf said you were resting when we got here" Pippin admits worriedly.

"Bringing Frodo took a lot of my magic but I'm alright now" Yuri reassures the three.

"Have you seen Frodo?" Merry asks and Yuri shakes her head.

"I was told he is still unconscious but will be fine. He'll be up and around before you know it" Yuri says gently.

"Then we can go home" Sam says as Yuri giggles lightly.

"So eager to head out again Sam?" Yuri asks teasingly.

"We've done what Gandalf wanted us to" Sam admits with a shrug as Yuri hums her agreement; Smiling in amusement as she lets the three escort her back to her room, answering more of their questions about her magic and sharing a couple stories of her adventures over the years.

Yuri sat in the garden and breathed in the fresh air deeply a few days later. She knows she's not supposed to be out of bed yet but she'd grown restless with people staring at her. It had become a bit of a game between her and the Healers, she would sneak out and they would try to find her in order to force her back to bed. She knows she's fine; her core is almost fully recharged and she wants to enjoy Rivendell for as long as she can, not be tied to a bed.

A semi familiar scent has her turning her head and studying the familiar figure that emerges from the trees, a male elf, tall and ethereal with long hair and a bow slung across his back.

The elf inclines his head. "I apologise for disturbing you" he apologizes quietly.

"You didn't. Are you here for the council?" Yuri asks curiously.

"Yes, I am here to represent Mirkwood" the elf explains and realization dawns on her who she's talking with.

"Then you had a long and dangerous journey" Yuri comments as she stood and brushes the grass from her leggings. "Maybe I'll see you later" she smiles, leaving the elf alone, wandering away and further into the halls to explore.

Laughing in joy as she catches up with the Erebor representatives that night at dinner; Fili and Gloin with Gloin's son Gimli amongst the party as she crouches down and hugs her best friend, Fili hugging her back tightly. Relived she's okay and healthy.

"You scared uncle when you stopped writing for a period of time" Fili points out as Yuri nods.

"I know and I'll come apologize once the council comes to a decision" Yuri reassures as Fili nods and would go on to tell her what she'd missed in the last three years; Eager to talk about his three nieces and two nephews to a willing ear. Yuri having been in the mountain for the birth of two of his nieces and first nephew.

Gandalf observing the young woman as she drifts amongst those she knew. Laughing and talking and bright in a way that she hadn't been after the Battle of the Five Armies. The battle having cut open wounds that had only just healed over from her wanderings to and from her home with Beorn. The near loss of Thorin, Fili and Kili hurting her in a way few could understand, the king and princes having accommodated to Yuri's need to be close to them in the aftermath and earning her title of Shadow of Durin.

Aragorn had shared what he knew of Yuri while she had lived a quiet life in the background for at least a year in Bree hiding behind her glamor necklace; her abilities in facing the Ringwraith's surprising but very useful. And it made her being an ally of Sauron's less likely but still possible after going silent for a year four years ago. He simply didn't know enough about Yuri to say whose side she would be on in the coming conflict. Yuri having avoided him and those that were part of the White Council in all her years on Arda and would have continued to avoid them had Thorin's company not stopped at Beorn's home.

Yuri catching the attention of those still in the dining hall when Fili and Gloin ask her to sing like she did in the Lonely Mountain after the meal is done, the council coming together the next day.

Yuri dressed in a dark purple kimono with long flowing sleeves and a gradient of dull, pale purple and soft blue. A white sakura flower print covers it, thinning out on the sleeves and chest. The gold obi has detailed floral designs, burgundy straps, and crimson string tied around the middle. The first and only formal kimono she'd been able to get her hands on before falling through the Veil so she rarely wore it for fear of tearing it. Her hair left loose to reveal the two Dwarvish braids she always wore along the left side of her head.

Taking a steady breath before opening her mouth and beginning to sing. Her song a rally cry to those that understood her words.

{Play Indomitable – RWBY}

"Haven't lost your touch lass, many have missed your lovely voice in our halls" Gloin chuckles as Fili grins at the flushed tips of Yuri's ears as she tries to wave off Gloin's compliment, still not able to take a compliment as Gimli adds fuel to the fire and points he knows he'd missed some of her tunes.

"I'll try and visit more after whatever is decided tomorrow…It's probably best too considering how long it's been without word from the other side" Yuri admits as Fili nods with a frown while Gloin would spit some choice words in Khuzdul that had Yuri whistling in appreciation about the mages of Earth.

"I don't know if some of that is possible but I'd love to see you try…even if the light do drag me back I'll just go to the opposition and lead a bloody revolution to come back. That's a promise" Yuri growls darkly as the dwarves share wolfish smiles at the promised violence, the crown prince walking Yuri back to her rooms for the night. Pulling out the dress she wore to the coronation to wear to the council since it was less layers. Her hair worn in a horsetail for the meeting.

Yuri taking her seat beside Frodo who smiled happily at her, relieved to have people he knew sitting with him for the Council.

For her part Yuri had no clue why she was asked to attend. Baring her teeth in a snarl at the small golden ring when Frodo brings it out to place it on the pedestal. Able to feel the evil emanating from it, reaching out to everyone present and slamming the strongest shields she knows into place. She'd spent thirteen years fighting another soul for possession of her own body, even if she hadn't been conscious of the fight, and now without the soul fragment her mental shields are pretty much unbreakable.

Feeling Frodo flinching back, she puts a hand on his arm to try and help him stay calm. Watching the Gondorian try and talk them into using the Ring had her shaking her head in disbelief. She more than agreed with Elrond that it needs to be destroyed.

Though she is shocked about Gondor needing no king, at Strider being a prince, she hadn't seen that coming! Then again there's always been something different about him, even compared to the other Rangers that came to the Prancing Pony. Yuri let the various arguments wash over her, focusing on shielding herself and helping Frodo deal with everything. When it's announced the Ring would go to Mordor to be destroyed her heart sinks. She knows who would volunteer.

Frodo not disappointing and Yuri would quickly volunteer to join the Fellowship to protect him.

Once the council breaks up Fili and Yuri would go retrieve Bilbo, Frodo getting to say good bye to his uncle, glad his uncle would get to see the Lonely Mountain and be with his friends in his last days.

Most startled at the sight of the portkey taking the group away, Fili and Bilbo taking Yuri's letters to the company still in Erebor with them. The pair having made Yuri promise to come back in one piece.

Returning to her room to pack and pull out her armor, sighing when she realizes her armor would only add fuel to the fire that the hobbits had started by calling her Yuri the Black.

Her armour having been made by the Gringotts goblins, they had used the Lord of the West's armour as a reference so she looked even more like her oldest known ancestor in that she wore a thigh length kimono in black with the red pattern of Sesshōmaru held closed by a black leather obi, a dark red nearly black long sleeve qipao undershirt made from fire rat and black leggings made from Horntail skin to go with the Horntail skin knee high boots. To finish the look she wore gauntlets just like Tōga's made from goblin silver in black and silver. Once she finished dressing she would look into the mirror; Noting she looks every inch the noble of the lines she's been born into. The Potters being one of the older magical families and with her mother's ancestors being lords as well she hadn't a chance at normal. Shouldering her pack and spear she would head out the door to meet up with the others, knowing she'll miss the quiet peace of Rivendell but she wouldn't let the hobbits go without her there to help keep them safe.

Yuri would walk at the back of the group, gold eyes alert for any trouble as they travel. Other than the hobbits dropping back to chat with her, she generally kept to herself, unsure how to act around the group. It had been a long time since she had actually meant to interact with a group and she hates to admit it but she's nervous. Things had been different at the inn and in Rivendell, she could just blend into the background as just another worker at the inn and let herself be shielded by those she knew from the council but here she can feel the others curiosity about her. Especially after the first time she shifted and caught the scent of surprise from Boromir and Legolas, Legolas finally recognizing her from the glimpses they'd had of each other during the Quest for Erebor.

She's used to walking long distances but she can tell it's taking an even greater toll on the hobbits with their much shorter legs. Yuri grins and moves up to Frodo before laying down. "Hop on" she encourages.

"I'm too heavy Shadow" Frodo frowns as Yuri chokes out a laugh.

"Nonsense" Yuri argues and Frodo sighs but climbs onto Yuri's back. He lets out a little sound of surprise when Yuri stands, showing no effort in taking his weight. Yuri laughs and gently bounces with him up slightly. "See light as a feather" she teases lightly as Frodo tightens his grip on her fur.

Gandalf laughs and shakes his head, realising its magic allowing Yuri to carry the hobbit so easily. "Light as a feather indeed Lady Shadow" he chuckles.

"What? Hobbits don't weigh a thing" Yuri says innocently.

"I'm sure the others will agree" Gandalf looks at Aragorn who approaches Sam and then blinks in shock when he finds that the hobbit is actually incredibly light. Legolas and Boromir move to carry Merry and Pippin. The hobbits laugh, enjoying the free ride. Yuri smiling as she feels Frodo relax into her fur, resting his head between her shoulders; falling asleep not long after on Yuri's back, lulled to sleep by the rocking motion of Yuri walking.

"We're basically on a suicide mission, aren't we?" Yuri would ask later that night as she lay sprawled across a rock, watching the hobbits merrily eat their dinner. Finally voicing her turmoil over the looks Gandalf had been giving the four.

"Oh?" Gandalf raises an eyebrow as he puffs at his pipe.

Yuri just stares at him before turning away to continue watching the hobbits. "I see it every time you look at those four, you don't think any of us will make it back" she points out.

"The task before us is incredibly dangerous Shadow. Yes, our odds of survivable are very small but we cannot not lose hope. None of us are bound to go all the way with Frodo" Gandalf relents as Yuri snorts.

"But no one with any integrity is going to leave him" Yuri says sharply as she looks over at Frodo who sat quietly eating while the others chattered.

"Perhaps" Gandalf agrees as Yuri sighs and curls into a ball, shutting her eyes to sleep until it's her turn to keep watch.

"Move your feet!" Aragorn calls out to Merry and Pippin as they faced off against Boromir a couple days later.

Yuri moving her dwarven blade (a gift from Dwalin) slowly, showing Frodo a series of blocks that the hobbit slowly imitates using Sting. Once she has done that they turn to face each other and Yuri attacks, making Frodo put the moves into practice even as she half listens to what Gimli and Gandalf are saying.

Legolas watches the inu as she taught Frodo how to fight. She isn't bad considering her preference is the spear although she could use some more training with the blade. But she's more than good enough to help the hobbits learn to defend themselves. He glances up at the sky and frowns, moving away from the group to get a better look.

Yuri catches sight of the elf moving away and raises her hand to halt the practice, Frodo turning to look as well. "What is that?" The hobbit asks, making everyone else look, Merry and Pippin letting the two men up to do so.

"Just a wisp of cloud" Gimli dismisses.

"It's moving fast and against the wind" Boromir frowns, shading his eyes with a hand.

"Crebain! From Dudland!" Legolas calls, turning back to the Fellowship.

"Hide!" Gandalf yells and Yuri grabs Frodo, yanking him behind a stone, using the bushes for cover, able to feel Frodo trembling as the others scatter.

"It's okay, I'll keep you safe" Yuri quietly reassures. Finally the birds were gone and they all move back into the open.

"Spies of Spies of Saruman; The passage south is being watched" Gandalf says as Aragorn agreed and he began gathering his things, urging the hobbits to do the same.

"We must take the Pass of Caradhras" Gandalf states gravely. Yuri quietly sighs, snow, great. They gather their things and began walking towards the massive mountain.

It takes them another three days until the path began to slope upwards. The higher they walk the colder it gets until they are knee deep in freezing snow and ice.

"Snow's all right on a fine morning, but I like to be in bed while it's falling. I wish this lot would go off to Hobbiton! Folk might welcome it there" Sam mutters as Aragorn steadies him. The others muffle their chuckles as they walk, all envying Legolas as he walks lightly on top of the snow drifts. The snow continues to get deeper until it is up to the chests of the men and then nearly their shoulders. Yuri frowns as she notices Frodo beginning to lag and goes to help him only to see him fall and tumble down the mountain past Boromir until Aragorn manages to catch him.

"Are you alright Frodo?" The Ranger asks in concern as he helps the hobbit to his feet. Frodo nods and then frowns, scrabbling at his shirt only to find the Ring missing. Everyone tenses as Boromir bends down and picks the chain up, the Ring dangling in the weak sunlight.

"Boromir give the Ring to Frodo" Aragorn warns his hand going to his sword, pulling it slightly from its sheath; Behind Boromir Yuri growls in warning as she watches the confrontation.

"It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing" Boromir murmurs as if in a daze and Yuri tenses.

"Boromir" Yuri barks out and the man blinks, looking back at her and then down at the Ring before holding it out to Frodo and ruffling the hobbits hair. Only then do Aragorn and Yuri relax their battle stances. Yuri watches as Boromir moves past her up the path in concern, the Gondorian falling too fast to the influence of the Ring. She looks to Aragorn and sees the same worry in his eyes even as they help Frodo back up the path. Aragorn lifting Frodo up onto her back to ease some of her worries and Frodo's as he clings to her back. Using her magic to renew the warming charms she'd placed on him and spreading it out to renew the others warming charms.

Even with the liberal use of warming charms on their clothes it barely keeps them from freezing as they make their way higher and higher up the path. Legolas has it best with his ability to walk on the snow although it leaves him even more exposed to the wind than the rest of them. The snow is so deep even Gimli is shorter than the drifts they're fighting through.

Gandalf leading the way, using his staff to break the path with Aragorn bringing up the rear and making sure no one falls too far behind. Pippin trips and Yuri, human shaped once more, grabs his arm and steadies him and pulling him closer to help shelter him. Pippin manages a shaky smile, shivering badly.

Yuri wishes they could carry the hobbits again but even spelling them lighter would be too taxing. So she keeps Pippin as close as she can, shielding him from the weather with her own body; Frodo and Sam being protected by Gandalf and to a lesser extent Gimli while Boromir is helping Merry.

They finally stop when the visibility drops to nearly nothing as night began to fall. With no dry fuel there is no fire but Yuri manages to get a rough sort of shelter made up at least for which they are all grateful as they huddle together.

The storm even worse the next morning but on they trudge, there's no other choice after all. Frodo pressed close to Yuri as they walk, one hand clutching at his cloak and Yuri keeps a hand on his shoulder as they walk. Towards the afternoon Yuri leaves Frodo with Aragorn to push forward towards Gandalf, her instincts screaming at her that something is wrong. "Yuri?" the wizard asks in concern.

"Something is off and it's not just the weather" Yuri says, it feels like they are being watched.

Gandalf nods, he had been feeling it for a while as well. Saruman had to know they were on the mountain; it's their only option with the way south being watched. Would the other wizard attack and try to kill them or drive them into Moria? Or would he wait until they were over the mountain? "We have no choice but to continue" he points out as Yuri makes a small noise of distress.

"The weather gets any worse and the hobbits won't make it" Yuri warns and Gandalf sighs but nods even as he pauses to catch his breath. Gandalf looks back over the group, taking in the half frozen hobbits. Even Legolas is beginning to look worse for wear.

"There is no other option" Gandalf says and began to move again and Yuri falling back into the middle of the group.

They spend another night huddled together for warmth again before setting out as soon as it was light enough to see, Legolas suddenly moving to the front of the group, a hand up to shield his eyes as he looked around. "There is a fell voice on the air" he warns as Yuri growls, able to hear the voice as well.

"It's Saruman!" Gandalf calls out, moving to stand on the edge of the cliff, staff raised.

"He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf, we must turn back!" Aragorn calls as he bundles the hobbits closer to the cliff face, dodging falling snow and ice.

"No!" Gandalf shakes his head as he began to chant a counter to Saruman's spell. Yuri shivers and closes her eyes, focusing her own magic in an effort to aide Gandalf but this sort of thing is beyond anything she's seen or done before. Stumbling as the entire mountain seems to shake. Yelping as someone grabs her and yanks her down. She opens her eyes with a cough, choking on snow as they are buried. Shoving at the snow, trying to dig her way out and feels someone pulling her up; blinking dazedly at Legolas who quickly brushes the snow from her face.

"Are you injured?" The elf asks and Yuri shakes her head.

"We must get off the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city!" Boromir shouts as he pulls Sam from the snow.

"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard!" Aragorn answers as he helps Frodo up.

"If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it; Let us go through the mines of Moria" Gimli calls out.

"Let the Ring bearer decide" Gandalf finally states softly.

"We cannot stay here! This will be the death of the Hobbits!" Boromir yells, holding Merry and Pippin close, the hobbits half frozen.

"Frodo?" Gandalf calls and Frodo looks from Gandalf to Yuri scared and confused; Yuri shoots Gandalf a glare for putting this on Frodo's shoulders, giving Frodo a soft encouraging smile even as she puts new warming charms on everyone.

Frodo took a deep breath. "We will go through the mines" he relents.

"So be it" Gandalf states.

Heading back down the mountain is almost harder than going up. Everyone falls several times, except Legolas. The elf moves up and down the line, helping those who fall back up while keeping watch for further danger.

Everyone is relieved when they finally get off the mountain and make camp, enjoying their first warm meal in days. It's wonderful to be able to strip off a few layers of clothes and move around far more freely.

Yuri wheezing a laugh as she chases Pippin around the camp in her full demon form, having been dragged into a game of tag by the hobbits. Legolas and Aragorn watching them as their youngest companions shed the fear and pain of the mountain.

"They're so young" Legolas murmurs. Including Yuri amongst the number even though she's older than most of the Fellowship himself and Gandalf excluded.

"Too young" Aragorn agrees. Yes the hobbits were of age but life in the Shire has done nothing to prepare them for this. And Yuri…she was also of age but she deserved the quiet life she'd been living in Bree. He felt guilty for pulling the young woman away from that.

"Get her!" Pippin yells and the hobbits tackle Yuri to the ground, the inu laughing as she half-heartedly tries to get free, Gimli and Boromir laughing at the pile as they re-joined the group, Boromir carrying a few dead rabbits.

It takes another two days for the walls of Moria to become visible in the gloom. "Frodo, come and help an old man. How is your shoulder?" Gandalf asks as Frodo moves to walk beside him.

"Better than it was" Frodo admits.

"And the Ring? You feel its power growing, don't you? I've felt it too. You must be careful now. Evil will be drawn to you from outside the Fellowship. And, I fear, from within" Gandalf warns.

"Who then do I trust?" Frodo asks fearfully.

"You must trust yourself. Trust your own strengths" Gandalf says.

"What do you mean?" The hobbit asks.

"There are many powers in this world, for Good or for Evil. Some are greater than I am. And against some I have not yet been tested" Gandalf explains.

