Chapter 5

          Elrond looked at Mylea and needed to speak no words. Mylea could read his expression clearly and was not going to let him sway her from her new mission.

          "Mylea, what do you think you are doing?"

          "I'm going to look for Lord Aragorn." Mylea answered defiantly.

          "No, you should let it be. Mylea this is not your place."

          "Then who will find him my lord?"

          "Don't call me that Mylea, you know I want you to consider me your father." Elrond spoke more warmly.

          "Elrond I've always thought of you as my father." Mylea returned.

          "Then take my advice and don't go… you're safe here. Aragorn can handle himself."

          "He needs help, and I must go. I will return with him."

          Elrond looked into Mylea's eyes and saw the determined glare. She was too strong-willed. He would not be able to sway her. He just put out his arms and Mylea came towards him and embraced him.

          "Be careful my Mylea, may the grace of the villa protect you."

          She smiled and went around him to the doors. She decided to travel on foot, so that it would be harder to track her. Elrond watched as she quickly ran into the night. At that moment Elladan came running to Elrond.

          "What are you doing, letting her go?"

          "Yes." Elrond simply said, not taking his eyes off the road.

          "But father she cannot survive on her own."

          "She will not be on her own, we are with her in spirit. She shall be protected."

          Elladan shook his head and went to grab his sword. Elrond turned around and placed a firm grip on his shoulder. As Elladan looked at his father's mournful expression, he knew what Elrond was going to say. He would say he could not follow Mylea; it was her time to prove something.

          Gimli had been riding Arrow for many hours now and he was weary. He could barely see where he was going; his eyes drooped with the worries of the passing day. Arrow was not giving up though; he sped faster as he felt Gimli start to fall into a light sleep.

          Aragorn slowly lifted his beaten head and tried to focus his steely eyes. He could not tell where he was, for he was placed in some random barren chamber. It was very old, cracks filled the walls and every so often small spurts of water would fly out from in between them. Aragorn tried to lift his body from the ground but quickly fell back down and once more passed out.

          Mylea was very alert as she entered woods she didn't recognize. The dawn was beginning to rise and she was thankful for the warmth. Her hood hid her face from all the creatures in view and she walked with light feet. She strived to make no noise as she stepped on the dry leaves that had fallen from the surrounding trees.

          To Mylea's surprise she heard something that seemed to be trying to be as sleek as herself. She froze on the spot and placed her hand around the handle of her sword. She silently drew it and suddenly turned and pointed directly at the intruder. She was surprised to find herself face to face with a bow and arrow.

          "Who are you?" A soft voice spoke.

          "I would ask you the same question." Mylea spoke and drew back her hood.

          Legolas looked at Mylea and knew right away who she was. He recognized those piercing green eyes, he had seen them as a child and never forgotten them. He had thought of Mylea many times as the years had gone by and had wondered if she was still the shy timid girl he had met one summer day. He could clearly see now she wasn't. Her lips were pursed and her face held wisdom and bravery.

          "I know your face." Legolas spoke and slowly brought down his weapon.

          "You are quick to bring down your weapon to someone you only believe you know."

          "Oh I know you, you're Mylea."

          "How do you know me?" She questioned a bit frightened.

          "Do you not remember me, Legolas Greenleaf?"

          "That name does not mean anything to me."

          "I am a friend of Arwen."

          Mylea searched his chiseled face. His pale blue eyes were looking directly into her own. For some reason she suddenly trusted him, but was not about to let him know it. His thin lips curved into a smile and soon Mylea had her sword back in the sheath.

          "Well shall I try to jog your memory?"

          "You may try." Mylea answered and raised her eyebrows.

          "A long time ago when we were but children we met at the house of Elrond. You were frightened of myself and Haldir."

          "Haldir?"

          "Yes, I reached to you and you did not trust my hand."

          Mylea thought a moment then shrugged.

          "I still do not remember, I am sorry to disappoint you."

          "You don't disappoint. I know it will come in time."

          "What are you doing here Sir Greenleaf?"

          "Well searching for a friend, Lord Aragorn, I'm sure you know him."

          "I'm here for him as well."

          "Well it looks like I have found a companion."

          "I did not agree yet."

          Mylea looked mischievously at Legolas and tucked strands of her auburn hair behind her ears. He cocked an eyebrow and seemed to find her amusing.

          "Aren't two hunters better than one?"

          "I assume so, I guess you have a companion. But do not think I have many loyalties to you yet."

          "I wouldn't dare."

          Legolas grinned at her and they began to walk south. It was silent for a while and Legolas would glance at Mylea's delicate face every few moments. She had grown even more beautiful since the first time he had seen her. He was glad she was with him; he had yearned to learn more about her and hoped she might find in herself to trust him someday soon.