A/N: As always, thanks for the reviews.  Karina, thanks for your review.  I was surprised when no one said anything about Seven's threat to Wormtongue.  I was glad to hear that someone noticed it :).  Cat, I've read a few of the bad ones, and I have no intention of allowing this to become anything of the sort.  I've tried to keep the characters in character; if there's anything anyone sees that you think is out of character (or any other inaccuracies), please point it out and I'll try to fix it.  Please, don't let me get away with mistakes.  Anyway, sorry for the long author's note.  Enjoy!

Chapter 7: Confrontation

            The days blurred together, but it wasn't long before riders arrived—Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas, accompanied by thirty riders in grey, including two dark-haired Elves.  Théoden was not with them.  Over dinner, Éowyn and Seven learned the details—the battle of Helm's Deep, Théoden's muster of the Rohirrim, the confrontation at Isengard.  Aragorn spoke of haste, but to Seven's knowledge there was only one path into Dunharrow, and it was out of the way for the riders.  It made no sense for them to have come here.  Éowyn said as much, and then Aragorn told them he would take the Paths of the Dead.  Seven had never heard the name before, but she saw the others' faces pale at the mention.  Even the dwarf Gimli seemed nervous, and if the stories were correct, the Dwarves were known for their bravery.  Éowyn tried to argue Aragorn out of it, but he was firm.

            After the meal, Éowyn pulled him aside to talk to him again, leaving Seven alone.  Seven wandered through the camp, towards its borders.  Before she left the camp she spotted Aragorn and Éowyn speaking.  Éowyn seemed disturbed, almost begging.  Seven couldn't hear their conversation clearly, but she caught the words "woman," "house," and "bars."

            Turning away from the sight of Éowyn, Seven caught a glimpse of yellow.  She looked directly at the location where she had seen it, but now saw nothing.  The moon was a sliver in the sky and the light was poor.  She scanned the area, keeping her attention close to the stand of trees were she'd seen the flash.  If one of the women from the camp had wandered out this far, they could be in danger from wild animals.  Still, she didn't speak, simply remaining attentive.  If it was not one of the townspeople she would do well to not draw attention to herself.

            Seven waited for five full minutes before Legolas stepped out of the trees.  He looked at her for a long moment, then walked over.  "Impressive.  Most people wouldn't have seen me in the first place, nor have waited so long.  Why didn't you call out?"  He was tall, tall enough she didn't feel out of place beside him.  She often felt awkward among these people because of her height.

            "I did not know the nature of the incident.  It would be strange for one of the townspeople to be   out this far."

            "And if I had been an assailant?"

            "That is improbable.  There are none here who would have motive to assault me, and few who would have the skill."

            "Really."

            Seven nodded, unsure of where the conversation was going.  "I am capable of defending myself."

            "Yes, I'm sure you are.  Anyone who could become such a trusted companion to Éowyn would have to be a good fighter."

            Seven was careful to let nothing show in her face, but the phrase "trusted companion" struck a chord somewhere in her.  She hoped he was correct and that was what she had become for Éowyn.  After only a moment's pause, she asked, "Why are you out here and not resting?"

            "I like to wander under the stars.  What of you?"

            "What of me?  Please clarify?"

            "Why aren't you resting like the others?"

            "I am not ready to rest yet.  I had come for a walk when I saw you and came to investigate."

            Legolas nodded, not entirely convinced.  "What did you think of your lady's conversation with Aragorn just now?"

            "I was not privy to the conversation.  I do not know what was said.  You share a lodging with Aragorn—surely you heard the entirety of the conversation."

            "You saw enough, and you know the Lady Éowyn.  You know what happened—she wants to come with us."

            "It would not be surprising.  Éowyn wishes for a chance to prove herself."  Seven chose her words carefully.

            "This is not her place.  She chases after dreams."

            "Perhaps.  Most of her pursuits could be called dreams.  Wormtongue called most of her pursuits hopeless dreams.  She has accomplished some of them.  At least she has a goal."

            "Not when it is unattainable.  You would do well to dissuade her from pursuing Aragorn."

            "Clarify."

            "You have eyes, Lady Seven of Nine.  You see as clearly as anyone.  She is asking for a broken heart—whether or not she gets her opportunity to prove herself in battle."

            Seven had certainly known Éowyn was attracted to Aragorn, but she hadn't thought too deeply on it.  She was uncomfortable with the topic of romantic relationships, as she had been since Chakotay's death.  "What exactly are the Paths of the Dead and why are they so feared?"  Seven changed the subject abruptly.  She had never been known for subtlety, and she didn't care to start now.

            Legolas cocked an eyebrow at the abrupt turn in the conversation, but answered her question.  "Long ago, the people of this place betrayed a promise made to Aragorn's ancestor Isildur.  Isildur placed a curse on them that they should not rest until they fulfilled their promise.  They haunt the path that we must take.  The dead do not suffer the living to pass willingly.  I do not fear them, but of Men, Aragorn is the only one I know who does not."

            "Why do you not fear them?"

            "It is the way of my people.  We do not age or come to a natural death; only in battle can we be killed.  You did not know this?"  Seven looked surprised.

            "No.  I am from a land very far away."

            "Far away, indeed.  So far away that you do not know of the Elves—and you have not heard of us in the time you have been here.  Many Men fear us, but at least they know a little about us.  I have been in Middle Earth more years than you might imagine.  Perhaps I may have heard of this place—what is it called?"

            Seven searched for a response, almost panicked.  She kept her face blank, but her head was spinning.  "It is a place that you could not reach.  It is only through a special power that I have been able to come here."

            "Special power?  What might that special power be?  Is it Sauruman's magic?  Are you here as his spy?  Gandalf did not know you, so you cannot be here by his doing."  Legolas leaned closer, trying to intimidate her.  "Who and what are you?"

            "I have heard the name Saruman, but have never had any contact with him.  I am no spy.  I am from a place beyond your comprehension.  It is not part of Middle Earth."

            "Not part of Middle Earth?  Then what—Valinor?  The daughters of Men have no place there."

            "I do not know of Valinor.  I am from a place not of this world."

            "Not of this world?  The more I learn, the less I trust you, Lady Seven.  I do not understand your answer, but it is likely you do not fully understand my questions, either—if what you tell me is true.  I suspect you are not a spy; a spy would have a more convincing story."

            Seven struggled between relief and resentment at his comment.  After a moment's pause, she spoke.  "I assure you that I am not a spy.  I have been placed in an awkward situation and am responding as well as possible."

            "Very well.  In any case, you need your rest, so I will bid you a good night, Lady Seven."  She had changed the subject abruptly, so he ended it equally abruptly.  Legolas nodded and slipped off in to the darkness.  Seven stood there for a moment, trying to make sense of the conversation.  She had apparently made an enemy in that Elf.  There was no reason to remain outside, especially if he was still out, so she walked back to the lodging she shared with Éowyn.