"The Walls of Moria!" Gimli breathes in awe, making the group stop and stare at the towering cliffs. It's an incredible sight. Yuri shivers and pulls her cloak closer; she would be glad to get out of the fog even if it's into underground mines. But Gandalf's reluctance to come has her on edge, knowing that whatever lies in that mine couldn't be good. Knowing that the silence from Balin's group had weighed heavily on Thorin in their letters.

"You have seen war" Aragorn notes as the two walk together, Legolas listening from further ahead as the group make their way closer to Moria.

"What of it?" Yuri asks, a slight growl to her voice.

"Other than Gandalf the Istari generally keep apart from conflict" Aragorn tells her and Yuri just laughs.

"Then Gandalf is lucky. I took part in the battle for the Lonely Mountain willingly at 82 but I fled my people at 15 because I'd been fighting for my freedom to live till that point because of a war my parents fought in over the right to practice magic" Yuri warns. Gold eyes bright with her power and a warning that Aragorn pick his next words carefully.

"Your parents allowed you to have such a part in a war?" Legolas asks, turning slightly to see them.

"My parents were killed when I was barely a year old. The relatives I was left with would have killed me themselves if they hadn't been threatened to keep me alive. I was magical and everything not normal, a 'freak' so they took their frustrations with my parents and the situation out on me, making it more than clear I wasn't wanted. I got the message and made plans to get away until an accident at 15 brought me here. It may have been an accident that I left the world the mages left Arda for but I didn't look for a way back since no one would fight for the peace I deserved after all that was taken from me" Yuri states, bitterness and pain coating her words; Legolas turns back around unsure how to react to those revelations and Aragorn places a comforting hand on the young woman's shoulder.

"Being different to others does not make you a freak Yuri" the Ranger states and Yuri shrugs, moving ahead of them and closer to Gandalf and Frodo. In her head she knows this but it takes time for the heart to understand these things even decades later.

They have to walk single file towards where the doors should be since the lake has obviously expanded over the years and the water is very close to the stone walls.

Yuri stares at the black water as she edges past, something is down there. She inhales shakily as she 'sees' for the first time in almost four years. Luna having helped her understand her little gift from the Black family during the blonde's first year and Yuri's second.

There's no way she would be disturbing that water! Not with something like some sort of Kraken but with more tentacles in the water's depths. She grabs Pippin before he can throw a single stone in and shakes her head. "Do not disturb the water" she warns the hobbits only to mentally snarl as Boromir slips and ends up ankle deep in it for a few seconds.

"We need to get those doors open now" Yuri barks out.

"Yuri?" Gandalf asks in concern.

"There's something very hungry in the water and Boromir just woke it up" Yuri says.

"How do you know?" Legolas asks and Yuri turns to look at him.

"I Saw it" Yuri says bluntly.

"Saw?" Legolas stares at her and then his eyes widened. "You have the Sight like many of my kin?" he asks in shock. Yuri just shrugs, to her it was no big deal, she's been dealing with it for years now and it wasn't always reliable. What she sees was always accurate but the ability is sporadic, she had gone years without seeing anything after all. She brushes past the elf to join Gandalf in studying the closed doors. Legolas finds himself watching the two while Aragorn and Sam freed the pony to hopefully make her way safely back to Rivendell.

Frodo the one finally saying the word 'mellon', the Elvish word for friend, to open the door and revealing the mines to be a tomb.

Yuri keeps a hand on Frodo's shoulder as they make their way deeper into the mines. She doubts they wound find any living dwarves within, only the creatures that killed them. She would keep an eye on Frodo's sword but so far it hasn't glowed. The veins of mithril in the walls lovely to look at and explained why Balin and the others had wanted to reclaim the kingdom so badly but Yuri doubts it would ever happen. This place seriously gives her the creeps, a hundred times worse than the Chamber of Secrets. She tugs her kimono closer to try and keep the damp out even as she gave Pippin a helpful shove up to the next stair. Who made staircases that were basically vertical? They eventually make their way to the top and Gandalf hesitates in front of the three way split in the path, obviously unsure.

"I have no memory of this place" The older wizard states and Yuri sits on a bit of rock, Pippin leaning against her tiredly.

Yuri pulls out some food, Aragorn doing the same and they pass it around. It isn't all that pleasant cold but they can't risk a fire, it's too visible.

Yuri whispers a spell and three small balls of blue flame shoot off down the three available paths. Gandalf looks at her and she shrugs. It's better than picking one at total random, half listening to Gandalf and Frodo talking about Gollum, the being that's been following them.

It started shortly after they entered the mines but it hasn't attacked so she isn't too worried about it. The three balls soon return and Yuri closes her eyes as she takes in what they learned. "That way" she points at the correct tunnel and Gandalf nods in agreement so the group gathers their gear. They are soon moving down the tunnel, their way lit by the light of Gandalf's staff. They walk for hours before finding a small area to spend the 'night' in.

Yuri curling up in her bedroll, leaning against the rock wall as she stares into the darkness, shivering in the damp cool air.

Legolas moves closer as he notices the shivers wracking Yuri's slender frame. He pulls his blanket out and drapes it over her slim shoulders, receiving a surprised yet grateful look.

"Thank you" Yuri whispers and Legolas nods, shifting ever so slightly. "I guess you don't like being underground anymore than I do" she muses, surprising him, most people wouldn't have detected his discomfort.

"No I do not. My home is in the forest and while the trees block out a lot of the sky it is still open air" Legolas admits as Yuri grins wryly. Amusement brightening her gold eyes up in the gloom of the mine. Reminding Legolas that she had seen his home even if she had been sneaking around.

"I can understand that. I do not like places like this, I can stand them but not comfortably" Yuri tells him. Legolas sits down beside her and to his surprise Yuri moves closer, sharing body heat.

"Perhaps if there wasn't the constant thought of there being orcs around we would like it more?" Legolas suggests with a small smile and Yuri laughs softly.

"Yeah, constant threat of imminent death does put a damper on things but don't worry. You'll make it out of here alive" Yuri tells him and Legolas stares at her. "I've seen it. Only one will fall here and it is not you" she says quietly.

"And you?" Legolas asks worriedly and Yuri smiles again though this one is sadder.

"Fate will not give up her favourite toy so soon" she whispers bitterly and Legolas frowns in confusion. "There's something here, something powerful and dangerous" she explains.

"Close by?" The elf asks in alarm but Yuri shakes her head.

"Deeper in the mines and sleeping for now. So we better not wake it up" Yuri says quietly, taking comfort in his presence as she drifts to sleep.

The group quietly waking sometime later and continue walking, Yuri catching Sam as the poor hobbit trips over a skeleton lying in the corridor they are walking down. At least Gandalf is sure about where they are gong still, she does not fancy getting lost under these mountains.

The silent, empty halls make her wary, they should be filled with life and light as dwarves went about their lives. How many had lost their lives trying to reclaim their ancient home? They exit out of the corridor into what feels like a massive room and the light from Gandalf's staff increases, revealing gigantic stone pillars lining the cavernous room. Yuri looking around in awe but then starts as Gimli let out a noise of grief and darts into a small side room. The rest of the company follow to find Gimli kneeling in front of a massive stone sarcophagus. "Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria." Gandalf reads the dwarven writing even as Gimli sobbed, Yuri falling to her knees next to them with a slight whine slipping from her throat. Gold eyes glassy with tears she won't let fall as she comforts the dwarf.

"We need to move on, we cannot afford to linger" Boromir murmurs, looking around nervously. The room would only serve to trap them if they are discovered inside. Instead of answering Gandalf gently pries an old book from the skeletal hand of who Yuri identifies as Ori and flips to the last pages, reading aloud the horror they had lived.

None of them notices Pippin reaching out to touch the skeleton that rests on what appears to be an old open shaft until it began to fall. Yuri reacts to the noise, instantly trying to silence it with her magic and they all wait when she fails to cover all the noise, frozen in fear, for any sign that it has been heard. Nothing happens after several seconds and they all relax.

"Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and save us all some trouble" Gandalf snaps and Pippin flinches slightly, looking down. Gandalf handing Yuri the book to take back to Erebor, the inu gently stuffing it in her expanded pack.

"We make for the bridge of Khazad-dûm, quickly" the wizard urges and they flee the room, Legolas and Aragorn pulling Gimli to his feet to run. They move as quickly as they could considering the hobbits shorter legs and make it onto a crumbling staircase before the sound of drums begin to reverberate through the stone halls. "Run!" He yells as they hurry down the stairs even as several arrows fly through the air towards them. Legolas quickly returns fire, covering the others even as they reach a break in the stairs that forces them to jump. Legolas leaps across easily and Gandalf follows, the elf steadying him. Boromir sweeps a hobbit up under each arm and throws himself across the gap before Aragorn tosses poor Sam after them. He goes to help Gimli who pulls away and readies himself to jump.

"No one tosses a dwarf" Gimli growls before jumping and he almost makes it too except the edge where his foot lands crumples and he begins to fall back only for Boromir to grab him. "Not the beard!" He cries out even as he is pulled to safety. Yuri giggles before she nimbly jumps across and then moves to check the hobbits, leaving Aragorn and Frodo on the other section.

They're preparing to jump when they all feel it, the slight tremor running through the stairs. The next is stronger and Aragorn wastes no more time, throwing them both across the gap and to the safety of the rest of the company. As they continue to run orcs begin spilling out of the darkness even as the temperature begins to rise and the tremors increase.

"Gandalf?" Yuri calls and the Wizard looks at her, obvious worry in his eyes.

"We must reach the bridge" is all Gandalf says and Yuri nods, sending out a wave of magic to knock away several of their attackers, clearing more space for them to run. She glances back and swears as she sees the shadowy flame creeping along the walls behind them.

"Run faster!" Yuri barks out and Gandalf too glances back, fear and determination in his eyes as the bridge came into view.

Legolas ran swiftly across and then moves to fire back at the approaching hoards even as Boromir and Aragorn push the hobbits onto the narrow bridge before following them across, Gimli right behind them.

"Get them out" Gandalf demands and Yuri frowns before her eyes widened.

"Gandalf" Yuri argues.

"Do as I say! This foe is beyond any of you" Gandalf grips her arm tightly. "Keep them safe Yuri" he orders before he pushes Yuri onto the bridge. Yuri stumbles across, knowing what Gandalf has planned. Legolas grabs Yuri as she stumbles near the end of the bridge, helping her onto wider ground and then they look to find Gandalf standing mid-way across.

"What is it?" Frodo asks nervously as the flames come closer and Legolas gasps in horror as the being reveals itself.

"A Balrog" the elf whispers.

"Durin's Bane" Gimli gasps.

"Gandalf!" Frodo screams as the wizard stood his ground against the approaching danger.

"You cannot pass" Gandalf says. The orcs stand still, and a dead silence falls.

"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udûn. Go back to the Shadow! You cannot pass" Gandalf cries, sword in one hand and staff in the other. Yuri stares with wide eyes at the sight, able to feel the power pouring off the older wizard and now she could also see the ring he wore. This is power the likes Tom would have given anything to have at the height of his insanity and yet Gandalf's magic feels safe and warm even when wielded in an attack. She winces as the whip cracks down but is blocked by a shield of white light. "You shall not pass!" With these words Gandalf slams his staff down on the bridge even as the Balrog steps out onto it fully. For a second nothing seems to happen and then the bridge crumples, sending the Balrog tumbling down into nothing. They all relax and Gandalf turns to join them.

"Look out!" Yuri screams as she spots the movement of the whip that is too swift for any but Legolas to spot. She instinctively tries to shield the other wizard and cries out, falling back into Legolas' arms at the backlash from the fiery whip even as it tore through her best shield to wrap around Gandalf's ankle. The wizard's legs go out from under him and he falls over the edge, barely managing to grab onto the ledge of stone. Yuri stares at him, horrified at what is happening and Gandalf stares back.

"Fly you fools" he orders and with that Gandalf the Grey is gone. They do as their told, Yuri collapsing on the rocks outside the mountain, fighting to get her breath back even as she hears Pippin and Merry crying in grief. A hand rests on her shoulder and she looks up to find Legolas standing over her. She gives a watery smile and the elf nods, kneeling beside her. "Are you hurt?" he asks.

"No, just tired" Yuri assures him, leaning against him. Legolas nods and let her do so, figuring that Yuri had worn herself out using magic to help them escape.

"Get them up!" Aragorn's voice makes them both look over at the Ranger.

"Let them rest for pity's sake" Boromir argues and Yuri gets up, letting Legolas steady her, even as she looks around for Frodo and Sam since they are silent. She spots Sam sitting on the rocks, silent tears falling. Finally spotting Frodo a fair distance away with his back to them.

"By night these hills will be crawling with orcs. Get them up" Aragorn answers and Yuri moves away from Legolas and towards Frodo.

"Come on Frodo, we need to keep going" Yuri whispers as she walks up to the hobbit.

"He…." Frodo trails off as Yuri nods.

"I know" Yuri whispers, pulling Frodo into a hug and feeling him cling to her, shivering from the cold and grief. "Come on" she encourages after a while, guiding him back to the others, finding that they are all ready to go. Soon they are running with Aragorn and Legolas scouting ahead. An hour or so before the sun sets they reach the edge of a large forest and slow down. They move cautiously into the trees, Yuri, Boromir and Gimli sticking close to the hobbits. Yuri listening with half an ear as Gimli tells them about a so-called witch elf but then swallows a snarl as she feels a powerful mind brush her mental shields. She tightens them reflexively and her hand tightens around her spear. She sees Frodo stumble and then instinct shouts a warning. Bringing her spear up and turns, shaft coming to rest against an arrow. They are surrounded. The group brought before the rulers of Lothlorien. Given the leave to stay one night to rest in safety before they had to leave.

Yuri settling beneath a tree, eyes closed as she soaks up the peaceful atmosphere. Taking some time to herself. Not used to being with so many people all the time anymore.

Meeting Lady Galadriel had been….interesting to say the least. Her shields had kept the elven queen out but Yuri knew she had touched the others mind's; had felt it and seen their reactions. Though none of them spoke about what she had said to them. Pulling up the chain of her necklace up and fiddles with the shrunk down trunk as she muses over how things had gone back on Earth. She doesn't regret coming but she's always known it likely hurt those that truly cared about her not getting to say good bye.

"Gandalf told me of you Yuri the Black" Yuri's eyes shot open and she looks over at the elf as she walks towards her.

"That's nice" Yuri says, staying where she's sitting.

"You are unlike any being I have ever met" Galadriel admits.

"Because I can keep you out of my head? Sorry but no one is ever getting in here again" Yuri growls at her, feeling her inner beast stir. It had been a while since her instincts had come through this strongly.

Yuri knows the elven queen is one of the light but she just makes Yuri uncomfortable.

"Does it call to you?" Galadriel asks curiously.

"It's a piece of metal with delusions of grandeur. It can offer nothing I want so it has no way to tempt me. Does it tempt you?" Yuri asks but then shakes her head on seeing Galadriel is already good. The elven queen reminding her a little too much of Dumbledore for the inu's comfort, the resemblance in behavior helping Yuri figure out why she's so unsettled in front of this elf.

Quick to drift back to the rest of her company in her full demon form, her canine features hiding her agitation after her encounter with Galadriel. More than ready to leave this forest for the dangerous road ahead if it meant her thoughts were safe.

Yuri accepting the gifted cloak and settling it over her kimono top, while nowhere near the ability of her father's cloak being able to blend in could come in handy, especially for the others. She watches as everyone is given a gift and then accepts the small cloth bag, slipping it into her obi. Once the goodbyes are done she would join Sam and Pippin in one of the boats, smiling as they gasp when it began moving on its own. It would be too hard to paddle with the differences in size and strength between them.

"Yuri?" Pippin calls.

"Yes Pippin?" Yuri says.

"Is….is it my fault Gandalf's gone?" Pippin asks hesitantly.

Yuri frowns, not that the hobbit could see it. "Why would you think that?" she asks in concern.

"I knocked the skeleton done the well" Pippin points out.

"That could have happened to any of us. We would have been found at some point, there were far too many orcs in Moria for us to go unnoticed the whole way. Gandalf chose to stay on the bridge and face the Balrog, you didn't make him do that, no one did" Yuri assures the troubled hobbit. It's weird having to give such advice to someone as old as Pippin is but Gandalf and Bilbo both had told her about how peaceful hobbits are, they had never had to face such tragedies. "Besides, Gandalf isn't dead until I see the body; he's too wily to die that easily" she finishes firmly. The rest of the day's journey by boat passing peacefully.

Yuri would lay on the bank, empty stew bowl beside her as she listened to the hobbits chatter amongst themselves that night. Tomorrow they would reach the falls and there's a steadily growing pit of dread in her stomach over this fact. Something isn't right.

She glances over as Legolas reclines beside her, soaking up the heat of the fire. "You sense it to" the elf states and Yuri tilts her head. "There is evil on this side of the river as well and it grows closer every hour" he explains as Yuri nods thoughtfully.

"That explains the pit of dread in my stomach over tomorrow" Yuri muses. "Do you know what it is?" she asks.

"No, it is not orcs or goblins, I can sense that much" Legolas admits as Yuri nods with a small frown.

"So a new threat, just what we needed" Yuri sighs as she looks over at the hobbits and bites back a sigh.

"The Ring is draining him faster than expected" Legolas whispers when he sees where Yuri is looking at Sam trying to get Frodo to eat.

"I have been doing what I can to try and shield him from it but it is getting stronger the closer we get to Mordor...If we'd had more time in Rivendell I might have been able to make a box he could have sealed the ring in to shield us all from most of the effects it's having on him now" Yuri admits quietly.

"He will make it" Legolas states and Yuri smiles.

"Even if I have to carry him" she agrees.

"You should get some sleep; you have second watch. I will wake you for it" Legolas encourages.

"Thanks" Yuri says softly, curling up in her cloak and cast a warming charm over the camp before falling asleep. She knows she'll need her strength for the next day.

The boat ride just as quiet as the day before, Yuri finishing helping drag the boats ashore and looks over at the hobbits as they began preparing camp.

"We cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north" Aragorn tells them as he puts his pack down.

"Oh, yes?! It's just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better!" Gimli declares much to Pippin's alarm. "Festering, stinking marshlands far as the eye can see!" he grumbles as Yuri scrunches up her nose at the idea of the marshlands.

"That is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength Master Dwarf" Aragorn suggests patiently.

"Recover my…?! Grrrrrr" Gimli turns his back on the Ranger, muttering and Yuri bites back a laugh.

"We should leave now" Legolas argues and Yuri stood, moving over to the two.

