A/N: Just wanted to say thanks. I hope you are still being entertained by my little story. Oh, just for future reference: Would you like to see Kalen and Legolas together, or would you rather have it stay true to LOTR? Let me know, and I will try to make everyone happy. Thanks!

After the passing of several weeks, Kalen, with rest and the quick healing magic of the Elves, began to stir into consciousness. She strained to open her sensitive eyes, barely catching a glimpse of Legolas sitting on her bed, and Gimli standing near the open window.

"Legolas? Gimli! Where am I"?

Legolas smiled. There was a hint of gleeful laughter in his voice.

"You are in the land of Imladris, in the house of Lord Elrond".

Gimli had joined Legolas at her bedside, taking Kalen's hand into his own.

"You have given us much worry these last few weeks, Kalen".

"Weeks? Oh my friends, I know you have worried much, but I must implore you for a moment to collect myself".

Legolas and Gimli nodded in agreement and walked outside. Tears of silent grief began to form in her eyes as the painful realization hit her, striking its heavy hand as hard as the blows that had come from the hand of Morgluk. Nevaria was dead. As much as she wished it were not so, that fact remained. She was no leader. If she had managed to get a single scout killed on this simple mission, she dare not imagine what would become of the many regiments under her command in battle.

Moving her arms, she pushed herself into a sitting position. Her eyes widened with amazement at how easily; and with minimal pain, she could move. She had remembered Nevaria and some of the dragging, but everything, save the vision of her real mother, had been lost.

A feeling of sudden panic seized her body. The cup! Its whereabouts were unknown, and its captor, miles away by now. She would have to return home, even though it would be with great shame. The recovery of the cup was the most important thing, and she would need the aid of the council to see it done. Lowering her long legs to the floor, she soon realized that the power of Lord Elrond's healers; while great, had not mended every injury.

Searching the room for her clothing, she found none. Kalen looked at the long cotton gown she was wearing and mentally calculated its suitability for riding. It left much to be desired in the way of comfort, but unfortunately, it would have to do. Her departure would need to be done quickly and if it meant riding out in a nightgown, then that's what would have to be done. In her frenzy, she had not noticed that Calanagariel had entered her room.

"I do hope you plan on changing into some decent clothing before joining your friends".

Kalen whirled around toward the familiar voice. What happiness to see her mentor and mother figure before her, after such a terrifying ordeal. Waves of emotion flooded her body, wincing as she attempted to run into Calanagariel's arms.

"Oh, Calanagariel. I have missed you, and there is much to tell".

Calanagariel smiled and cradled Kalen's head with her hand.

"I know. Your friends have provided me with many details. I must say, that dwarf is quite friendly".

Kalen nodded and laughed. It lightened her heavy heart to hear Calanagariel speak of Gimli with kindness and approval in her tone, but the sinking feeling began to bear its weight once more.

"So you know of Nevaria, then"?

"Yes, but I am willing to bet that she gave you much trouble. That was her nature, and I am sure that she did not falter from it".

"A stronger leader would not have had that problem. I have never witnessed a moment when your leadership was contested, Calanagariel".

The golden haired elf smirked, reminded of days long past when she herself had been in similar situations.

"Perhaps, but sometimes there are those who think they are above rules. Nevaria was one of them. She will be honored at home, and we will keep her ways on this journey to ourselves. There has been much change in Taureliloomis, but you will see for yourself when we return home in a few days".

Kalen gave a disbelieving snort. Her guilt had been immense and she wanted to tell Calanagariel how sorry she was for losing the cup. The elder elf smiled, having sensed what thoughts she was pondering in her mind.

"We will see the cup recovered. Lord Elrond and I are working on the plans for that. Legolas and Gimli have said that you fought bravely and should feel no dishonor for not recovering it".

Kalen gave a sigh of relief. Though the cup had been taken, the guilt had been lessened having had her confession made by her friends. She owed them much for saving her life and speaking kind words on her behalf, but she couldn't help but feel that they spoke on behalf of a person that no longer existed. The elf that was standing in this Rivendell bedchamber was so different from the one that had departed from Taureliloomis. She would now have to deal with everything that came with being a different person, issues that would be difficult and trying. Her mind drifted to one of those issues: Legolas. Kalen had remembered opening her eyes to see his smiling face. She could not recall a time when she had seen him look more beautiful, his blonde hair falling down his shoulders, and the look in his eyes. She would never forget the look in those eyes. A look of relief and great happiness at her awakening shone in the depths of their deep blue hue.

"Legolas has been by your side the whole time. He is a great friend, and I sense that he has many feelings for you other than friendship.

Calanagariel spoke, bringing Kalen back to the present. She laughed incredulously at Calanagariel's suggestion. The thought alone was enough to question the sanity of the elder elf.

"Feelings? And you think these feelings are for me? We have spent most of the journey bickering and the rest merely tolerating one another. He could not have feelings for me, but that of friendship alone.

" I sense that you have changed along with Taureliloomis in your absence, and I can also sense the heavy feeling that is weighing on your heart when you speak of Legolas".

Calanagariel could always sense when things were bothering her, and Kalen knew she had a secret way of knowing exactly what those things were. As gifted as she may be, now was not the time to burden her with these feelings of confusion and helplessness. Kalen would keep them to herself, for giving them a voice would only serve to thrust her deeper into their grasp.

"Let us walk. I need the exercise, and I will need some clothing. The trees are calling to us, and the wind is carrying their voices through the window".

Nodding, Calanagariel left the room, quickly returning with an outfit for Kalen to wear. She stared at the dress of burgandy, and then brought her gaze to Calanagariel.

"I shall look foolish in a dress. Was there nothing else"?

"I'm sorry, Kalen. There were not many women here that wear our garb". She smiled "This will flatter your 'war wounds'.

The two women shared a chuckle as Kalen began to dress. She knew she would stick out like a sore thumb in that color, but smiled inwardly. She had only worn an outfit such as this for special banquets back home and a part of her liked dressing up for them. Gimli would fall to the floor with laughter when he saw her, and Legolas would probably be too busy in his own amusement to offer Gimli aid. She brushed her long, dark locks and inhaled deeply. She was now ready to face the mocking of the dwarf and the elf that waited patiently outside her door.

Kalen placed the brush down on the vanity, and followed behind Calanagariel as she exited the room. When she stepped out into the hallway, Legolas and Gimli released an audible gasp. They had never seen her in anything but the green tunic and dark leggings, but it was pleasant to see her in the current radiance. Gimli smiled as he looked to Legolas and chuckled at his expression. All the male elf could do was stare in stunned silence, his lips parted in stupefied amazement.