DISCLAIMER: OTHER THAN LORIEN, I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS IN THIS STORY, THEY ALL BELONG TO THE FANTASTICALLY TALENTED J.R.R. TOLKIEN AND I HAVE MERELY BORROWED THEM FOR THE SAKE OF A STORY. I, MYSELF, COULD NOT COME UP WITH A STORY SUCH AS LORD OF THE RINGS OR CREATE ANY OF THE CHARACTERS WITHIN THESE STORIES, SO I DO NOT PRETEND TO OWN ANY OF THEM. I HOPE YOU ENJOY THE STORY AND AGAIN, ONLY LORIEN IS MY CHARACTER.

Lorien woke the next morning feeling refreshed yet troubled. She sat quietly as Legolas slept on and looked at the elf she would spend all of eternity with. She now knew that they would not return to Lothlorien or settle in Middle Earth. As Legolas stirred Lorien still sat quietly.

'What plays on your mind my beautiful lady?'

'You see everything my dear Legolas!'

'I know when you are troubled.'

'Galadriel spoke to me last night whilst I dreamt.'

'What words did she have?'

'She told me that the time of the elves is coming to an end and that you know it. She also told me to warn you, beware the song of the gulls for they will try and tempt you from the quest. She told me that whether the war is won or lost, we are to leave Middle Earth. Never again shall I see the sacred land of my birth.'

'Where are we to go?'

'To the land of the elves beyond the sea, to the havens. Many of our folk already settle there, Arwen included.'

'But what about Aragorn? Are they not in love? Did Arwen not give Aragorn the evenstar?'

'Yes, but I feel that Aragorn knows that Arwen is gone or that she will be gone should he return from the great battle of Middle Earth.'

'Do not be troubled; all will be well, even if we do have to leave Middle Earth. Our fight is not in vain.'

'That I know. For one, those four small hobbits will remain in Middle Earth and our battle is worth their freedom, for I am used to the courage of men, elves and dwarves, but the hobbits have surprised and pleased me. They know they may be going to their deaths with each darker day that passes, yet they still press on when so many others have fled.'

'They are an amazing being and I am honoured that I have travelled with them and I hope that I will see them again yet.'

'I am worried for Frodo and Sam, they have trusted Gollum. All that drives him is getting the ring back and I worry that he will betray them. Yet I know that my place is here, alongside you, Aragorn, Gimli and Gandalf and I shall not turn from that path.'

'Frodo's journey is perilous, no matter who travelled with him and if you were with him, you know that you would be tempted by the ring.'

'That I know, it is you and my love for you that has kept me strong and I know that Frodo realised that he had to travel alone, or with Sam as his only companion. But let us go down, the people of Edoras should be ready to leave now and we must be on our way.'

Legolas and Lorien went and joined the rest of the company in the great hall. Gandalf called on Lorien to talk to her alone.

'Something troubles you, what is it?'

'Just words and counsel from Galadriel, that is all.'

'I am sure her words were said for your best interest. We are travelling to Helms Deep, a great fortress for the people of Rohan and it has never yet been beaten. I, however will not travel with you.'

'Why? You have only just returned to us and we need you.'

'I must go and find Eomer and the riders of Rohan. Wormtongue exiled them. You are strong enough to lead them and give them counsel. I have instructed the King of your strengths and he is willing to take your counsel if it is needed. I shall return, on the morning of the fifth day, look east and I shall be there.'

'You have given me a great burden Gandalf.'

'And one you are ready to take on Lorien. I would not have given you this burden if I did not think you could do yourself and your people proud.'

'I thank you for your trust in me.'

'You have earned it Lorien. Your strength in the presence of the ring has been enough to prove that you are greater than many think. Many who see you would think you just something of great beauty, but you are more than that.'

'You know that it is Legolas that gives me that strength.'

'Nay, you think it is just he who gives you the strength. It cannot be argued that your love for each other is more powerful than many things on this earth, but you have strong blood in you and courage that surpasses any man, perhaps save Aragorn. Now I must go, and you too should be on your way as soon as you can. Saruman will not wait and now he has Grima by his side.'

'That creature is of great evil.'

'Yet he was once a man, before Saruman bewitched him.'

'That is what scares me most Gandalf.'

'Do not be frightened my dear.' Gandalf left the room and Lorien followed. As she returned to the great hall, she found Eowyn and Legolas in a friendly duel. Eowyn was good with a sword and moved quickly. Suddenly Lorien felt something in the pit of her stomach that she had never felt before and she later learned that it had been jealousy, as Aragorn sometimes teased her with. Lorien walked over to the duelling pair and unsheathed her sword before holding it to Legolas's throat.

'You concentrate too much on one enemy, for another could come at your side whilst you are duelling.' In a quick movement Legolas moved from the tip of Lorien's sword and stood behind her, holding his sword to her throat and holding her close to him.

'And you move to slow Lorien. Eowyn here could teach you some of her quick moves.'

'She has nothing that she can teach me!' Lorien pushed Legolas off and walked out of the great doors. She stood on the great steps and her breath came sharply to her. She heard footsteps behind her but did not turn.

'What is wrong my love?' Legolas asked softly. Lorien turned to Legolas and looked him in the eye.

'I am pleased that the fair maiden impresses you so! I am sorry that I am not quick enough!'

'It was a game Lorien, nothing was meant by what I said. There is nothing that the Lady Eowyn possesses that could be greater than what you do, especially not in my eyes.'

'I am sorry Legolas. My grandmother's warning has frightened me slightly.'

'I am not going to leave your side Lorien, not for anyone else, especially Eowyn! My love for you grows strong with each passing second, no matter how dark those seconds get!' Legolas took Lorien in his arms and they stood there for a while before Legolas pulled away.

'I shall go and get our packs, and then we shall be ready to leave.' Lorien watched Legolas walk inside.

'Jealousy has no place on our quest Lorien, you should know that. The Lady Eowyn means no harm, even if she may be envious that you have been allowed to fight whilst she must watch those close to her leave. Also the bond you have with Legolas is too strong to be broken by a mere friendly play fight. We shall need to stand united.'

'Forgive me Aragorn. Gandalf has all but left me in charge, yet I am not strong enough. I fall to pieces the second my love with Legolas is put in danger.'

'And so it should be with all those who love each other. That does not make you weak and Gandalf would not have chosen you if he did not think you were ready or strong enough. Come, Shadow and these fair villagers await us.' Lorien followed Aragorn down the stairs and Shadow was brought to her. She mounted and watched as Gimli, Legolas, Eowyn and Lord Theoden came down and mounted their horses. Theoden, Lorien, Legolas (along with Gimli) and Aragorn led the villagers along the road to Helms Deep. After a while Legolas dropped down from his horse and walked alongside Shadow. He and Lorien spoke to each other in elvish for a long while and Lorien felt that her heart was once again settled. She dropped back to check on the villagers and keep their spirits up with a fair elf song that she knew.