"No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness" Aragorn argues back.

"It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat have been growing in my mind. Something draws near…I can feel it!" Legolas explains.

"Legolas is right Aragorn, something isn't right here. We need to move on quickly" Yuri agrees with the elf, whatever is coming towards them is evil. Aragorn seems to be considering it thankfully.

"Where's Frodo?" Merry's alarmed question has them looking around wildly for the ring bearer.

"Where's Boromir?" Yuri demands when she doesn't spot the Gondorian immediately.

Soon they are all running through the underbrush searching for their missing members.

"Boromir!" Yuri yells as she spots the man on the ground. She kneels beside him and finds he is crying. "What happened?" she demands.

"I tried…I am such a fool" the Gondorian mutters and Yuri runs her claws through her hair in clear agitation.

"You tried to take the Ring from Frodo" Yuri says, voice flat and revealing just how angry she is beneath her barely calm demeanor.

"What have I done?" Boromir asks desperately and Yuri sighs before offering him a hand.

"Come on, up. We need to find the others" Yuri says before suddenly dropping, an arrow sailing through where her head had been. "On second thought, staying down might be good" she growls in frustration. "Split up and find the hobbits before they get themselves killed" she says as Boromir nods and the two vanish into the undergrowth.

Minutes later Yuri grabs Frodo, a hand over his mouth to keep him silent. "Quiet" she hisses quietly, feeling the hobbit relax as he recognises Yuri's voice. Able to feel Frodo trembling and loosens her hold some. "It's okay, I won't let them get you" she whispers, pulling Frodo further back into the shadows.

"Boromir…" Frodo says.

"I know. You need to get back to camp and hide, alright?" Yuri says, Frodo nodding shakily. "I'll come for you once the fight is done. Go now" she says giving Frodo a gentle push in the right direction before leaping from cover to tear several Uruk-hai to pieces with her claws; Taking off running after killing some more as she hears the horn of Gondor sounding nearby. What she finds has her snarling in rage, her inu coming to the surface and magic boiling beneath her skin. Boromir still stood but with three arrows in him even as he weakly fights on to protect Merry and Pippin. As he falls to his knees the two hobbits are grabbed and a single Uruk-hai armed with a bow approaches him even as the others run off with their captives. But the last arrow never lands as Yuri lashes out with her magic, the creature falling dead as its innards burst from its body. Yuri drops to her knees beside Boromir, torn. If she stays to heal the man the Uruk-hai would get away, but if she went after the hobbits Boromir would die.

"Hold on you two" Yuri whispers, making her choice, pulling the arrows from the man's body even as she pours healing magic into the many wounds.

"Frodo….the hobbits…they took…" Boromir chokes out as Yuri nods.

"I know, now let me work. We'll get them back once you're up and ready to fight" Yuri promises, a snarl on her face as she fought against death.

Unaware of her audience as she mentally chants the spells she knew, the snarl on her face becoming more pronounced every time she feels Boromir try to slip through her fingers, pouring more magic into her spell work each time and not paying attention to her reserves.

Aragorn holding Legolas and Gimli back as he takes in what is happening. He knew enough to never interrupt a healer unless called to do so, able to see Yuri is struggling without them breaking her concentration. But when Yuri collapses abruptly onto Boromir, Legolas leaps forward to check on her, gently lifting the woman off of the other male.

To their amazement there is very little left of the mortal wounds Boromir had sustained in his fight to protect Merry and Pippin. Aragorn and Gimli help the shocked man to his feet and then support him as they make their way back to the river while Legolas carries Yuri.

No sign of Frodo or Sam, just a missing boat and supplies when they get back to camp; Legolas gently setting Yuri down on an abandoned bedroll before looking towards the eastern shore.

"Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore" the elf calls as his keen eyes spot the missing boat pulled up on shore. Aragorn stands still, looking towards the shore on the other side, seeing the two Hobbits running into the forest. He says nothing but sighs sadly and Legolas stares at him, suddenly understanding. "You mean not to follow them" he says.

"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands" the Ranger admits sadly, he had meant what he said to Frodo; he would have followed him into Mordor itself.

"Then it has all been in vain! The Fellowship has failed" Gimli says distraught.

"It is my fault" Boromir admits, looking away.

"Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let's hunt some orc!" Aragorn grins as he tightens various pieces of leather armour before grabbing a dagger and Gimli grins, tightening his grip on his axe.

"Yes! Ha-ha!" The dwarf laughs even as Legolas smiles and swiftly gather necessities before once again picking up a still unconscious Yuri.

Boromir is slower to move, gazing across the water to where the hobbits vanished. "Forgive me Frodo" he whispers before moving back into the forest after the others, Yuri's spear and pack strapped to his back. He could not help Frodo anymore but he could save the young hobbits kinsmen.

The first thing Yuri becomes aware of is the pounding headache. Then it's the strange feeling of movement. She forces herself to open her eyes and finds herself staring at blonde hair and a bit of green cloth. She whines as her head swims, able to feel her magic struggling to recover from a pretty massive drain.

Legolas stops running at the sound and gently lowers Yuri to the ground only to see gold eyes open to slits. "Can you hear me Yuri?" He asks gently. The others pause in their run and make their way back to see what is happening, worried about the young inu. They're utterly relieved to see that she is somewhat awake now.

"Head" Yuri whines out and Aragorn kneels beside her, pulling out some herbs and a water skin. He adds the herbs to the water and then presses it to Yuri's lips.

"Drink this, it will help the pain" He urges and Yuri obeys, closing her eyes again against the light. Her core is refilling but she wishes it would hurry up so she could do something about this headache.

The herbs help relatively quickly and she looks around in confusion. Hadn't they been next to a river and amongst trees? "Where?" She asks.

"We are following the Uruks who took Merry and Pippin. Legolas has been carrying you for the last two days" Aragorn explains. Oh, well this is embarrassing. She hasn't been this drained since the aftermath of Battle of the Five Armies. She glances up at the elf who simply smiles slightly at her.

"Better get moving then" Yuri says with a deep breath, and sits up, her head swimming for a second but then her magic surges as her core finally finishes refilling, headache gone as she stood up and stretches. Spotting Boromir standing back and smiles at him. "Good to see you alive and well" she says, her relief obvious to all.

"Thanks to you, I owe you" Boromir says as Yuri grumbles.

"You owe me nothing. I'm a healer and we're companions and hopefully friends, I did what anyone would do" Yuri assures him and the man looks like he would protest before bowing slightly.

"Are you sure you can run?" Legolas asks and Yuri nods.

"Only reason I was out so long is because my magic was drained. Now that it's back to normal I will be fine" Yuri assures him. Legolas nods and they move off. While Yuri can run she hung back with Gimli in order to conserve her strength as well as keep him company and watch their backs.

They run for days, barely stopping for rest and eating on the move. Soon it's taking its toll on Boromir, the Gondorian unused to such extended running. Gimli too is flagging some despite the famed stamina of the dwarves, like he said they're natural sprinters and not made for long cross country runs. Yuri's legs would be burning if not for her inu stamina and a childhood spent running from first her cousin, then her stalkers and Tom at Hogwarts. Legolas and Aragorn making it look so easy.

The days blending together until they finally reach the border of Rohan.

"Rohan, home of the Horse-lords. There is something strange at work here. Some evil gives speed to these creatures. Sets its will against us" Aragorn murmurs as he stares out at the hills and plains. The group begin making their way down the rocks. "Legolas! What do you Elf-eyes see?" he calls.

"The Uruks turn northeast. They're taking the hobbits to Isengard!" The elf finally answers as he stares into the distance.

"Saruman" Boromir whispers, sharing a worried look with Aragorn. They quickly eat some lembas and drink from their dwindling water supplies.

After a short rest they're off again, after all they can't risk falling further behind when they're finally gaining on them. Not stopping that night to rest but keep going, hoping to finally gain on them.

"The red sun rises; blood has been spilled this night" Legolas states as they came to a stop in a wide, green valley.

Aragorn bends down to place his ear to the ground. He hears horses, stands up and gestures for the others to follow him in hiding behind a rock.

They crouch and wait until a large group of riders in green thunder past. Aragorn stands and moves from cover. "Riders of Rohan! What news from the mark?" He yells out. The horsemen turn as one and then move to surround them, their spears aimed at the Company.

"What business does an elf, a dwarf, a woman and men have in the Rider mark? Speak quickly!" One of the Rider's demands.

"Your name horse master and I shall give you mine" Gimli states.

"I would cut off your head, dwarf, if it stood but a little higher from the ground" Éomer smirks until Legolas draws his bow and aims at him.

"You would die before your stroke fell" Legolas promises.

"I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, this is Boromir of Gondor, and Yuri daughter of Beorn. Our other companions are Gimli son of Gloin, and Legolas of the woodland realm. We are friends of Rohan and of Théoden your King" Aragorn says, hoping to ease the tension as he has Legolas lower his bow.

"Théoden no longer recognizes friend from foe" Éomer removes his helmet. "Not even his own kin" he nods and the riders raise their spears. "Saruman has poisoned the mind of the King and claimed lordship over his lands. My company are those loyal to Rohan, and for that we are banished. The white wizard is cunning. He walks here and there they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked, and everywhere his spies slip past our nets" the man explains as Yuri swallows the urge to growl.

"We are no spies. We track a party of Uruk-Hai westward across the plain in aide of two more Companions" Boromir moves forward and Éomer inclines his head to him. As children of Nobility they had met before many times.

"The Uruks are destroyed, we slaughtered them during the night" Éomer answers him.

"But there were two hobbits. Did you see two hobbits with them?" Gimli pleads, not wanting to believe they could possibly be dead.

"They would be small, maybe like children to your eyes" Yuri adds in an effort to jog the man's memory.

"We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them" is the sad reply.

"Dead?" Gimli whispers in disbelief.

Éomer nods. "I am sorry" he apologizes as Legolas puts his hand on Gimli's shoulder in comfort. Yuri closes her eyes in grief even as Boromir puts a hand on her shoulder, still worried for the young woman's health. Éomer whistles sharply. "Hasufel, Arod, Moroch" Three riderless horses move forward and Yuri wants to laugh when she spots the pitch black one.

"May these horses bear you to better fortune than their former masters. Farewell. Look for your friends, but do not trust to hope. It is forsaken in these lands" Éomer tells them sadly before looking to his own riders. "We ride north!" he commands and the group quickly moves on.

Legolas and Gimli are soon mounted on Arod while Yuri eyes Moroch. She's never actually ridden a normal horse. Hippogriff and Thestral sure, but no horses, Aragorn moving to mount Hasufel, leaving Boromir and Yuri to ride double as the heaviest and lightest riders left of the group. Boromir swiftly hefts Yuri up onto the saddle, laughing when she squeaks indignantly, before mounting behind her; Yuri giving him a glare before settling in for the ride.

They quickly ride on towards the edges of Fangorn Forest where they dismount upon finding the remains of the fires set by the riders of Rohan. Gimli began digging through the pile of corpses with the end of his axe until he dug something out. "It's one of their wee belts" he chokes out. Yuri frowns and looks around, her nose and magic telling her that Merry and Pippin aren't dead. Getting the distinct feeling they're being watched. "We failed them" he says in his misery.

Legolas bows his head in grief. "Hiro hyn hîdh ab 'wanath (May they find peace after death)" Yuri mentally translates from the lessons Legolas has been giving her on the elven language.

Aragorn yells and kicks one of the scattered helmets before falling to his knees. But then he frowns and looks closer at the ground, seeing tracks, seeing what Yuri could smell, revealing why she isn't upset.

"A hobbit lay here, and the other. They crawled. Their hands were bound" Aragorn moves on and finds the remains of rope. "Their bonds were cut. They ran over here. They were followed. The tracks lead away from the battle, into Fangorn Forest" he stares in horror at the trees.

"Fangorn Forest, what madness drove them in there?" Gimli asks in horror.

"Doesn't matter, if they went in then we're following" Yuri answers and Legolas nods, eyeing the trees. They feel older than those of his home and though not evil they did feel angry.

"Agreed" Aragorn looks at the group who all finally nod in agreement. They would follow the hobbits trail to the end, Yuri changing shape to make better use of her nose.

Yuri follows the others into the forest, unable to shake the feeling of being watched, her magic almost tingling in anticipation. Gimli has a tight hold on his axe even as the trees groan and Boromir chuckles. "Might want to lower your axe Gimli, they might take it as a threat" he warns and Gimli lowers the weapon a bit to their amusement.

"The air is so close in here" the dwarf complains.

"This forest is old. Very old, full of memory and anger; the trees are speaking to each other" Legolas comments and Yuri looks over at him.

"Really talking?" she asks curiously, knowing that Neville would have lost his mind if he'd heard this.

"They have feelings my friend. The Elves began it; Waking up the trees, teaching them to speak" Legolas explains.

"Talking trees, what do trees have to talk about? Except the consistency of squirrel droppings?" Gimli grumbles and Yuri fights not to laugh even as Aragorn shakes his head.

"Aragorn, nad no ennas! (Something's out there!)" Legolas calls out.

"Man cenich? (What do you see?)" Aragorn asks.

"The White Wizard approaches" the elf breathes and they all tenses, hands moving to their weapons.

"Do not let him speak, he will put a spell on us" Aragorn draws his sword even as Legolas nocks an arrow. "We must be quick" he says as Yuri inhales through her nose and would stumble in surprise

"Yuri?" Legolas asks, glancing at her in concern as Yuri sniffs the air once more to be sure. Gold eyes going wide in shocked delight.

"Gandalf?!" Yuri calls hesitantly and they all look at her in shock even as white light fills the clearing. Yuri's magic flares in response and Legolas gasps as it washes through him, warming him from the inside.

The two magic's clash and then wrap around each other in greeting.

"Gandalf? Yes, that was what they used to call me" a familiar voice ponders even as the light fades to reveal familiar yet changed features. "Gandalf the Grey. That was my name" the wizard admits as Yuri stumbles forward.

"Gandalf" Gimli drops to a knee in shock and awe.

"I am Gandalf the White, and I come back to you now at the turn of the tide" Gandalf announces, accepting Yuri's affection as she presses her nose into his hair.

"I thought you were Saruman, forgive me" Legolas puts his arrow away.

"I am Saruman. Or rather, Saruman as he should have been; Yuri feels it, don't you?" He asks and Yuri nods, stepping back with bright gold eyes.

"You fell" Aragorn argues weakly.

"Through fire and water. On the lowest dungeon, on the highest peak I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me and I strayed out of thought and time. The stars field of end, and every day was as long as a life age on the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done" the wizard explains even as he walks closer to them, smiling gently at Yuri as she remained at his side. He now knew the truth about Yuri and knew the challenges that would face the pair, Yuri's people not quite done with her yet. Though he knew those that opposed Yuri wouldn't know what they were in for when they forced the issue of the null prophecy.

"Pippin and Merry are fine; their fate is no longer in our hands. One stage of your journey is over, another begins. War has come to Rohan; we must ride to Edoras with all speed" Gandalf says

"Edoras? That is no short distance!" Gimli argues.

"We hear of trouble in Rohan. It goes ill with the king" Boromir comments and Gandalf looks at him before nodding, feeling the darkness that had followed him completely gone.

"Yes, and it will not be easily cured" Gandalf admits.

"Then we have run all this way for nothing? Are we to leave those poor Hobbits here in this horrid, dark, dank, tree-infested –" Angry groans came from the trees at Gimli's words and he swallows, shifting his hold on his axe. "I mean, charming, quite charming forest" he finishes uneasily.

"It was more than mere chance that brought Merry and Pippin to Fangorn. A great power has been sleeping here for many long years. The coming of Merry and Pippin will be like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains" Gandalf says cryptically.

"In one thing you have not changed, dear friend" Aragorn comments.

"Hm?" Gandalf hums.

"You still speak in riddles" Aragorn says, both laughing at that.

"A thing is about to happen that has not happened since the Elder Days. The ents are going to wake up…and find that they are strong" Gandalf looks around at the trees as they walk and Yuri shivers, shifting closer to Legolas, she could feel it as well and it reminds her a little too much of the Forbidden Forrest.

"Strong?! Oh, that's good" Gimli says fretfully.

"So stop your fretting, Master Dwarf. Merry and Pippin are quite safe. In fact, they are far safer than you are about to be" Gandalf says grumpily.

"This new Gandalf's grumpier than the old one" Gimli mumbles to Yuri who laughs.

They finally emerge from the trees to find their horses waiting patiently for them and then Gandalf whistles. They waited in confusion and then hear a horse neigh. A white horse appears running across the plain.

"That is one of the mearas unless my eyes are cheated by some spell" Legolas whispers in awe.

"Shadowfax, he's the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers" Gandalf strokes the white neck and then mounts easily. Yuri changing shape knowing her inu form would only agitate the horses.

The others do the same, Legolas helping Gimli and Boromir helping Yuri and then they were off across the plains, heading for the Golden Hall.

Yuri dozing off, trusting Boromir to not let her fall from the saddle.

As she sleeps her magic roams the world freely until it latches onto the protective spells placed on two small hobbits. Frodo sighs in his sleep, relaxing as some of the weight he carries briefly lifts from his heart as the spells are recharged. Her magic skims over another two, closer, hobbits, cheering them up before moving amongst the group on horseback. Legolas smiles as he feels it, knowing it was Yuri's way of making sure they are all safe.

"The veiling shadow that glowers in the east takes shape. Sauron will suffer no rival. From the summit of Barad-dûr, his Eye watches ceaselessly. But he is not so mighty yet that he is above fear. Doubt ever gnaws at him. The rumour has reached him, the heir of Númenor still lives" Gandalf whispers to Aragorn as they travel. "Sauron fears you, Aragorn. He fears what you may become. And so he'll strike hard and fast at the world of Men. He will use his puppet, Saruman, to destroy Rohan. War is coming. Rohan must defend itself, and therein lies our first challenge for Rohan is weak and ready to fall. The king's mind is enslaved; it's an old device of Saruman's. His hold over King Théoden is now very strong. Sauron and Saruman are tightening the noose. But for all their cunning we have one advantage. The Ring remains hidden. And that we should seek to destroy it has not yet entered their darkest dreams. And so the weapon of the enemy is moving towards Mordor in the hands of a Hobbit. Each day brings it closer to the fires of Mount Doom. We must trust now in Frodo. Everything depends upon speed and the secrecy of his quest. Do not regret your decision to leave him. Frodo must finish this task alone" Gandalf assures him.

"He's not alone. Sam went with him" Aragorn admits.

"Did he? Did he indeed? Good. Yes, very good" Gandalf smiles, pleased by the news; He had been wondering where the young gardener was.

