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.

As they sat, Eowyn came into the hall and approached Legolas and Lorien.

'I heard rumours that you had returned but I could not believe it until I saw you with my own eyes. How is it you escaped from Saruman?'

'With the power of Gandalf and the strength of love between Legolas and I. It is they who saved me from the fate Saruman had in mind.'

'I am surprised he did not kill you.'

'Kill me? No, he had worse in mind for me, he wanted me to be Sauron's wife.'

'Then I too know I would have preferred death. Your elf friend is resting in the halls of kings, if you wish to see him.'

'Haldir?'

'He is not alive, but I thought he should rest there after holding on to tell Legolas of your fate.'

'I thank you greatly Eowyn. I should very much like to see him.' Eowyn led Lorien and Legolas to the halls of kings and they approached the bed in which Haldir lay. Lorien bent down and looked at the peaceful elf.

'I thank you Haldir and I am sorry that I was not able to heal your hurt. I wish for you to rest in eternal peace.' Lorien sat silent for a while and Legolas sat by her side, holding her gently. From a distance Eowyn watched and smiled faintly at the scene. She could feel their grief, yet she could also feel their love.

'It is a beautiful sight to behold.' Eowyn jumped as Aragorn spoke softly.

'They are grieving.'

'That they are, Lorien has just lost one of her kin and like any elf, Legolas is much grieved to see one of his kind killed in battle, yet their love seems to lighten the mood within this room and there is hope.'

'For the elves maybe. Who has ever known a love so strong in the world of men?'

'There may be chance yet.' Aragorn and Eowyn watched Legolas and Lorien. Out of the corner of her eye, Eowyn watched Aragorn and was taken aback by his kind face and kingly air. He was one of noble bearing and Eowyn was filled with respect and instant love for she had never met any man who had such a grace about him. Aragorn bid Eowyn goodbye and she watched as the two elves approached hand in hand. She led them back up to the chamber where Aragorn waited for them.

'Forgive me Lady Eowyn but I wish to talk to Legolas and Lorien alone.'

'Very well Lord Aragorn.' Eowyn curtsied and walked towards her uncle. Aragorn watched her go and then led Lorien and Legolas to a room where Gimli already sat. The room was dimly lit and cold. Lorien pulled her cloak around her and Legolas undid his and placed his over the top of hers and held her close.

'My mind is made up; I am heading along the paths of the dead. I do not ask or order any of you to follow me any further. I am going to find help and lead it to Gondor.'

'What news has reached you Aragorn?'

'Gandalf has sent word; the shadow is passing swiftly over Gondor and grows darker with each passing day. The Nazgul are patrolling the area around Gondor, their leader flying close to the gates.'

'What about Faramir and Denethor?' Lorien asked.

'Gandalf says only that Denethor is greatly hurt by the loss of Boromir and by your failure to return. There is no news of Faramir. He was sent out to search the northern borders and has so far no returned.'

'I must leave and go to my father at once!'

'Lorien, you should not go! The road is too dangerous!'

'And the country I grew up in is in danger. Both Boromir and Faramir might have perished and my father, real or no deserves to see me again. He has brought me up as one of his own and I wish to see him.'

'But Lorien!'

'Legolas, please do not argue with me. I love you so much and I want to be by your side, but understand my conflict. You too would go to the aid of your people if it was necessary. That is why you first rode out to Gondor, remember? The time when we first saw each other?'

'Yes, I remember and I do understand. I just wish it wasn't so. We made a pact not to be separated again.'

'This will be the last time Legolas, from then on we will be together again. But your road lies with Aragorn and bringing help to Gondor.'

'It shall be. Lorien, you must set off as soon as possible, but be careful.' Lorien approached Aragorn and knelt before him.

'I will go on to the end with you Lord Aragorn, but my people need help and I hope that with my help, you shall still have a city to return to, when you return as King.' Aragorn knelt down and took Lorien's hand before pulling her up gently.

'Do not kneel before me, I do not ask it of you, for you deserve much more respect than I do. Without you our company would not have come so far and we would have lost Legolas along time before now. Go now, help your people and may you keep safe.' Lorien turned to Legolas and looked into his eyes.

'My love for you will continue to grow each second we are apart and every day I shall look west of the river for your return. I love you my dear, kind Legolas.' Lorien felt a tear fall down her face and Legolas softly wiped it away. He then pulled her close and kissed her passionately for a long while.

'My heart belongs to you my dearest Lorien and I shall count down the days until we are reunited. Please keep safe, for if you fall, I shall have no other reason to stay in this world.'

'I shall keep safe!' Lorien looked into Legolas's eyes before hearing a sniff. Lorien turned and looked at Gimli.

'Look after my dear elf and keep yourself well. You are the greatest dwarf I have known and I have been honoured to be in your company.'

'Miss Lorien, please go before you have me in floods. Your parting with Legolas is painful enough to watch, let alone hearing your kind words to me!' Lorien smiled softly before turning to Aragorn.

'I shall see you in short time King Elessar.' Lorien smiled as she said this.

'Go before the night turns, although I fear the sun will not rise. Like you told Legolas, look to the west and we shall be there.' Lorien began to walk out before turning to Legolas and looking at him. She swept out of the door and to her horse. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas were not far behind and Eowyn ran up to Aragorn.

'Let me come with you.'

'I cannot allow that.'

'Please, I can fight and I do not fear death. Let me go with you.'

'Your people need you.'

'You let Lorien ride with you.'

'That is because she has other powers, not only the ability to fight and her place is by Legolas's side. Yet Lorien now rides to the aid of her people and not with us. She knows where her duty lies, like yours does here.'

'I beg you Aragorn.'

'I am sorry.' Aragorn looked in to Eowyn's eyes and saw death in them. He pitied her and knew her desire to fight was great but he could not allow it. As Aragorn, the Dunedain, Gimli and Legolas rode away, Eowyn turned to Lorien.

'Let me ride with you then.'

'You are not ready yet but your time will come soon. When the King is ready, hide yourself as best you can and ride with him, you will know what I mean. Keep hope Eowyn.' Lorien whispered into Shadow's ears and he reared before galloping off into the night.