They ride for hours and Yuri finally stirs as they approach the large hill. "Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is over thrown. Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong. Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here" the white wizard warns.

They slow their horses, giving them all a chance to take a good long look at the home of the Horse Lords. The town was probably grand once but now it feels run down as they ride through the gates. People scurry around fearfully, keeping their heads down and it's something Yuri recognises from her time in Lake Town before the death of Smaug.

"You'd find more cheer in a graveyard" Gimli murmurs from behind Legolas and the elf nods slightly, like Yuri remembering similar scenes from over sixty years ago from a town on a lake. They reach the base of the stairs to the hall and dismount before walking up the stairs.

"Ah" Gandalf leans on his staff as three men emerge from the hall to meet them.

"I cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed, Gandalf Grayhame by order of Grima Wormtongue" Háma tells them apologetically and Gandalf nods to the group so they began disarming themselves. "Your staff" he motions.

"Oh no, you would not part an old man from his walking stick?" Háma grimaces and gives a slight nod then turns to lead them into the hall. Gandalf winks at Aragorn.

"My lord, Gandalf the Grey is coming" Grima whispers to the king as they enter the hall, the doors closing behind them. "He's a herald of woe" he continues to whisper.

"The courtesy of your hall has somewhat lessened of late Théoden King" Gandalf calls out even as the others spread out a bit, seeing the soldiers behind the pillars.

"He's not welcome" Grima whispers.

"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" Théoden asks croakily.

"A just question my liege. Late is the hour in which this conjuror chooses to appear. Lark spell I name him, ill news is an ill guest" Grima snaps.

"Be silent. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crude words with a witless worm" Gandalf snaps back, stepping forward with his staff.

"His staff, I told you to take the wizard's staff" Grima backs away and motions the soldiers forward. The Fellowship quickly move to intercept them and keep them away from Gandalf. Yuri trips one and then cracks a platter over his head, knocking him out. Háma holds back Gamling from joining.

Gandalf continues forward as if nothing was going on. "Théoden son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows" he says.

"I would stay still if I were you" Gimli snarls as he puts a foot on Grima's chest.

"Harken to me" Théoden grimaces and lets out a slight growl. Gandalf raises his hand. "I release you from this spell" he calls.

"Hahahahaahaha. Hahahahahahah. You have no power here Gandalf the Grey" Saruman laughs through Théoden.

Théoden continues to laugh until Gandalf throws off his grey cloak, revealing the white cloak beneath and Théoden screams. "I will draw you Saruman as poison is drawn from a wound" Théoden slams back against the throne, Gandalf pointing his staff at him. Éowyn enters the throne room and tries to run to Théoden, but Aragorn grabs her.

"Wait" Aragorn whispers, holding her gently.

"If I go, Théoden dies" Saruman snarls through Théoden.

Gandalf again throws him back against the throne with his staff. "You could not kill me; you will not kill him" he says.

"Rohan is mine" Saruman snarls, Gandalf throwing him against the throne again. "Be gone" Gandalf commands and Théoden screams and lunging at Gandalf, he hits Théoden with the staff.

Saruman slides across the floor in Orthanc. Théoden moans and slides down in the chair. Aragorn lets Éowyn go and she runs over and catches Théoden, she puts him back up in the throne. His face begins to change back into a much younger Théoden. Éowyn smiles at him.

"I know your face. Éowyn, Éowyn, Gandalf?" The King straightens in his chair, looking around.

"Breathe the free air again my friend" Gandalf says in relief.

"Dark have been my dreams of late" Théoden murmurs, looking down at his hands.

"Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword" the wizard offers and Háma approaches with Théoden's sword. Théoden stares at it and then slowly takes it, gripping it tight.

Grima attempts to slide away since no one appeared to be paying attention but Gimli grabs him and Yuri snarls at the slimy man as she holds him at claw point. "Not going somewhere are you?" Yuri asks dangerously.

Théoden looks at his sword, then to Grima who is cowering on the floor between the dwarf and young woman. Théoden looks at his men who move forward to grab the cowering traitor, Gimli and Yuri moving back.

They drag Grima from the hall and throw him down the stairs.

"I've only ever served you my lord" Grima simpers.

"Your witchcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast" Théoden snarls.

"Send me not from your sight" Grima begs.

Théoden raises his sword to strike but Aragorn stops him. "No, my lord. No my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account" Aragorn offers a hand to Grima to help him up.

Grima spits into Aragorn's palm and gets up, running through the crowd.

"Get out of my way!" Grima snarls.

"Hail Théoden King!" Aragorn cries; The Rohirrim bow to Théoden, Grima riding away from Edoras. Aragorn bowing to Théoden.

Théoden turns around and looks at the people from the hall. "Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" he asks, not seeing his son in the hall. Unknowing till that moment the fate of his son and heir.

Yuri sits on the step and watches, hands trembling. She nearly jumps when a hand rests on her shoulder, looking up to find Legolas looking down at her in concern. "Yuri?" he asks in concern.

"I'm alright" Yuri reassures, trying to reign in her emotions over what she's just witnessed; Reminded too keenly of second and fifth year and her own brief encounters with being possessed.

"You're trembling. Are you hurt?" Legolas asks.

Yuri shakes her head. "What happened in there…it happened to me more than once but just for a few minutes as a child" she hisses out between her teeth and Legolas' eyes go wide. He quickly moves to sit beside Yuri and she leans against him. "I've never forgotten it and he won't either. You don't forget something like that. The lack of control and the actions carried out by someone else but with your hands" she hisses out, fighting back the tears and the innate fear she's always had of her body autonomy being taken from her once more. Even with her shields being the strongest they are in Arda.

"It is over Yuri, both you and Théoden are safe" the elf soothes and Yuri clings to him. Boromir glances over from where he is talking to the King and frowns in concern but Legolas shakes his head slightly, knowing Yuri wouldn't want attention drawn to her right now. They sit on the step in the shadows of the hall and Legolas offers what comfort he can while Yuri remembers and gathers herself.

Yuri standing silently as the coffin of Théodred slowly travels up the path towards the hill. She can see the King with his head bowed in grief, Gandalf just behind him. Éowyn sang softly, voice breaking from her grief even as the wind blows her veil around her face. Yuri stares at the coffin and feels…nothing, she hadn't known the young man who lay within it. Maybe she's just seen one to many people die. She feels a hand brush her own and knows its Legolas standing just to her right.

Once the funeral is done they drift back to the city, leaving the King and Gandalf to talk beside the now sealed grave.

"Are you alright Yuri?" Legolas asks quietly.

"I'm fine, one too many funerals I think" Yuri sighs, the elf nodding and staying close until they are in the hall before steering her to a seat and getting her a mug of warm ale. Yuri grimaces but drinks it slowly, knowing she needs the warmth. Legolas sits beside her and Boromir joins them with bowls of stew and bread. The whole hall is sombre, grieving for their Prince.

They all look up as Gandalf and Théoden walk inside, Gandalf carrying a young boy while a girl clung to the king's side.

Éowyn rushes over to help with the children, talking softly to them even as she settles them at a table and retrieves food. "They had no warning, they were unarmed. Now the wild men are moving through the Westfold burning as they go. Rick, cot, and tree" she explains.

"Where is mamma?" The girl asks.

"Shh" Éowyn covers her shoulders with a blanket.

"This is but a taste of the terror Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight" Gandalf says.

"You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their King" Aragorn offers.

"They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us. I know what it is you want of me, but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war" Théoden states firmly.

"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not" Aragorn points out.

"When I last looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was King of Rohan" Théoden says sharply.

"Then what is the King's decision?" Aragorn asks as Yuri bites back a sigh of annoyance; Quite done with all the posturing as Gandalf discreetly asks her to go find Éomer and the rest of the Rohirrim.

Yuri quickly gathering some provisions when she turns to find Legolas watching her. "I'll be fine Legolas; it makes more sense for me to go then Gandalf" she reassures.

"I know. Just be careful my friend" Legolas says as Yuri smiles.

"I will be. I'll find Éomer and we'll be at Helm's Deep before you know it" Yuri reassures.

"You shouldn't go alone" the elf says quietly as Yuri finishes securing her pack.

"I'll be less noticeable if I go alone, plus I have my magic" Yuri points out.

"Just try and avoid Saruman's army" Legolas teases and Yuri laughs.

"I will see you soon" Yuri promises, briefly squeezing Legolas' hand and then slips out of the hall, Legolas watching her vanish into the crowds of scared people. He didn't like Yuri going alone but there was nothing he could do.

"I am ready Gamling. Bring my horse" Théoden commands, Gamling nodding and went to leave.

Théoden looks at him. "This is not a defeat" he says, Gamling turns around.

"We will return" Gamling bows and leaves the room. "We will return" the king whispers, watching as people around him hurried to gather what they needed.

Éowyn takes a sword out of a chest, unsheathes it and looks at it; she begins to swing it around, practicing. Aragorn walks up behind her and as she turns with the sword he brings his knife up to block it. "You have some skill with a blade" he notes.

She swings the sword around, releasing Aragorn's block and points the sword at him. "Women of this country learned long ago those without swords can still die upon them" she sheathes the sword. "I fear neither death nor pain" she says.

"What do you fear my lady?" Aragorn asks.

"A cage, to stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valour has gone beyond recall or desire" Éowyn answers softly as she places the sword back in the chest.

Aragorn shakes his head. "You're a daughter of Kings, a shield maiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate" he bows to her and leaves.

Éowyn watching him go, surprised by his words.

Meanwhile Yuri ran across the fields of Rohan in her full form, gold eyes taking in everything around it even as it ran faster than any canine should be able to and maintain the speed. Every now and then she would stop to scent around before taking off again. The scent growing stronger by the miles passed.

A few hours later the canine blurs, becoming a woman who ran swiftly towards the campfires she can see in front of her until she is challenged by a guard.

Éomer stares at the young woman in surprise, recognising her from the group that had been searching for the 'hobbits' back at Fangorn. How had she gotten here so fast?

The surprise fading as Yuri would go onto explain what was coming and that Rohan's king needed them at Helm's Deep.

Yuri sitting behind Éomer as his horse raced across the country, praying they would be in time. She knows the group are alright, she could still feel them all. But what about everyone else from Rohan? Had the battle started yet? Are the thoughts running through her head.

Legolas would look around Helm's Deep, curious but also needing to check the defences which were impressive. But every place has its weaknesses, even if no one knew about them. Saruman had access to the King's mind plus that traitor for how long? No, if anyone knew of a weakness it would be the White Wizard. Besides searching kept his mind off Yuri and the danger the inu may be in as she searches for Éomer. Boromir and Aragorn are with Théoden in the hall, working on troop distribution along the walls and he isn't sure where Gimli or Gandalf are at the moment.

He can practically feel the fear coming from the people around him and he didn't like it, he didn't like war. He had been born after the Last Alliance and the battle against Sauron, something he is thankful for, the only real war he has seen had been at the foot of the Lonely Mountain. Even now he wishes he could have done more for Thorin there than toss him a sword before searching for Tauriel. Tauriel…he had once imagined he would marry her but that dream had ended long ago when he had seen her curled around the Dwarven Prince in her arms, clutching him to her in relief. That had been the last time he had seen her; she had never returned to Mirkwood; Settling in the mountain and marrying the dwarven prince. And now….now there is Yuri.

His Father definitely would not approve of his growing feelings for the inu, not with her connections to the Lonely Mountain. Then again his Father would like the prestige and power of having a mage/nature spirit within the Royal Family.

Legolas shakes his head, clearing his mind as he continues to patrol; he can not afford to think of such things with battle so close. He finally concludes his search but is empty handed; he could not find weakness within the fortress other than the wooden gates and the top of the walls. He heads for the armoury to replenish his arrows and finds Aragorn and Gimli already there. "Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers" the Ranger looks around at the others in the armoury.

"Most have seen too many winters" Aragorn says softly.

"Or too few" Legolas agrees softly as he began gathering arrows. They look around at the men and boys, all looking pale and scared. "Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes" he notes. Everyone stops and turns to look at him, Aragorn included. "Boe a hyn: neled herain dan caer menig!" (And they should be...Three hundred against ten thousand!)" he says.

"Si beriathar hyn ammaeg na ned Edoras (They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras)" Aragorn stands and confronts him.

"Aragorn, nedin dagor hen -'erir... ortheri. Natha daged dhaer! (Aragorn, they cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!)" Legolas fights the urge to yell at his friend.

"Then I shall die as one of them!" Aragorn yells, glaring at Legolas who glares back before the Ranger walks off even as Boromir walks in.

"Let him go, lad. Let him be" Gimli grabs Legolas' arm and Boromir frowns.

"What did I miss?" The Prince asks in confusion and Gimli shakes his head.

Meanwhile Yuri would sit around the smaller campfire with Éomer, as they ate their dinner. As much as they both want to ride through the night to Helms Deep they knew it would be no good to show up with exhausted men and horses. "How did a woman come to travel with such a group?" Éomer prods as Yuri snorts in amusement.

"This isn't my first war or battle…I was there at the Lonely Mountain but after years of restless wandering I settled near the Shire. I was working at the Prancing Pony in Bree till Aragorn showed up with a group of Hobbits and with the Ringwraith's on their heels" Yuri admits.

"You are not a normal skin changer are you?" Éomer muses as Yuri laughs at that.

"No and I've never truly been normal" Yuri agrees.

"Get some sleep, we move out at dawn" Éomer commands as Yuri nods, shifting and curling up into a ball. Her fur warmer than the hard ground, thoughts drifting to the others and itching to be at their side instead of miles away.

"Move! Move to the outer wall" a soldier shouts and Aragorn shifts out of the way as he checks his gear while sitting on the steps outside the great hall. He glances over at the nearby fire and spots two boys talking.

"Give me your sword" the Ranger calls out and the boy hesitantly approaches and then hands it over. "What is your name?" he asks.

"Haleth, son of Hama, my lord. The men are saying we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless" Haleth admits as Aragorn sighs and stood up, holding the sword out and swung it around experimentally. "This is a good sword" he admits giving the sword back.

"Haleth, son of Hama...there is always hope" Aragorn says, putting a hand on the boys' shoulder and gave him a small smile. The boy nods and goes to re-join his friend at the fire. Aragorn watches the activity around him before heading back to the armoury to prepare. He searches through the gear before finding what he needs. He slips on the chain mail shirt and then redresses over it before seeing Legolas beside him, holding out his sword.

"We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair" Legolas admits quietly.

"Moe edaved, Legolas (There is nothing to forgive, Legolas)" they smile and then turn at the noise as Gimli approaches, struggling with a chain mail shirt.

"We had time, I'd get this adjusted" Gimli says as he let the shirt drop and it fell to the ground, Legolas smothers a laugh at the sight. "It's a little tight across the chest" he grumbles.

Aragorn and Legolas grin at each other, being tight is far from the only problem with the chain mail. Suddenly they hear a horn sounding and freeze, was the army already there? "That is no Orc horn" Legolas' eyes widen in shock before he ran from the room with Aragorn following.

They find Boromir on the wall with the other soldiers.

"Send for the king. Open the gate!" Boromir commands.

"Open up the gate!" Aragorn calls out.

A large elven army marches through the gates, passing the men who smile happily. Théoden walks down the steps towards them and sees that Haldir is leading them in bright golden armour. The King is in shock, how had they known to come? "How is this possible?" the king asks.

Haldir approaches him and then bows. "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together" he says, seeing the Fellowship and smiles. "We come to honour that allegiance" he announces.

Aragorn runs down and hugs Haldir. "You are most welcome" Aragorn says as Legolas hugs Haldir the elves swiftly turn towards him and stood to attention in the presence of an Elven Prince.

"We are proud to fight alongside Men once more" Haldir smiles and bows again as Gandalf joins them, the Wizard smiling at the sight of the army.

"Welcome Haldir, we can use all the help we can find" the Wizard states.

"You could have picked a better spot" Gimli complains a little while later as he tries to see over the wall. Aragorn and Boromir walk through the elves along the wall to stop between Legolas and Gimli. "Well, lad, whatever luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night" he sighs.

"Your friends are with you, Aragorn" Legolas says confidently.

"Let's hope they last the night" Gimli sighs.

"Are all dwarves so pessimistic?" Boromir asks as he takes a place and prepares his bow. Gimli huffs as Aragorn moves away, smiling slightly.

Lightning flashes and thunder rumbles through the skies, and rain starts to fall, the Uruk-hai armies drawing closer. The women and crying children in the caves could hear their advancing footsteps and look up in fear. As the Uruk-hai reach Helms Deep, an Uruk captain stands on a rock and raises his hand.

"A Eruch n, -dano i faelas a hyn an uben tanatha le faelas! (Show them no mercy! For you shall receive none!)" Aragorn yells to the elves as he checks they were ready. The Uruk Captain raises his hand and signals for the Uruk to stop moving forward.

Gimli jumps up and down, trying to see over the wall. "What's happening out there?" he demands.

"Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" Legolas teases and Gimli laughs. Legolas closes his eyes briefly, happy that Yuri is well away from this and yet also praying she returns soon with Éomer.

The Uruk-hai begin stamping their spears on the ground in unison and beating their chests. Aragorn takes out his sword and holds it in front of him. The men load their bows and draw them back, ready to fire.

An old man loses his grip on his arrow and it shot an Uruk in the neck. Aragorn holds his hand up. "Dartho! (Hold!)" He calls out.

The Uruk falls to the ground dead. The others growl ferociously. The Captain Uruk thrusts forward his scimitar and shouts and the Uruk-hai advances upon Helm's Deep at a run.

"So it begins" Théoden says, stood watching with his men and Gandalf.

"Tangado a chadad! (Prepare to fire!)" Aragorn calls out, the elves loading and aiming their bows in reaction to Aragorn's order.

"Faeg i-varv d n na lanc a nu ranc (Their armour is weak at the neck and beneath the arm)" Legolas tells those standing around him even as he takes aim.

"Leithio i philinn! (Release the arrows!)" Aragorn commands.

"Did they hit anything?" Gimli asks as the first volley ceases.

"Give them a volley" Théoden commands.

"Fire!" Gamling shouts to the human archers.

"Fire!" is called out.

More arrows hit the Uruks killing many. Aragorn raises his sword to the elves on the ground behind the Deep's wall. "Ribed bant!" (Full volley!)" He orders out.

"Send them to me! Come on!" Gimli goads.

The Uruks begin to fire at the elves with their cross-bows, killing some. Other Uruks set ladders against the Deeping Wall.

"Pendraith! (Ladders!)" Aragorn calls out.

"Good" Gimli readies his axe.

The berserker Uruks are raised on the ends of the ladders as they are pushed to the top of the Wall. "Swords! Swords!" Aragorn yells and the elves unsheathe their blades. "Legolas! Two already!" Gimli shouts as he buries his axe in one of the Uruks.

"I'm on 17!" Legolas grins at his friend.

"I'll have no pointy-ear outscoring me!" The dwarf yells and then kills another.

"Nineteen!" Is his only response to that.

They continue to fight and kill the Uruks. Aragorn pushes down one ladder, which falls and kills many of the Uruks still on the ground in front of the wall. But it seems that for every one they kill, three take its place.

Yuri shivers as she clung to Éomer as the Prince's horse ran across the ground. "It's started!" she calls out, feeling her protection spells going into overdrive. Feeling the horse pick up more speed if that's possible. The weather is horrible and the night would soon be far too dark for travel but they push on. Their people need them.

Gimli stood on top of the Deeping Wall swinging his axe and killing Uruks with each sweep as they climb up the ladders to the top of the wall. "Seventeen! Eighteen! Nineteen! Twenty! Twenty-one!" He counts aloud as he works.

A pack of Uruk-hai advances up the causeway towards the Main Gates, shielded by their shields on their backs and at the front of the group.

Aragorn suddenly notices them and rushes through the elves pointing to them. "Causeway!" The elves turn to fire arrows at them, and the ones at the side of the group fall away dead, the shields not covering them enough to stop the elven arrows.

"Is this it? Is this is all you can conjure, Saruman?" Théoden murmurs and Gandalf shakes his head, this isn't right. There has to be something else.

A huge metal spiked ball is carried roughly by two Uruk-hai and placed under the wall next to the sluice gates. Another pair carry another ball. The way is cleared and a berserker runs through, holding a lit torch. Aragorn suddenly notices him and shouts to Legolas. "Togo hon dad, Legolas! (Bring him down, Legolas!)" Legolas takes aim with his arrow and shoots the berserker in the shoulder, but it doesn't stop him.

"Dago hon! Dago hon! (Kill him! Kill him!)" Aragorn yells.

Legolas shoots another arrow into his other shoulder, but the berserker dives into the sluice. There is a moment of silence and then the bombs explode with an almighty bang, demolishing the wall, masonry flying everywhere.

Théoden looks over in shock. As masonry flies around, Aragorn is hit and collapses to the ground. Gimli takes a hit from the masonry and lands in the water, unconscious. Gandalf unsheathes his sword and leaves the King's side; Aragorn can't die here.

As the Uruk-hai run through the gap in the wall, water rushes through it. The pack of Uruk-hai advancing on the Gate has grown and are close to the Gate. Théoden suddenly notices them even as other Uruks barge through the pack with a massive ram. "Brace the gate!" He commands and soldiers rush to the back of the Gate and brace themselves as the Uruks ram the gate. Other men lift up their barricades and throw rocks and spears at the Uruks. "Hold them! Stand firm!" the king commands.

As the Uruks stream through the gap in the wall, Aragorn comes to and shakes his head. Gimli, sitting up, still on the top of the wall, notices him, as Uruks are running towards him. "Aragorn!" Gimli runs and leaps into the pack of spear laden Uruks from the top of the wall even as Gandalf reaches the downed Ranger and pulls him to his feet.

"Gimli!" Aragorn calls in alarm even as he straightens to stand unaided.

Gimli survives the jump and stands in the pool of water in the gap of the wall and began to kill Uruks as they advance, but he is thrown backwards by one and lands under the water, the Uruk-hai run over him.

Aragorn raises his sword, gesturing to the elves still behind him. "Hado i philinn! (Release arrows!)" He commands, Gandalf tapping his staff on the ground and a group of the Uruks fall as the ground shook beneath their feet even as others fall to the elven arrows. "Herio! (Charge!)" He races towards the Uruks with Gandalf beside him, the elves behind them. Legolas grabs an abandoned shield and throws it down on the stairs before leaping on top of it, sliding easily down the stairs even as he fires arrows at the Uruks around where Gimli has gone down. Gimli finally surfaces and Aragorn grabs him, dragging him to safety.

Unseen by the combatants below a line of horseman appear on the ridge and stare down at the carnage. "The wall is breached but the keep still holds" Éomer feels relief at that, the battle is not lost. "Rohirrim!" He raises his sword in the air and feels Yuri tighten her grip but free one arm. The Rohirrim ride up behind Éomer, filling the ridgeline even more. The Uruk-hai stop fighting and look up.

"Éomer" Théoden whispers, smiling slightly at the sight of his nephew and his men.

"To the king!" Éomer calls out.

Éomer, Yuri and the Rohirrim ride down the steep hill towards the Uruks who surge forward, holding their spears in front of them. As they near the Uruks Yuri sends out a bright white light, blinding the Uruk-hai. They ride over the Uruk-hai and into their masses, killing and fighting. As they near the walls Yuri drops from the horse, pulling her spear forward to fight with blade and magic until she reaches Aragorn.

"Started without us?" She teases and the Ranger laughs.

"I am glad you made it" Aragorn admits even as the odds turn slightly more in their favour with the addition of fresher troops. Yuri grins and then makes her way to Gandalf, the two discussing things for a bit before they move to the walls. Yuri taking a deep breath as she steadies herself, having never done something like this before. She glances at Gandalf and relaxes a little before lowering her shields to release her magic fully. Gandalf begins to chant and Yuri listens to the words before joining in.

Legolas looks up to the wall where the wizard and witch are standing. Blue eyes widen in awe as he watches the magic swirl around them before being unleashed upon the Uruks, driving them back. Shouts of joy go up among the soldiers as they rally to drive the enemy from Helms Deep.

Joy turns to alarm as Yuri's eye flutter shut and she collapses, Legolas leaping up to the wall, running to her side, relieved to find her alive. He scoops her up and runs for the Keep, setting Yuri down on an empty cot.

He hesitates at her side before forcing himself to leave and re-join the fight. With whatever magic the two had cast it's as if the walls are back despite still being in rubble, not allowing the enemy to cross. But they still need to be killed or driven off further or else they are trapped in the fort.

So it is a shocking turn of events when two days later a forest appears on the horizon, a forest that hates the Uruks and works to kill them.

He joins the other members of the Fellowship on the wall along with Gandalf, Théoden and Haldir to watch in relief as the remaining Uruks are wiped out. Yuri awake and sitting up safely within the keep, magically and physical exhausted. Gandalf didn't look much better but for now they can rest.

Yuri entertaining the children from her cot until she was strong enough to get up, the mothers and other women thankful for the extra minder Yuri provided.

"Where did the trees come from?" Yuri asks, getting her first good look at the forest settled before Helms Deep.

Legolas turns and smiles at Yuri, relieved to see her on her feet. "Fangorn Forest" he answers as Yuri moves to stand beside him on the wall. "Are you well?" he asks.

"I'm fine Legolas, the spell work took a lot more magic than I accounted for. I heard we won" Yuri says quietly.

"Yes, those that were left the trees took care of" Legolas agrees.

After dealing with the Whomping Willow Yuri doesn't doubt tress could stop an army. Gandalf approaches and Yuri looks to the older wizard.

"What now?" Yuri asks.

"Sauron's wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift. The battle of Helm's Deep is over. The battle for Middle-Earth is about to begin. All our hopes now lie with two little Hobbits…somewhere in the wilderness" Gandalf sighs, leaning on his staff. "We must deal with another matter now. Saruman must be questioned" he admits as Yuri frowns.

"Will the trees allow us passage to Isengard?" Legolas asks and Gandalf nods.

The group quick riding to Isengard quick to mount up and leave while the rest ride for Edoras. The ride quiet and tense, none of them sure what they're going to find at Saruman's stronghold.

Yuri smiling in relief when she hears laughter ahead at their destination. Merry leaping to his feet as the riders approach. "Welcome, my lords and lady, to Isengard!" He points to Orthanc.

"You young rascals! A merry hunt you've led us on, and now we find you, feasting and…smoking!" Gimli grumbles and Pippin laughs.

"We are sitting on a field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts. The salted pork is particularly good" Pippin announces.

"Salted pork?" Gimli asks in surprise.

"Hobbits" Gandalf shakes his head.

"We're under orders, from Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard" Pippin explains before Aragorn plucks him from the wall and onto his horse, Yuri pulling Merry onto hers. The group then proceeds to ride through the broken outer wall and approaches Treebeard.

"Young Master Gandalf. I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master. But there is a Wizard to manage here, locked in his tower" Treebeard explains.

"Show yourself" Aragorn whispers.

"Be careful. Even in defeat, Saruman is dangerous" Gandalf warns.

"Well, let's just have his head and be done with it" Gimli grunts.

"No. We need him alive. We need him to talk" Gandalf says.

"You have fought many wars and slain many men; Théoden King" Saruman calls before appearing at the top of his tower. "And made peace afterwards. Can we not take counsel together as we once did, my old friend? Can we not have peace, you and I?" he asks.

"We shall have peace. We shall have peace when you answer for the burning of the Westfold and the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace when the lives of the soldiers whose bodies were hewn even as they lay dead against the gates of the Hornburg, are avenged! When you hang from a gibbet for the sport of your own crows, we shall have peace" Théoden announces.

"Gibbets and crows? Dotard! What do you want, Gandalf Grayhame? Let me guess. The key of Orthanc. Or perhaps the Keys of Barad-dur itself along with the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the Five Wizards!" Saruman demands.

"Your treachery has already cost many lives. Thousands more are at risk. But you can save them, Saruman. You were deep in the enemy's counsel" Gandalf says, hoping for information.

"So you have come here for information. I have some for you" Saruman raises his Palantír and gazes into it. "Something festers in the heart of Middle-Earth. Something that you have failed to see. But the Great Eye has seen it" he puts the Palantír back down. "Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon. You're all going to die. But you know this, don't you, Gandalf? You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor. This exile, crept from the shadows, will never be crowned king. What do you think of those plans son of the Steward?" he looks at Boromir before his eyes fall on Yuri. "And this mutt clothed in black, she is not one of our number, do you really think the magic's of old will help in this battle? Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice those closest to him, those he professes to love. Tell me, what words of comfort did you give the Halfling before you sent him to his doom? The path that you have set him on can only lead to death" the wizard rants and raves, trying to sow dissension amongst the group.

"I've heard enough!" Gimli whispers to Legolas. "Shoot him. Stick an arrow in his gob" he goads as Yuri bares her teeth in challenge.

"No. Come down, Saruman, and your life will be spared" Gandalf offers.

"Save your pity and your mercy. I have no use for it!" Saruman sends down a giant fire-ball towards Gandalf and Yuri. Yuri throws her hand out and a dome of water surrounds the horse, protecting herself and Merry. A giant flame surrounds where Gandalf is but when it dies down Gandalf is surrounded by a shield.

"Saruman, your staff is broken" Gandalf commands. Saruman's staff breaks in his hands into many pieces. Grima finally makes himself known to those below, peering past Saruman who is still shocked by his staff breaking.

"Grima, you need not follow him. You were not always as you are now. You were once a Man of Rohan. Come down" Théoden calls out to him.

"A Man of Rohan? What is the house of Rohan but a thatched barn where brigands drink in the reek and their brats roll on the floor with the dogs? The victory at Helm's Deep does not belong to you, Théoden Horse-master. You are a lesser son of greater sires" Saruman taunts.

"Grima, come down. Be free of him" the King ignores Saruman's words.

"Free? He will never be free" Saruman announces.

"No" Grima shakes his head.

"Get down, cur!" Saruman hits Grima, knocking him down.

"Saruman! You were deep in the enemy's counsel. Tell us what you know!" Gandalf tries. Grima gets up slowly as he draws a small dagger.

"You withdraw your guard, and I will tell you where your doom will be decided. I will not be held prisoner here" Saruman counter offers.

"More likely you will hide like the coward you are" Yuri snarls in anger and Saruman glares at her. But without his staff there is nothing he can do to her.

Grima takes his chance and pounces on Saruman, stabbing him several times. Legolas releases an arrow, hitting Grima. Grima winces in pain and falls back, making Saruman plummet off the tower and towards the ground. He lands on top of a spear on one of his own devices. Disgust falls over the faces of several of the riders at the grim sight.

"Send word to all our allies, and to every corner of Middle-Earth that still stands free. The enemy moves against us. We need to know where he will strike" Gandalf commands even as the wheel spun, sinking Saruman into the waters. The Palantír falling out of his robe and into the water.

"The filth of Saruman is washing away. Trees will come back to live here. Young trees. Wild trees" Treebeard announces happily.

Pippin spots an orange glow in the water. He drops off Aragorn's horse and wades into the water, picking it up and eyeing it curiously.

"Pippin!" Aragorn calls.

"Bless my bark!" Treebeard calls in surprise.

"Peregrin Took! I'll take that, my lad. Quickly now" Pippin hands the Palantír to Gandalf, who quickly wraps it in his robe.

The group returning to Edoras to regroup and celebrate their victory at Helms Deep. Yuri dressed in a dress for a change, a simple long sleeve, ankle length black dress with a dark red leather belt around her waist that night.

Enjoying the brief peace as she weaved through the crowd looking for Legolas and Gimli, leaving them to it when she finds Gimli has managed to drag Legolas into a drinking contest. Knowing who will win that fight without having to watch.

Taking note that Pippin seemed distracted from where she's watching him and Merry dance and sing on one of the tables. The smell of all the ale eventually driving her from the hall with her cloak on, Legolas quick to join her.

"The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the east. A sleepless malice" Legolas stares out into the distance, Yuri at his side, both have their hoods up against the chill of the night. Yuri shifts her hand and Legolas looks down before gently entwining their fingers. "The Eye of the Enemy is moving" he whispers.

"Because of the battle at Helm's Deep and Saruman's death?" Yuri asks quietly.

"Perhaps" the elf agrees and Yuri gently tugs him away from the edge, moving into the shadow of the roof to the hall. They sit down together and Yuri leans against him. Legolas wraps an arm around her, enjoying the closeness. "Will you tell me more of your people Yuri?" he asks and Yuri nods before beginning to speak on the beauty of Hogwarts and the colourfulness of Diagon Alley.

The elf cuts her off though, Legolas springing to his feet. "He is here!" Yuri scrambles up after him and they bolt inside. they burst into the room where the others had been sleeping.

Yuri uses her magic to grab the Palantír away from Pippin and faints momentarily as the palantír rolls away. Legolas quickly gathers her into his arms even as Yuri stirs before her eyes open. Gandalf grabs a cloak and throws it over the palantír.

"Pippin!" Merry cries in terror. Boromir hovers over them, hand on his sword but there is no enemy here he can fight.

"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf snarls, pushing Merry away before bending over Pippin. Pippin looks frozen and shocked. Gandalf chants something under his breath, while touching Pippin's forehead. Pippin then awakens and starts panting, horrified. "Look at me" he commands.

"Gandalf, forgive me" Pippin pleads cringing away.

"Look at me. What did you see?" Pippin turns away, but Gandalf turns Pippin to face him.

"A tree. There was a white tree. In a courtyard of stone. It was dead" Pippin whispers. Gandalf sees an image of the Court of the Fountain burning.

"The city was burning" Pippin explains.

"Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?" Boromir asks.

"I saw…I saw him! I can hear his voice in my head" Pippin says frightened.

"And what did you tell him? Speak!" Gandalf commands even as Aragorn kneels beside Yuri and Legolas, checking on the young inu who is now sitting up fully.

"He asked me my name. I didn't answer. He hurt me" Pippin whimpers.

"What did you tell him about Frodo and the Ring?" Gandalf demands.

"Nothing" Pippin says as the others breathe out in relief.

The relief short lived since the enemy is only going to assume Pippin has the ring and combined with what Sauron showed Pippin, Gandalf, Pippin and Boromir ride for Gondor, leaving the rest of the group behind in Rohan waiting for news. Théoden not willing to ride unless Gondor lights the beacons calling for aide.

Yuri swallowing her anger over Théoden's behavior, knowing he's allowed to feel that way but knowing those feelings wouldn't help in the long run.

Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Yuri left sitting and waiting, Yuri taking the time to dig out her cauldron and begin brewing what healing potions and salves she knows will be needed. Not willing to sit around unlike the others while they wait for Gandalf to come through. Gimli staying out of her way while Aragorn and Legolas hover and watch her work in the space Éowyn had given to Yuri.

The routine staying the same for four days until Aragorn comes barging into the hall. Yuri long since finished brewing for the day and repacked everything to be ready to ride.

"The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!" Aragorn yells as he runs into the hall where the rest of the company are waiting. Théoden looks up from a map. Éowyn ran to stand next to Éomer. Everyone watches Théoden's reaction.

Théoden pauses, and then calmly proclaims. "And Rohan will answer!" Éowyn and Éomer look relieved. Yuri smiles in relief and looks to Legolas who nods. "Muster the Rohirrim!" the king orders and a guard runs to the tower to ring the gong. Théoden strides out of the Golden Hall in his armour. "Assemble the Men at Dunharrow. As many Men as can be found. You have two days. On the third, we ride for Gondor and war. Gamling!" he commands.

"My lord" Gamling responds.

"Make haste across the Riddermark. Summon every able-bodied man to Dunharrow" the king orders.

"I will" Gamling bows before rushing away to follow his orders.

Aragorn spots Éowyn leading out her horse. "Will you ride with us?" he asks.

"Just to the encampment. It's tradition for the Women of the Court to farewell the men" Éowyn explains. Aragorn lifts up the saddle blanket of her horse to reveal her sword. Éowyn snatches it back down, hiding the sword again. "The men have found their captain. They will follow you into battle, even to death. You have given us hope" she turns away. Aragorn contemplating her words.

"Excuse me. I have a sword. Please accept it. I offer you my service, Théoden King" Merry kneels before Théoden.

Théoden pulls Merry up to his feet. "And gladly I accept it. You shall be Meriadoc, esquire of Rohan" A smile runs across the face of Merry as he runs off.

Legolas and Gimli wait on top of a horse ready to go. Yuri rides up beside them to watch as the men of Rohan gather. "Horse-masters. I wish I could muster a legion of Dwarves, fully armed and filthy" Gimli sighs as Yuri barks out a laugh.

"Your kinsmen may have no need to ride to war. I fear war already marches on their own lands" Legolas answers softly even as they watch the Rohirrim riders riding off as Merry tries to get his pony to go. Yuri rides over and helps him get the pony moving, falling in amongst the other riders even as Legolas directs their horse to join them.

"So, it is before the walls of Minas Tirith, the doom of our time will be decided." Théoden murmurs as he watches the column move off.

"Now is the hour! Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken. Now fulfil them all! To lord and land!" Éomer calls out. The Rohirrim rode out of Edoras for what may be the last time should things go badly. Aragorn rides at the front with the Royal family, the rest of the Company just behind them.

All of them unaware of the mess Gandalf, Pippin and Boromir are dealing with in Minas Tirith, the Steward having gone mad in Boromir's absence and supposed death. That it had been Pippin and Gandalf that had lit the beacons asking for aide. Boromir forced to answer to his father and leave the safety of the city walls to retake a fallen stronghold in place of his little brother. Faramir having used the losing battle to smuggle Frodo, Sam and Gollum out and towards Mordor.

Aragorn and Théoden would ride ahead of the army into camp, the remains of the Fellowship behind them.

"Make way for the King! Make way, the King is here" a soldier cries on seeing the banner.

"My lord!" another cries in relief and Théoden waves.

"Hail to you sire!" another soldier calls out.

"Grimbold, how many?" Théoden asks.

"I bring 500 men from the Westfold my lord" Grimbold reports.

"We have 300 more from Fenmarch, Théoden King" another announces.

"Where are the riders from Snowbourn?" Théoden asks.

"None have come my lord" is the answer the king gets.

Their group make their way up the cliff side and then Aragorn and Théoden look down on the armies from their high encampment. "Six thousand spears, less than half of what I had hoped for" the king sighs.

"Six thousand will not be enough to break the lines of Mordor" Aragorn points out.

"More will come" Théoden looks at the Ranger.

"Every hour lost hastens Gondor's defeat" Aragorn says, looking at Théoden. "We have until dawn then we must ride" he admits.

Théoden nods his head in agreement. A neighing horse attracts his attention and they both turn, noticing how much difficulty the men have in calming down the horses that seem to be nervous of something.

Legolas, Yuri and Gimli walk amongst them, meeting Éomer who is saddling his horse. "The horses are restless and the men are quiet" Yuri notes, knowing its not her scent that's spooking the animals.

"They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain" Éomer answers and they all look at the mountain.

"That road there where does that lead?" Yuri asks curiously, not liking the feelings even looking at the road causes her. Her inner demon not liking being next to a possible threat.

"It is the road to the Dimholt, the door under the mountain" Legolas answers softly.

"None who venture there ever return. That mountain is evil" Éomer walks away to see to his men.

A man struggles to calm down a frightened horse in front of the mountain and Aragorn stares at the pathway looking worried. He sees the King of the Dead beckoning him and shivers slightly.

"Aragorn!" Gimli calls and Aragorn jumps, turning around. "Let's find some food" he calls. When Aragorn looks again the King is gone so he follows Gimli.

Yuri stares at the mountain, her dread growing, there is something very wrong with that mountain. She turns away and re-joins the others, they all need a hot meal.

Across the camp Éowyn helps Merry into his uniform. "There. A true esquire of Rohan" she praises and he feels his new helmet, looking very pleased.

He draws his sword and waves it around. "I'm ready!" Éowyn jumps and laughs, holding her hands out to Merry. "Sorry. It isn't all that dangerous. It's not even sharp" he says looking at the sword.

"Well that's no good. You won't kill many Orcs with a blunt blade. Come on" Éowyn ushers him out and Merry leaves the tent swinging the sword to and fro, practising. "To the smithy, go!" She encourages him and he runs off.

"You should not encourage him" her brother calls from the nearby fireside and she glances at him.

"You should not doubt him" Éowyn points out.

"I do not doubt his heart, only the reach of his arm" Éomer states and Gamling laughs.

"Why should Merry be left behind? He has as much cause to go to war as you. Why can he not fight for those he loves?" She asks seriously before walking away.

"You know as little of war as that Hobbit" Éomer gets up and walks to her side. "When the fear takes him and the blood and the screams and the horror of battle take hold. Do you think he would stand and fight? He would flee. And he would be right to do so" he points out, putting his hand on her shoulder. "War is the province of men Éowyn" he finishes and returns to the fire to eat.

As they finish eating Legolas draws Yuri aside into the trees to where a bedroll is laid out. "Legolas?" she asks curiously.

"We ride for war on the morning, tonight let us lay and watch the stars" Legolas holds his hand out and Yuri smiles, taking it and settling down beside him to stargaze. "Are they much different to those of your home?" The elf asks.

"Very, all the constellations I know are missing" Yuri admits softly, eyes automatically searching for the familiar stars despite knowing they aren't there.

"You miss one?" Legolas asks, catching her tone and searching gaze.

"The Dog Star, Sirius. My Godfather is named for it….It was saving him that brought me to Arda all those years ago. I don't regret what I did since it's given me everyone I care about here, but I know my fall hurt him" Yuri whispers quietly and Legolas holds her close. They shift as they watch the stars and then Legolas hesitantly kisses her and Yuri smiles, kissing him back before resting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes to sleep, they had to be well rested for the coming march.

In camp Aragorn shifts restlessly in his sleep, dreaming of Arwen, the Pukel men and the entrance to the Dimholt.

"I choose a mortal life" Arwen whispers, a tear falling. "I wish I could have seen him one last time" she fades away and the Evenstar pendent falls to the ground and shatters. Aragorn wakes suddenly, drawing his sword. A soldier stands in the doorway to his tent.

"Sir? King Théoden awaits you my lord" the soldier announces.

Aragorn follows him to Théoden's tent. Théoden looks at the hooded figure, then at Aragorn. "I take my leave" he bows slightly to them and leaves.

The figure turns and remove their hood and Aragorn bows in greeting.

"My lord Elrond" Aragorn says respectfully.

"I come on behalf of one whom I love. Arwen is dying. She will not long survive the evil that now spreads from Mordor. The light of the Evenstar is failing. As Sauron's power grows her strength wanes. Arwen's life is now tied to the fate of the Ring. The Shadow is upon us Aragorn. The end has come" Elrond explains.

Aragorn is horrified by his words but then he gathers himself. "It will not be our end, but his" he says.

"You ride to war but not to victory. Sauron's armies ride on Minas Tirith, this you know. But in secret he sends another force, which will attack, from the river. A fleet of Corsair ships sails from the South, they will be in the city in two. You're outnumbered Aragorn, you need more men" Elrond almost snaps the first at him before calming.

"There are none" Aragorn argues.

"There are those that dwell in the mountain" Elrond points out.

Aragorn blinks away a vision of the Dead King. "Murderers, traitors. You would call upon them to fight? They believe in nothing. They answer to no one" he argues.

"They will answer to the King of Gondor" Elrond pulls out a sword from inside his cloak and holds it out in his hands to him. "Andúril, the Flame of the West, forged from the shards of Narsil" he explains.

Aragorn takes the blade from him. "Sauron will not have forgotten the sword of Elendil" he draws it from the scabbard. "The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith" he whispers in awe.

"The man who can wield the power of this sword can summon to him an army deadlier than any that walks this earth. Put aside the Ranger. Become who you were born to be. Ónen i-Estel Edain" Elrond urges.

"Ú-chebin Estel anim" Aragorn replies, sheathing the sword and nodding to his foster Father, he would do what has to be done.

Legolas spots Aragorn moving through the trees and gently shakes Yuri awake. They pack up the bedroll and slip from the trees to see what Aragorn is doing, it looking like he was packing to leave so they move to the tent they were meant to share with Gimli and woke him before gathering their things.

Éowyn spots Aragorn as well and intercepts him as he readies his horse. "Why are you doing this? The war lies to the East. You cannot leave on the eve of battle. You cannot abandon the men" she demands.

"Éowyn" Aragorn says quietly.

"We need you here" she grabs his hand to stop him.

"Why have you come?" Aragorn asks.

"Do you not know?" She whispers.

"It is but a shadow and a thought that you love. I cannot give you what you seek" Aragorn gently removes her hand, staring at her sadly and she shakes her head. She backs off, upset. "I have wished you joy since first I saw you" he touches her face and a tear appears in her eye. He walks away, leaving her crying alone.

"Just where do you think you're off to?" Gimli asks from where he sat beside the tent.

"Not this time. This time you must stay Gimli" Aragorn says firmly.

"Hmmmm" Gimli hums in disbelief.

"Have you learnt nothing of the stubbornness of dwarves?" Legolas asks as he and Yuri walk up beside them, leading their horses.

"You might as well accept it" Yuri says with a soft smile, shouldering her bag more firmly.

"We're going with you laddie" Gimli stands and Aragorn smiles. The four of them ride from the camp along the Dimholt road. Théoden and the soldiers watching them leaving.

"What's happening, where is he going? I don't understand" a soldier mutters as the group disappear into the cleft between the rocks. "Lord Aragorn! Why does he leave on the eve of battle?" the soldier asks.

"He leaves because there is no hope" Gamling answers, ever the pessimist.

"He leaves because he must" Théoden answers.

"To few have come. We cannot defeat the armies of Mordor" Gamling points out.

Théoden shakes his head. "No, we cannot. But we will meet them in battle nonetheless." His statement is met with nods of agreement.

The three horses walk down the path, shying at any slight sound or movement. "What kind of army would linger in such a place?" Gimli mutters from his place behind Yuri on the horse. The inu having a death grip on the reins of her horse, her inner demon anxious and just as afraid as the horses.

"One that is cursed. Long ago the men of the mountains swore an oath to the last King of Gondor to come to his aid, to fight. But when the time came, when Gondor's need was dire, they fled vanishing into the darkness of the mountain. And so Isildur cursed them, never to rest until they had fulfilled their pledge. Who shall call them from the grey twilight, the forgotten people? The heir of him to whom the oath they swore. From the North shall he come; need shall drive him. He shall pass the door to the Paths of the Dead" Legolas whispers but they all hear him and shiver.

"Prophecy" Yuri growls in annoyance. She dislikes this place, it feels like Dementors should be around and yet there are none.

But she knows there is no choice except to go in and face the Dead.

Finally, they approach the entrance to the Paths of the Dead. They're walking now, leading their horses by the reins. "The very warmth of my blood seems stolen away" Gimli shivers.

They reach the doors and Legolas reads the inscription above the door.

"The way is shut. It was made by those who are dead and the dead keep it. The way is shut" the elf reads aloud.

Something rushes out of the door towards them. It spooks the horses, which pull on the reins and run away from them. "Brego!" Aragorn calls but this time the horse does not come. "I do not fear death!" he snarls and strides towards the doorway. Yuri glances at Legolas and then they follow Aragorn.

"Well this is a thing unheard of. An elf will go underground, where a dwarf dare not. Oh. Oh, I'd never hear the end of it" Gimli mutters and runs off after them.

The four companions make their way carefully deeper into the mountain, Aragorn holding a torch while a magical light floats around them thanks to Yuri. Both inu and elf keep glancing around as if they can see something the others can't. Gimli holding his axe close, he did not like this mountain. "What is it? What do you see?" he finally asks the two.

"I see shapes of men. And of horses" Legolas answers softly

"Where?" Gimli asks looking around.

This time Yuri answers. "Pale banners like shreds of cloud. Spears rise like winter-thickets through a shroud of mist. The Dead are following. They have been summoned" she whispers the last, keeping a tight grip on her spear.

"The Dead? Summoned? I knew that. Very good. Very good! Legolas!" while Gimli had been muttering the others moved further on, leaving him behind. He runs towards a path where he thought Legolas went.

Mists surround them as they walk and Gimli tries to blow them away.

"Do not look down" Aragorn suddenly warns and they hear a crack as Yuri takes another step. Gimli can't help looking down, sees the skulls beneath their feet.

They walk into a giant hall and a green figure appears before them.

He is a ghost unlike any Yuri has seen before. Half rotted and green is not a good look.

"Who enters my domain?" The King of the Dead demands.

"One who will have your allegiance" Aragorn states firmly.

"The Dead do not suffer the living to pass" the king answers before his gaze drifts to Yuri, feeling the power she holds and something else.

"You will suffer me" Aragorn states.

The King of the Dead laughs as the Dead appear and surround Legolas, Yuri, Aragorn, and Gimli. "The way is shut. It was made by those who are dead. And the Dead keep it. The way is shut. Now you must die" he announces.

Legolas releases an arrow. It goes through the one aimed at as if through thin air.

"I summon you to fulfil your oath" Aragorn tries again.

"None but the King of Gondor may command me" the dead king sneers. In answer Aragorn lifts Andúril. The King of the Dead attacks him with his own sword, Aragorn parries and then grabs the King by his throat. "That line was broken" he gasps out, shocked by Aragorn's actions.

"It has been remade" Aragorn snarls before he releases the King and addresses The Dead surrounding him. "Fight for us and regain your honour" he walks through the crowd of ghosts. "What say you?" he demands. The Dead shuffle about and look uncertain, several focusing on Yuri, able to feel her unknowing connection with Death. "What say you?" Aragorn asks once more.

"You waste your time, Aragorn! They had no honour in life, they have none now in death" Gimli snarls.

"I am Isildur's heir. Fight for me, and I will hold your oaths fulfilled!" Aragorn calls out and the Dead watch Aragorn, unable to decide.

"Don't you want to move on? Be at peace?" Yuri asks, meeting ghostly gazes and gaining more attention. Legolas pressing closer, protectively.

"What say you?! You have my word! Fight, and I will release you from this living death!" Aragorn calls out and the Dead begin to disappear.

"What say you?!" Aragorn calls out one last time.

"Stand, you traitors!" Gimli demands.

The mists begin to blow away and the ground begins to shake. The whole place begins to burst out with skulls everywhere. "Out!" Aragorn commands and they begin running, trying to avoid the falling skulls as they fell on them. "Legolas! Run!" he calls to the elf bringing up the rear.

They finally get out when they run out of a small opening in the cave.

Aragorn's expression falls as he sees the black ships of the Corsairs on the river, he falls to his knees. Legolas puts his arm around him in comfort and Yuri grips his shoulder. They would stop those ships. A noise comes from the cave and Aragorn turns around to see the King of the Dead.

"We fight" he states and Aragorn stood, nodding in acceptance.

Unaware the battle for Gondor had already begun, Rohan riding to aid Minas Tirith, Éowyn and Merry among the riders. The Gondorians trapped in the capital as the orc army prepared to ram the gates down. Denethor preparing to burn a wounded Boromir alive, thinking his oldest son dead while his youngest, Faramir tries to hold the city walls with Gandalf's aid.

The black ships sail down the river, confident nothing can stop them. Aragon stands tall and straight on the bank, looking rather Kingly to Yuri. "You may go no further. You will not enter Gondor" the Ranger calls firmly and the Corsair men laugh.

"Who are you to deny us passage?" The Captain calls in response.

"Legolas, fire a warning shot past the bosun's ear" Aragorn murmurs.

"Mind your aim" Gimli warns, hitting Legolas' bow as he fires. The arrow hits the man next to the captain. Gimli covers his mouth as Legolas looks at him and Yuri shakes in quiet amusement but wouldn't laugh out loud. "That's it. Right. We warned you. Prepare to be boarded" the dwarf yells.

"Boarded? By you and whose army?" The Captain demands.

"This army" Aragorn smirked as the King of the Dead and his army appeared and ran towards the ships. He raised his sword and ran after them, the others following him. The ghosts pour over the ships, killing the men aboard. The four members of the Company follow quickly, not having to do much fighting at all which is good since they have the bigger battle coming up. Soon the ships are sailing under the command of the Company, heading for Gondor and hoping they are in time.

"The scouts report Minas Tirith is surrounded. The lower levels in flames. Everywhere, legions of the enemy advance" Éomer reports as he rides up to his King. They are several hours away from the city, the men eating and taking what rest they can.

"Time is against us. Make ready!" Théoden commands and the men are quick to remount their horses.

"Take heart, Merry. It will soon be over" Éowyn whispers as they settle on their horse.

"My lady, you are fair and brave and have much to live for, and many who love you. I know it is too late to turn aside. I know there is not much point now in hoping. If I were a knight of Rohan, capable of great deeds. But I'm not. I'm a Hobbit. And I know I can't save Middle-Earth. I just want to help my friends. Frodo. Sam. Pippin. More than anything, I wish I could see them again" Merry whispers back as he grips tight to the saddle.

"Prepare to move out!" Éomer calls out to the lines and Éowyn ducks her head as he passes them.

"Make haste. We ride through the night" Théoden commands as horns are blown. Merry and Éowyn put their helmets on.

"To battle" she calls and Merry grins.

"To battle" Merry agrees.

On board one of the ships Yuri stiffens, eyes glazing over as her spells react to deadly danger…Frodo! Legolas sees and moves to support her as Yuri throws her magic out, seeking to reinforce the protections.

He didn't know what Yuri was doing but he knew she would not waste magic with the battle looming.

Unaware of the fight Sam and Frodo are having against Shelob, a spider just as big as Aragog with poison just as deadly, her magic shielding Frodo from most of the poison through the reinforcement of her protections. The pair having been split up by the machinations of Gollum, Sam coming to Frodo's rescue as they get ever closer to Mount Doom.

Yuri slumps against Legolas, panting. Closing her eyes and letting the elf support her. "Frodo was poisoned, think my protections got it though" she whispers and Legolas nods, awed by the Yuri's abilities.

"Rest now, we will be there soon enough" Legolas soothes, shifting to hold Yuri better and let her sleep.

Unaware things are getting worse in Minas Tirith.

That Boromir is being placed on a pyre of wood, moving uneasily in his unconscious sleep. The guards place piles of wood around the pyre table. Denethor bent over him and touching his face.

"The house of his spirit crumbles. He is burning. Already burning" Denethor mutters.

Pippin runs up to Boromir and tries to remove the wood surrounding the pyre. "He's not dead! He's not dead!" he cries hysterically but Boromir is too heavy for him. Denethor grabs Pippin and drags him out.

Pippin continued to cry out that Boromir was not dead. "No! No! No! No! He's not dead! No!"

"Farewell, Peregrin, son of Paladin. I release you from my service. Go now and die in what way seems best to you" Denethor throws Pippin to the ground and shut the doors. "Pour oil on the wood!" he commands.

Pippin runs desperately through the city, trying to find the White Wizard. Chaos reigning around him.

"Come on, soldier! Move it! Hurry along there! Hurry along!" A soldier yells as he pushes civilians further into the city.

"Gandalf! Where is Gandalf? Gandalf!" Pippin looks around, ducking around people.

Orcs are streaming into the city, while buildings crumbling, and men and women ran in fear.

"Retreat! The city is breached. Fall back to the second level! Get the women and children out. Get them out! Retreat!" Gandalf calls as he moves with them.

"Come on. Come on!" a soldier urges.

"Move into the city. Kill all in your path" Gothmog orders as the Orcs run rampant, killing everything they come across.

"Take them down!" A solider calls out.

"Fight! Fight to the last man! Fight for your lives!" Gandalf orders and Pippin hears him.

"Gandalf! Gandalf! Denethor has lost his mind! He's burning Boromir alive!" He yelled, getting not just Gandalf's attention but Faramir's.

"Up! Quickly!" Gandalf pulls Pippin onto Shadowfax and gallops off. Faramir moves into the passages cut through the rock, they are too narrow to funnel the people through but he needs to move fast. Shadowfax stops suddenly when he sees the Witch-King on his fell beast land before them.

"Go back to the abyss! Fall into the nothingness that awaits you and your master!" Gandalf commands.

"Do you not know death when you see it, old man? This is my hour" the Witch-King announces. His sword lights aflame and, at the Witch-King's timing, he breaks Gandalf's staff, throwing both Gandalf and Pippin to the ground.

"Gandalf!" Pippin takes out his sword and runs towards the fell beast but it roars in his face and frightens him off.

"You have failed. The world of Men will fall" the Witch-King intones and then suddenly horns can be heard in the distance. Gandalf looks up as the Witch-King flies away towards the sound.

Outside the city, the ranks of the Rohirrim crest the hill outside the Pelennor Fields. Théoden looks down on the thousands of Orcs, realizing that this battle could not be won. His riders see the same, the Rohirrim about to lose what courage they have. Calling out a rallying cry before leading the charge with a yell.

The Rohirrim riding through the orc ranks, decimating the army but in the city Denethor stands atop the pyre pouring oil over his head. He looks down at Boromir, his first born and favoured son, who is covered in oil. Boromir's face twitches, but it passes unnoticed. "Set a fire in our flesh" Denethor says standing on the pyre, arms outstretched like a martyr, Boromir lying at his feet. The attending soldiers move close to the pyre with their torches.

Just as they are about to put fire to wood, Shadowfax kicks open the doors. "Stay this madness!" Gandalf demands and the guards stop.

Denethor grabs a torch from a guard. "You may triumph in the field of battle for a day, but against the power that has risen in the east, there is no victory" Denethor lights the pile of wood himself. Gandalf takes up a spear and charges Denethor, knocking him off the pyre.

Pippin leaps from Shadowfax onto the pyre and tries to roll Boromir from a flaming death. He is suddenly helped in pulling the man free as Faramir arrives and moves to save his brother. Pippin slaps the flames off Boromir's clothes as Denethor rises and tries to attack Pippin but Faramir stops him.

"No! You will not take my son from me!" Denethor snarls.

"Father stop this madness!" Faramir struggles with him.

"No! No!" Denethor argues.

Gandalf rides up again and knocks Denethor onto the pyre, which now roars with flame. Denethor looks through the fire at Boromir, who has opened his eyes. Realizing that his son is still alive, Denethor softens. "Boromir…" he whispers then sees Faramir, kneeling beside his brother. "Faramir" he calls. But the flames leap around him and set the steward ablaze.

Mad with pain, the screaming Denethor leaps from the pyre and runs, burning, from the house, where he falls from the edge of Minas Tirith.

"So passes Denethor, son of Ecthelion. Long live the Steward, Boromir, son of Denethor" Gandalf states gravely. Under Faramir's orders his brother is taken away to the Healers.

In the field things are not going well for the Rohirrim.

"Rally to me! To me!" Théoden calls, this second wave had not gone well for them. The riders near him are suddenly nervous. Théoden turns around and is aware of the presence of the Witch-king. The Witch-king swoops down and knocks down Snowmane and Théoden. Snowmane lands on top of Théoden. Not far off, Éowyn watches in shock and horror. The fell beast stands over Théoden.

"Feast on his flesh" the Witch-King commands his mount.

"I will kill you if you touch him!" Éowyn snarls as she moves between them, sword steady.

"Do not come between a Nazgûl and his prey" the Witch-King intones.

The fell beast tries to strike, and misses, foolishly leaving its neck exposed. Éowyn chops its head off in two strokes, and it dies, flailing about and landing heavily. The Witch-king then stands in front of Éowyn, a flail in its hand. Éowyn looks on in fear, and then ducks and sidesteps as the Nazgûl tries to hit her. The Witch-king finally lands a hit on her shield, and it shatters. She falls, crying out, and clutching her arm.

The Witch-King stands triumphantly before her. Éowyn pants in fear as the Witch-king approaches.

The Witch-king grabs Éowyn's neck. "You fool. No man can kill me! Die now" he says.

Suddenly Merry comes up from behind and stabs the Witch-king in the back of the leg. His blade crumbles into nothing and he falls to the ground, holding his right arm in pain. The Witch-king shrieks and falls to its knees. Éowyn stands up and takes off her helmet, shaking her long golden hair loose.

"I am no man!" She states firmly. With a cry, she stabs the Witch-king in the face with her blade. She falls to the ground in agony, but the Witch-king withers and crumples into nothing with a shrill cry, while Merry and Éowyn watch in surprise and shock.

At the river, black ships begin arriving at the pier. "Late as usual, pirate scum! There's knife-work here that needs doing. Come on, ya sea rats! Get off your ships!" the lead orc demands.

Aragorn, Legolas, Yuri, and Gimli hop down from one of the ships.

"There's plenty for the both of us. May the best Dwarf win!" Gimli mutters to Legolas and Yuri giggles as she frees her spear. They start running, charging the confused orcs. The Dead stream from behind them, over the water, killing everything in their path.

Not long after Yuri picks her way through the dead to join the others before the King of the Dead.

"Release us" the king demands.

"Bad idea. Very handy in a tight spot, these lads, despite the fact they're dead" Gimli offers.

The King heard and glares. "You gave us your word" he states.

Aragorn stares at the King in silence for a while before speaking. "I hold your oath fulfilled. Go. Be at peace" he says.

The King of the Dead closes his eyes in relief, and the dead shimmer, and then disappear, as if blown away by the wind, but not before the King and a few others bowed slightly to Yuri to her confusion.

Yuri and Aragorn both quick to join the healers in the healing hall once they reach Minas Tirith.

Yuri walks through silent halls, exhausted from the fight and the hours of working in the Halls of Healing alongside Aragorn and Gandalf.

Boromir, Éowyn and Merry had taken the most of her magic and stores, Boromir because he had lost so much blood and the other two due to the evil that permeated their wounds. Some of the wounded had been beyond aide so that all they could do was ease their passing. Faramir, acting in his brother's place, had given the Company rooms in the Palace, all in the one corridor but Aragorn's heritage had been carefully kept out of that discussion.

She stops in front of her door and then hesitates, hand on the handle. She takes a deep breath and then knocks on the door next to her own. It's late, he was probably sleeping….and then the door opens to reveal Legolas, his braids undone, dressed in simply light grey pants and tunic for sleep.

"Yuri? Is everything alright?" Legolas asks, taking in how exhausted the inu looks. He had become used to calling the young woman just Yuri over their time travelling together.

"I'm sorry, it's late" Yuri apologizes quietly.

Sharing a tent or sleeping under the stars together is one thing, there would be no mistaking things if he offers while they were here. "Come in?" he asks quietly.

Yuri nods and slips into the guest room. Legolas shuts the door and moved towards Yuri who watches him. Legolas stops in front of her and Yuri stares up at him before reaching up to tug him down into a kiss.

The next morning, she slips from Legolas' room to get dressed for the day.

They had won a battle but not the war and there are plans to make.

Legolas joins her in the hallway and they make their way to find breakfast.

Faramir sits in the Stewards seat, Boromir still not well enough to do so even if he had tried to sneak out of the Healing Halls earlier…it hadn't ended well for the man. Gimli sat on the bottom stair, polishing his axe. Yuri and Legolas sit together on a bench, visibly unarmed although no one believes the elf is carrying no weapons at all and it isn't like Yuri needs a weapon to fight, her claws and focus ring visible to all. Aragorn and Gandalf stand at the foot of the dais, Gandalf staring off into the distance, all of them still tired from the battle and healing. The only ones missing from their party are the hobbits. Éomer, now King of Rohan is also with them, his forces had taken a lot of casualties but they are still ready to fight if needed.

"Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening" Gandalf finally states.

"If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it" Aragorn argues, moving to sit. They'd all been given fresh clothes and he looked like royalty in them. He didn't know Faramir had seen and recognised the significance of the ring he wore and so had supplied appropriate clothing.

"It's only a matter of time. He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping" Gandalf reminds them all.

Gimli breathes out a puff of smoke. "Let him stay there. Let him rot! Why should we care?" he asks as Yuri breathes out through her nose.

"Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom" Yuri states seriously.

"I've sent him to his death" Gandalf sighs.

"No. There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the Plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that" Aragorn argues.

"How?" Faramir asks.

"Draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate" Aragorn explains.

Gimli coughs out smoke in surprise. Legolas remains quiet, he may be a Prince but his people had no army here, he would ride as simply a member of the Company. "We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms" Éomer finally speaks up.

"Not for ourselves. But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves" Aragorn explains himself.

"A diversion" Legolas agrees, it could work.

"Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?" Gimli grins and Yuri sighs.

"Frodo and Sam are in Mordor but they do have some help, my protections are still intact" Yuri informs them and Gandalf nods.

"That buys us some extra time perhaps" Gandalf relents then looks to Aragorn. "Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait" he points out to the Ranger.

"Oh, I think he will" Aragorn answers as the group breaks up to begin preparations.

"Planning something crazy?" Yuri asks as the others leave and Aragorn glances at the young woman he had once been suspicious of and now trusts with his life.

"Sauron needs to focus on us to buy Frodo time" Aragorn points out as Yuri nods.

"I think you mean he needs to focus on you, don't you?" Yuri's arms are crossed against her chest, gold eyes serious and Aragorn sighs but nods.

"He has hunted me all my life Yuri, if I am there he will come to end the line of Kings for good" Aragorn admits.

Yuri sighs and sits on a stair. "I know what that's like. The one who killed my parents kept trying to kill me after he failed when I was a baby, I kept getting lucky. Just don't do something dumb" she warns.

"I will try my friend" Aragorn clasps Yuri's shoulder. "I am happy for you both, Legolas has been alone for a very long time" he grins as Yuri flushes in surprise.

"How?" Yuri asks quietly.

"I saw you go to his room last night. Did you want it to be secret?" Aragorn asks as Yuri shook her head.

"No…it's new and I didn't want to distract everyone" Yuri admits quietly.

"Then I will say no more for now" Aragorn agrees.

Yuri nods and then leaves him alone, going to check on Merry and Pippin before Boromir. Gandalf returns and places a covered bundle on the dais before looking to Aragorn and then leaving.

Aragorn walks towards the palantír with Andúril in his hand. He uncovers the palantír, showing the Eye. He reluctantly puts his hand atop it. "Long have you hunted me. Long have I eluded you. No more" he whispers as he brought up Andúril. "Behold the Sword of Elendil" he shows the sword to the Eye.

Sauron fights back with a flashback of Arwen dying on her bed. Aragorn despairs and drops the palantír, falling back. Strong hands grab him even as the Evenstar falls, just like in his dream, but it never hits the stone as it's grabbed out of thin air. Legolas carefully helps him sit on the floor even as Yuri resettles the pendant around Aragorn's neck before glaring at the still uncovered palantír before she grins and summons Prongs, setting the spectral stag on the stone.

All three hear the screech of pain Sauron lets out at being exposed to so much positive energy., Yuri then flicks the cloth back over it.

"Thank you" Aragorn murmurs, hand going to the Evenstar.

"Legolas get him to bed, no arguments. You're lucky I sensed something going wrong" Yuri barks before going back to Boromir. The two sharing a look as they watch the sole female of the Company march off, the robe she wore over the dress she'd been given flaring out behind her. Unaware of how much like Severus Snape she'd looked in that moment.

The next two days are spent readying the combined army, ensuring they have supplies, weapons, armours and horses. No one commenting on the fact that Yuri did not stay in the room she had been given.

On the morning of the day they are to ride out she woke tangled together with Legolas, the elf still sleeping. Yuri leans up on an elbow to study her lover, knowing this could be her last chance. There are no guarantees in battle, especially against a foe like Sauron and his armies that much she'd learned in all her years on Middle Earth.

They are most likely marching to their deaths…but if that was so then it was a cause worth dying for, far better than dying for the bigots back home.

She knew Frodo and Sam are still alive, still moving towards Mount Doom but she can't get to them from Gondor, something about Mordor…maybe she could once they are at the Gates? She had done everything she could for the men who would ride with them, weaving magic through armour and weapons but she also needed to save her strength for what is coming.

Legolas blinks as he woke, smiling as he found his inu already awake and watching him. "What is it?" he asks.

"Nothing. Just…storing up memories" Yuri admits softly and Legolas nods in understanding. Yuri leans in and kisses him, it's still early after all.

Hours later the Host of the West march from Minas Tirith for Mordor, led by Aragorn in king's armour. Near him rode Gandalf, Legolas, Yuri, Gimli, Éomer, Merry and Pippin.

"The city has fallen silent. There is no warmth left in the sun. It grows so cold" Éowyn murmurs as she stood on the balcony in the houses of Healing, looking out in the direction her brother had ridden with the rest.

"It's just the damp of the first spring rain. I do not believe this darkness will endure" Faramir answers as he steps into view, he'd come to check on his brother and spotted her. She had looked so beautiful standing there in the sunlight. He had seen her brought in by her brother to be tended by Aragorn…and hadn't that been a shock. The line of Kings still existed; he'd always dreamt of it but never really believed. His brother had travelled with the man for months, did he know?

Boromir had been raised with the belief he would be Steward, ruler in all but name, of Gondor, to know he would not be must have been a terrible blow. And what of the blows she had suffered? Her King and his heir dead within days of each other and now her brother is riding to what is most likely his death. Faramir walks closer and took her hand, earning a sad smile even as she leans against him, seeking comfort. She was so brave…the kind of woman he could see himself marrying one day.

In Mordor Sam and Frodo crouch behind some rocks, hiding from the massive ranks of orcs as they march across the plains. They don't know why the army is on the move but as long as they remain hidden they had a chance.

They duck lower and Frodo moans in pain as the Great Eye skims their location before moving on. The Ring is getting heavier and heavier and their supplies, especially water, are getting thin.

Before the Black Gates the army slows and pulls up on a slight rise in the ground, forming ranks. Horses paw the ground nervously as the army of men look around the desolate land.

"Where are they?" Pippin asks as they continued to wait.

Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Yuri, Éomer and Aragorn's herald spurs their horses forward toward the Gate. "Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Let justice be done upon him!" Aragorn calls out loudly and there is no response until the Black Gate slowly begins to open, a dark rider on a dark, armour covered horse approaches them.

"My master, Sauron the Great, bids thee welcome" the Mouth of Sauron makes a toothy grin but Aragorn returns a mocking look back at him.

Yuri grimaces, feeling her magic stir in agitation, something about this being is just plain wrong.

"Is there any in this rout with authority to treat with me?" the Mouth asks.

"We do not come to treat with Sauron, faithless and accursed. Tell your master this: The armies of Mordor must disband. He is to depart these lands, never to return" Gandalf commands.

"Old Greybeard. I have a token I was bidden to show thee" the Mouth tosses an object to Gandalf who looks at the belt, it's Sam's but there is no sign of blood, it looks like it had gotten caught and then tugged free, letting it fall aside. Pippin, seated in front of him gasps and Yuri quickly silences him.

Able to scent and feel with her magic that Sam is alive. "There is no death lingering, it was pulled free on a rock or something. You don't know who this belongs to" Yuri tells the Mouth of Sauron and the others relax, trusting Yuri to know.

Aragorn approaches him, the Mouth watching him closely. "And who is this? Isildur's heir? It takes more to make a king than a broken Elvish blade" the Mouth announces.

Aragorn quickly draws his sword and cut the Mouth of Sauron's head off.

"I guess that concludes negotiations" Gimli offers.

The Eye swings its gaze towards the North. Aragorn and the others see the Orcs marching towards them through the gate. "Pull back! Pull back!" they turn their horses and gallop back to the lines.

Uncountable numbers of Orcs march toward the Host of the West. The soldiers are starting to lose heart and courage. "Hold your ground! Hold your ground" Aragorn calls.

The Men stare at him, fear and uncertainty written on their faces. Aragorn rides back and forth in front of them, trying to shore up their courage and has to smile as a spectral stag appears, moving amongst the men, cheering them some. "Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of Men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down. But it is not this day. This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!" he screams the last and the men draw their swords, cheering their Captain.

Yuri smiles serenely and Legolas glances over at her. "What is it?" he asks quietly.

"They've made it to the mountain, they just have to climb" Yuri whispers, eyes half closed. She still couldn't go to them but this close she can strengthen the spells she had put on them.

Legolas is amazed by his lover's Sight and also worried. Yuri had assured him that he would survive the battle, as would the others, but she had made no mention of her own survival.

Frodo and Sam struggle up the side of Mount Doom. Frodo slips and falls, and Sam stumbles to a halt beside him. Both gasp and smile as they feel the warm comfort of Yuri's magic flare around them and they know Yuri is close, that had to be why the armies had left.

Aragorn and the others watch as they are surrounded by Sauron's forces. They dismount and send the horses off as they join the lines, weapons ready. Yuri stood to Legolas' left and Gimli to his right.

"Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with an Elf" Gimli admits.

"What about side by side with a friend?" Legolas flashes a grin and Gimli laughs but nods.

"Aye. I could do that" Gimli agrees.

Yuri growls as the Eye focuses on them before totally focusing on Aragorn.

'Aragorn. Elessar' Sauron's voice whispers to the Ranger who remains motionless, staring at the eye.

Aragorn turns to look at his friends, smiles and raises his sword. "For Frodo" he whispers and then he rushes the orcs, Merry and Pippin on his heels and the rest following them.

The battle is a mess as the army slams into the overwhelming number of orcs and other foul creatures. As the Nazgûl swoop down Yuri and Gandalf let loose brilliant lights to blind them even as they fought with their weapons. Legolas loses sight of his love for quite a while as he fights the masses. They are too badly outnumbered, they all knew it, but they aren't fighting to win, as long as the Eye is fixed on them the hobbits have a chance. And as he thinks this there is a terrible screech and the Eye swivels away to face Mount Doom even as the Nazgûl wheel about to head for the mountain.

Yuri turns to see the mountain, something has gone terribly wrong, all the protections and trackers she's put on Frodo just…shattered. The spells on Sam still active and working.

Legolas finally fights his way back to Aragorn and spots Yuri a few feet away, still fighting well. The battle freezes as a tremendous noise comes from within Mordor. Every eye turns to see the volcano explode and the tower with its burning eye begins to collapse. Screams began as the ground behind the gate begins to crumble.

"Frodo! Frodo!" Merry screams in jubilation, they had done it!

Legolas turns to his lover and Yuri sees him, grinning madly back at the elf. Frodo had done it. But in a second Legolas' relief turns to dread. "YURI!" He screams the only name Yuri has allowed him and the company to use as the orc appears behind his lover. Yuri begins to turn, magic flaring about her but it's too late.

The blade pierces through one of the few weak points in the light armour she wore and gold eyes go wide in pain and shock. "NO!" Legolas draws back an arrow and the orc drops dead, the arrow buried in its eye. Éomer having heard Legolas' scream goes to catch Yuri, but before anyone can catch the inu a bright ball of fire appears above the battlefield and engulfs the woman.

Silence spread as people watch the flames in shock. Legolas dropping to his knees in front of where his lover had been, the flames dissipating to reveal only a pool of blood remained.

Gimli the only one to recognize the ball of fire for what it was and yells out in anger as he fights his way to Legolas' side.

Yuri on her part would struggle to break free of Fawkes and would lash out with claws and magic once the phoenix drops her in Dumbledore's office. Her old headmaster alone when the phoenix brought her back.

Dumbledore dying instantly as Yuri's magic stops his heart and she tears his throat out with her claws. Snapping the bond with Fawkes in the process.

"WE are going to the bank to find out the date and leaving a note this fucking time to leave me the fuck alone and then you are going to take me back" Yuri hisses as she uses the Floo to get to Diagon. Still covered in blood and gore as she steps out into the Leaky Cauldron.

No one stopping her as Yuri stomps her way to the bank, the crowd small since it's just barely past dawn.

The goblins quick to offer her a place to clean up and a meeting with her manager to update her on the two years she'd been gone. Her plans having gone into effect the moment she had fallen, Voldemort dying and Tom Marvolo Slytherin retaking his place amongst the British mages. Updating her on her family's status as descendants of the third brother in the Deathly Hallows after she brings up the encounter she had with the ghost army. Having been sharing battle stories with the goblin while the preparations were made for her to return to Arda undisturbed.

Her falling back to Arda marking the beginning of the migration home for those that remembered their ancient roots and would follow another way.

"Lord InuYasha bid us to give this to you should we return before the yōkai" Griphook explains passing over the sealed form of the Tessaiga to the young yōkai.

"Luckily I need a weapon since Fawkes forced me to leave my spear behind" Yuri grumbles as the goblin laughs, the phoenix in question hiding his head under his wing from where he perched on the empty chair beside. "I'm leaving a note this time since the Light faction can't take a fucking hint" she growls as the goblins nods and offers to leave another note with her friends.

"I'd appreciate it Master Griphook" Yuri says politely as there's a knock on the office door.

"Sir there's a package for Lady Peverell from his royal excellency Sesshōmaru" the goblin squeaks out as Yuri stands up in surprise as the goblin rolls the trunk into the room.

Opening it to reveal a wardrobe fit for a daughter of the west per Yuri's station.

"That solves the clothing problem for when I go back" Yuri whispers in awe as Griphook barks a laugh and points out she better get a move on if she wanted to be in time for the coronation of her friend.

"Right, I'll see you soon. May your gold flow like the blood of your enemies" Yuri curtsies as Griphook bows.

"And may your enemies fall before your blade Lady Yuri" Griphook says as Yuri pockets the trunk and offers her arm out to Fawkes.

Disappearing from Earth for the final time in a ball of fire and reappearing in the throne room of the Lonely Mountain a month before Aragorn's crowning. Fili, Kili, Tauriel, and Thorin relieved to see her after getting word she had been taken, injured, off the battlefield in a ball of fire.

Yuri clean, but still pale from the blood loss she'd suffered and revealing just how much time had passed for her between her kidnapping and her arrival in the throne room.

"How much time?" Thorin asks as he forces Yuri to sit on his throne. Glad that his nieces and nephews were all in lessons at the moment otherwise his inu friend would have been overwhelmed.

"It's been four hours tops for me…Dumbledore tried to force me back to fight for him, but I killed him before he could say or do anything" Yuri grumbles as she lets Tauriel fuss over her while Fili would hurry to the get a message out by raven to Minas Tirith that Yuri had been found.

"It's been twenty nine days since you were taken off the battlefield" Tauriel explains as Yuri closes her eyes tiredly.

"I still can't believe you settled for the prince pounce" Kili admits as Yuri smacks her friend.

"I didn't settle Kee" Yuri hisses out in anger as Thorin chuckles.

"You've found your One" Thorin states as Yuri nods, gold eyes bright with her joy regardless of how tired she looks.

"I'm not looking forward to having Thranduil as a father in-law but Legolas is worth it" Yuri admits as Tauriel softens, glad her prince had found love at last. Glad Yuri had finally found the other half of herself after wandering for so long alone.

"You and Fili will be our representatives, that way Gimli isn't alone in representing us at the crowning of King Elessar" Thorin announces as Tauriel lets Yuri stand up.

Kili finally asking about the sealed form of Tessaiga. All of them having seen the rusty looking sword as she pulled it into her lap to sit down, Fawkes perching on top of the throne.

"My ancestor's sword, the one forged to help contain his demon side and the one he used to slay the spider hanyou Naraku. He passed it onto the Goblins of Gringotts to give to me since they were making their way back to Arda before the yōkai of the East" Yuri explains in quiet pride as she motions for all to step back and unsheathes it, revealing the true form of the sword.

Yuri easily keeping it aloft in front of her though looking uncomfortable wielding it compared to her spear.

"You look uncomfortable sister dearest" Kili chuckles as Yuri growls and sheathes the sword once more.

"I prefer my spear and claws to the sword" Yuri grumbles at the amusement on her friends' faces.

"Well no weapons training for a time" Tauriel says as Yuri turns around and looks at the she elf in surprise before realization dawns on her. That the nights she'd shared with Legolas had born results.

"Really?" Yuri asks in surprise as Tauriel nods and would catch Yuri as she squeals in joy. Happy at the idea of having a baby though she knew Thranduil wouldn't be happy about it should the baby be born outside of wedlock.

Aragorn would receive the raven in the company of Gandalf and Boromir a day later, all three smiling in relief that Yuri had found her way home. Found her way back to Legolas who had been drifting, lost without her. Hoping she hadn't died before she could receive help for her wounds.

Yuri leading the dwarven contingent into the city, having taken the group to the field outside the city via portkey a week before the coronation.

Met at the gates by Boromir who sweeps Yuri off her feet in a tight hug. The inu dressed in a simple long flowing black dress with a silvery green haori worn over it. The dress sleeveless with a high neckline and with a subtle stars pattern covering the skirt. Her hair down with braids throughout, the braids Tauriel having explained were consort braids when she put them in for Yuri after Fili had braided the dwarven braids.

Yuri hugging back, relieved to see Boromir had made it and was whole and healthy.

Boromir leading them the rest of the way to the Throne Hall where Aragorn and the others were waiting to receive them.

Yuri curtsying with the rest of her group before Aragorn would too sweep her off her feet in relief.

All of the hobbits quick to gather around, Yuri falling to her knees and hugging Frodo tightly.

"Bilbo is so proud of you Frodo" Yuri whispers as Frodo hugs her tighter, hearing what she wasn't saying in that she was proud of him too. That he had managed to do what others had failed to do and destroy the ring. Pulling back to smile with tears in her eyes as she looks up at Legolas.

The elf quick to lift her off her feet and just hold Yuri close. His inu clinging back just as tightly.

The room clearing out to give them privacy as Yuri explains to her elf what had happened and what she had done to come back home, to come back to him even though she'd had the chance to see Sirius and her friends once more.

Easing the fear she could smell and see in Legolas' eyes as he looked her over for any obvious injuries and finding none.

"Nothing and no one can keep me from coming back, that much I promise. I will always fight for you and what we have" Yuri promises fiercely as Legolas presses a kiss to her forehead and just holds her close. Relieved he hadn't lost her to her people. Yuri content to be held as she shares the last of her story and the happy news that she is pregnant.

Both smiling the day of the coronation as Gandalf crowned Aragorn, King Elessar. Yuri standing with the elves as Legolas' consort and dressed in a long one-shoulder silvery green sleeveless dress, pooling at the hem with a wide silver metal belt around the waist. Her hair down once more, Legolas braiding in the consort braids that morning as they got ready for the coronation, both agreeing to keep quiet about the baby until after the coronation.

Legolas having presented her with a silver circlet to wear that day with the dress.

The arrival of the dwarven contingent having hidden the arrival of the elves and with them Arwen and a change of clothes for Legolas. Dressed as the Prince of Mirkwood once more when Aragorn approached the pair.

Legolas reaching out to clasp his friends shoulder, both smirking slightly before stepping aside to reveal Arwen, carrying the King's new standard. Smiling slightly as the pair share a kiss, Yuri content as she tucks herself under Legolas' arm.

Two months later would see the pair watching Aragorn and Arwen getting married, the wedding rushed since Elrond needed to return to Rivendell and the hobbits needed to return to the Shire. Fili and the dwarf contingent having returned home a week after the coronation.

The months between the coronation and the wedding spent hunting down the last of Sauron's forces.

Yuri remaining behind in the city to avoid the possibility of injury and losing the baby.

It was after the wedding that the pair would offer to take the hobbits home, Yuri getting agitated remaining confined to one place and wanting to avoid any whispers since her pregnancy was becoming obvious the more time wore on. Her size not helping in hiding it at all.

Pippin offering Legolas the excuse to get Yuri out of the city, they took it.

Legolas looking over to his lover on her horse, their son settled against her chest in sling as they rode behind the four ponies. Yuri going with a star theme for their son in choosing to name the white haired, gold eyed baby Aten for the sun. His son who took after him in all but his coloring, more elf than inu with strong magic.

Several months on the road helping the two of them resettle, together and separately. Yuri relaxing and losing the tension she's been carrying with the threat of being taken away finally gone. They spoke a lot of what had happened when they were separated and he is still in awe that Yuri had chosen to forsake her people for him, permanently. The tale of Death and the Brothers had been intriguing but did begin to explain what had happened in Dimholt.

There are no secrets between them and after they took the hobbits home they were going to Mirkwood to see his Father. He hadn't seen him since the Battle of the Five Armies as it had come to be called and he was nervous about returning home, but more comfortable with the idea now that Yuri is at his side.

Yuri smiles as Frodo's face lights up at the sight of a round green door coming into view. The four ponies picking up speed, delivering the four Hobbits back to Bag End. Yuri and Legolas agreeing to help unpack and spend at least one night before returning to the road.

Bag End has one man-sized room thankfully and they had no problem with sharing it. It felt nice to sleep on a bed again, even with Yuri magically softening their sleeping mats. With some magic the smial is soon clean top to bottom and all the hobbits had to do was shop for food to feed them all.

Samwise heading down the hill to see his parents and is welcomed home happily by his family.

Yuri swaying with Aten in their room that night, quietly singing the fussy baby to sleep. Ignoring her audience as she swayed and sang of her freedom and the freedom of her son as Aten settled to sleep.

{Play Free – Charlie Puth}

"I was thinking we should stop in Rivendell on the way" Legolas offers later once both are in bed and Aten is sound asleep in the transfigured crib Yuri had taken to making when Aten didn't sleep between them.

"Oh?" Yuri rolls over to look at him.

"We can give Lord Elrond word of his daughter" Legolas says quietly.

"Ah, good idea. He doesn't know I was pregnant" Yuri muses, remembering that they'd managed to keep it quiet from the public till after Elrond had left.

"A message may have been sent by now" Legolas points out as he lazily traces patterns on Yuri's bare back. Yuri cuddling closer to sleep, loving the touch.

Lord Elrond would stand at the top of the stairs, watching as the two horses approach. He had received a message from Elessar on Yuri's condition, leaving him a little worried that the pair had gone traveling on the road in that state. Seeing them both sitting tall and strong on their horses with a sling across Yuri's chest eases those worries. The two dismounting, Legolas helping Yuri down before approaching as grooms took the horses away. They both bow, and he can't help smiling. Amusement hidden at the fact he had guests in his halls for Yuri. Yōkai guests when he'd long thought Yuri would be the only one of her kind that would travel back to Arda from the world the mages had traveled to.

"Welcome back to Imladris, Prince Legolas, Lady Yuri. Come, rest and we can speak later" he ushers them in and they are shown to a room where hot water and fresh clothes await them.

They take turns washing up, Aten washed and dressed first and then they dress, helping each other with their braids, both wearing their circlets.

They enter the hall and Yuri freezes, looking around at the elves dressed in their finery, even Bilbo Baggins, drastically aged since their last time in the city, is here with Fili, Kili and Tauriel. "Legolas?" she asks as Tauriel gently takes Aten from her. Her shock so great that she doesn't see the surprise guests in InuYasha, Sesshōmaru, Towa, Setsuna and her two sons, Riku, and Riku and Towa's three daughters and one son.

Legolas smiles and draws her up in front of Lord Elrond who smiles at them. "Will you be Princess Consort of Mirkwood officially?" his lover asks, and Yuri freezes briefly before smiling widely. Gold eyes bright with happy tears.

"Yes" Yuri breathes out as Lord Elrond goes onto marry the pair, Yuri actually bursting into tears when InuYasha steps forward to give her away as her male family member. All of those present able to see the strong resemblance between the pair and InuYasha able to see a lot of Kagome in his last living grandchild with Kagome regardless of how strongly Yuri took after his own father. InuYasha never remarrying and settling in Sesshōmaru's court with Kagome's passing at the ripe old age of ninety three. Moroha going onto give him three grandchildren with one of Kohaku's demon hunters. Yuri descended from the youngest and only son Moroha had.

The yōkai contingent having arrived back to Middle Earth around the same time Yuri and Legolas had left Minas Tirith to take the hobbits home. It taking awhile for their new territory to be settled and their homes set in place, magic having helped bring the palace that the pack called home with them.

That and keeping the wizards that had followed the rest of those that had migrated off their trail. Wanting to meet Yuri in peace and welcome her and her chosen mate into the fold of the pack.

Sesshōmaru reminding Legolas keenly of his father with the cold mask he kept in place.

The mask only softening in the presence of Aten who adored his yōkai relatives as he got cuddled and passed around.

Towa being the first to comment on how much Yuri looked like Toga with her markings on the one rare occasion she wore white. Preferring to generally wear black, red, blue, gold or Legolas' colors.

The newly married couple remaining with Yuri's extended family on the road until they split ways so Legolas could take Yuri and Aten home to his father.

Thranduil would be working among his people to repair the damage done by the armies of the Enemy when a messenger ran up. "My King!"

"What is it?" Thranduil asks, silently pleading for no more enemies.

"Riders approaching, it is Prince Legolas!" The messenger announces.

This has him straightening and following the messenger into the clearing before the gates. He spots his son easily but his dark-haired companion seems familiar. She's dressed in elvish clothes with a sling across her front and even wore a thin circlet. The sense of déjà vu still going strong as they get closer and he gets a look at the markings on her face he realizes the stranger isn't even an elf, despite her dress. The two approach and he can tell his son is nervous, natural since he had been expected to return home from Imladris, not run off to war. They both bow after Legolas helps his companion from her horse and then Legolas shocks him by embracing him, they have barely touched in centuries.

"Adar (Father)" Legolas murmurs, and he feels his Father's arm wrap around him.

"What has happened Nin réd? (my son?)" Thranduil pulls back but his son appears untouched physically by the war.

"A lot Adar" Legolas stands straighter and takes Yuri's hand. "This is Yuri the Black, witch of the Fellowship of the Ring. Yuri this is my Father, Thranduil, King of Mirkwood" he looks to Yuri and then turns back to his father, smiling more widely than Thranduil can remember seeing in centuries. "We are married Father" he finishes in pride.

Thranduil blinks in shock, married? A witch? The woman looks nothing like any wizard he has ever seen but…yes, there is power around the young woman, incredible power.

"Welcome to Mirkwood. Come, you must be tired from the road, we shall speak after the meal" Thranduil says as Yuri nods, peeling back the sling to check and revealing a baby, Thranduil looking to his son in quiet surprise. More than able to see the elfling is his, the little one looking quite like Legolas did at that age regardless of his coloring.

Legolas and Yuri introducing the elven king to his grandson after the meal. Thranduil quite taken with his first grandchild and happy that his daughter in-law had chosen a star theme for their first born.

Thranduil would finally remember though where he's seen Yuri before and sighing in tired exasperation, finally realizing why the King under the Mountain had been so smug in their last few dealings of late. Why Yuri herself had seemed so amused throughout dinner and his many questions about her.

Thorin not hiding his amusement over the fact that Thranduil's own son had made them family through his marriage to Yuri who had become a daughter to him in the years following the retaking of Erebor. Even if officially she was just a Dwarf Friend the rest knew Thorin and his nephews had taken Yuri unofficially into their family when it became clear all she'd had till them was Beorn.

Yuri smiles as Gimli is shown around over a year later, seeing the reactions of the elves. Her son nearly three and toddling at her side, the spitting image of his father. Things having remained peaceful since their return to Mirkwood and she took her place in the royal family.

InuYasha coming and going, checking in on her when he was in the area. Blaise the only mage to make it through the gauntlet of challenges her yōkai relatives had in place to come see her. None of them impressed with those that did try to get through her yōkai relatives to find her and were unsuccessful.

The reunion filled with happy tears and joy as Blaise took in how happy she is and how much older she'd gotten in the time apart. Hiding his surprise at how much time had passed for her in the two nearly three years that had passed on Earth. Sharing with her all the news about her other friends. The twins opening more shops then they dreamed of even on Middle Earth. Luna had married Rolf Scamander while Neville had married Hannah Abott, taking up an apprenticeship with Professor Sprout at Hogwarts to eventually take her place as Professor of Herbology.

Blaise cooing over Aten and making plans to spoil his adorable godson rotten, Legolas letting Yuri name her best friend as the one to take their son should something to happen to them. With the promise from Blaise to settle with Aten in Erebor under the protections of Thorin, Fili, Kili and Tauriel.

Soon though they would leave for Helms Deep so that Gimli could explore and show Legolas the wonders of stone in exchange. She has no regrets at all over choosing this world, no one knew how long she would live but she would live all of her years at Legolas' side surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

It had been sad to watch Gandalf, Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond, Frodo and Bilbo sail to the Undying Lands the month previous but one day they would see them again if Legolas chose to sail as well. Until then she would enjoy her life here. Surrounded by her friends and family.