A/N: There is a small problem. I, and several others, would really, really like Elladan and Elrohir to make an appearance. But, because of the war, Galadriel (Noldor) and Celeborn (Sindar) would never have gotten together. Meaning they would never have had a daughter, whom Elrond wouldn't have married and had Elladan and Elrohir with.

So, unless someone can think up a brilliant idea, Elladan and Elrohir aren't going to be making an appearance because they don't exist.

* * * * *

Originally, I had thought of Bree as a mysterious, gloomy place. Then, as a typical town of men, harmless and quite cheerful. Now, it was sliding back towards depressing.

Storms had started last evening, and sleep had been impossible with thunder booming round our ears while a constant stream of hail battered against the windows.

After our first night, Legolas and I had been at constant odds with each other. Aragorn had taken to asking everyone coming in for news of Gandalf. Something told me this was not normal behaviour for him. Indeed, he had taken to avoiding Legolas and I as if we carried some fatal disease. Most peculiar.

I was still spending all my time huddled in some dank corner. Apparently, dwarves sometimes used the inn, and it was imperative they didn't see me. Unfortunately, Legolas was also trying to avoid being seen, and for some reason could not find his own dank corner to hide in. Stupid Elf.

* * * * *

The door crashed open, and Aragorn leapt to his feet with a delighted cry.

"You're here!"

The man, whom I assumed was Gandalf, frowned at him, as if he had just done something extremely unexpected. "Perhaps we should go sit down."

Aragorn led him by the elbow, gently pulling him over to where we sat. Gandalf regarded us silently, pulling out a pipe and pipe-weed. Legolas made a face, but did not protest. Aragorn obviously took this as a sign that Legolas would not mind him smoking either, and pulled out his pipe as well. I followed suit.

Legolas sighed, and edged away from us.

Gandalf blew out before speaking, but when he did, his voice was a low rumble, comforting and wise. "I.." He paused here, regarding both Legolas and I, "am Gandalf the Grey."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Gandalf the Grey. I am Legolas of Greenwood." The surprise of Legolas sounding polite made me twist round to look at him. He raised an eyebrow at me, annoyingly superior. "Aren't you going to introduce yourself Gimli?"

I bristled, but turned back to Gandalf. "My apologies. I am Gimli, son of Gloin." I would get the Elf later.

"That is quite alright." He paused, turning to Aragorn. "I received word that you wished for my help in something."

"Yes. We want to bring peace to the Elves."

That was news to me. "I thought we just wanted to free the prisoners."

"Why not also argue for peace? It would mean that they wouldn't have to go into hiding, once freed. It would also mean that we wouldn't have to fight our way out."

"I still don't know how we're going to get in."

"I have an idea," Legolas said.

"Oh Valar," I groaned. Aragorn sent me a sharp look.

"I would be considered a fairly important prisoner, wouldn't I?"

"Yes." Aragorn didn't sound very enthusiastic.

"So we approach, not bothering to hide ourselves, and them when we get captured Aragorn can ask for an audience with Elrond, and whatever other Noldor nobles are present."

"Then what?"

"Do I have to do all the work?"

Trust the Elf to think up a plan like that. "Elf, there is no way that is going to."

"If I may interrupt?" Gandalf stopped puffing on his pipe to speak. "For getting into Rivendell, it is a very good plan. And there is something else you must consider."

"What?" Aragorn seemed as clueless as I did, which gave me some comfort.

"The Noldor want peace just as much as the Sindar." He sighed deeply. "I, and four companions, were sent here by the Valar. They wished to see this war end, and sent us as peacemakers. At one time, I came very close to opening negotiations. However, something happened to restart the war."

"What?"

"A Noldor King, Gil-Galad, was killed. It was a normal scouting party and he had decided to inspect, and just bad luck that they ran into a Sindar patrol. A brief fight commenced, during which Gil-Galad was struck by an unlucky arrow. The Noldor attacked Mirkwood soon after."

"Are they still angry?" Legolas' voice was quiet.

"They grieve for him, but have had the wisdom to let the anger go. Now, I suspect many of them yearn for peace. Currently, they are kept busy hunting down escaped Wood-Elves, and guarding prisoners. I suspect many of them would like to see these duties end."

Aragorn shook his head. "I'm not convinced this will work. Why should it? Too many things could go wrong." He paused, frowning. "And it's not exactly a plan, is it?"

"I agree. And what about the prisoners kept by the dwarves? Trust me, I know my kinsfolk - they will not agree to letting prisoners go easily."

"I did not say it would be easy, Gimli, Aragorn. Or that it would be quick. However, the only way anything is going to happen is if we start things moving, and that, we can do."

"But how?" Legolas shifted in his seat. "I want to, but how? And what would we say?"

"Tell them what you believe. If you speak honestly, and truly, they will listen."

"You're an idealist, Gandalf." Aragorn looked slightly scandalised at my criticism.

"No. But I do know Elrond and Galadriel. They are powerful among the Noldor, and their views count for much. If you can sway them, they will help you in other struggles." He smiled at me. "And the only way you can sway them is by going to Rivendell, and speaking your minds."

* * * * *

killslay - Glad you liked it! And, sorry, but the Hobbits won't be making an appearance. I thought about it, but they just wouldn't really fit in with the ending I have planned.

Lembas - Thank you! And hopefully the next update will come soon.

Andmetwen - Good news on the Aragorn-hair-washing-front. On the official site, there are some photos of him in RotK in which he's WASHED HIS HAIR! I almost fainted from shock..

AA Battery - Plot is now moving. I'm sorry the last few chapters have been slow - I was trying to convey the idea that they were travelling a really, really long way, which they were. Don't know if I was successful, though.

Mysterious Reviewer - Thanks for reviewing! I hope you liked this chapter.

Kit Cloudkicker - I have tried. Did not like it. Legolas just wasn't Legolas - he didn't act at all like I imagine him acting.

Jen - Thank you! I'm glad you thought it was funny.

Sha'Lane - Thanks! And e-mail has been sent, hope you got it.

Dis - I didn't think of that! But it's now one of the reasons Aragorn insisted Gimli keep his hood up.

Ele - Thanks! And your reviews don't have to be eloquent, I like them whatever they're like.

Dragon-of-the-north - Thanks! I'm glad you thought the body-hair thing was funny - it's something I imagine a dwarf thinking! And, sorry if you're a Hobbit fan, but they won't be coming into this. I thought about having A, L and G visit the Shire, but decided to go for plot development instead. And good luck for your exams!

SperryDee - I must speak up in the defence of short people, as I am only 4'11"! ( Still, a bit taller than your friend! And thanks for reviewing.

Nina - I also pity Aragorn! Gimli and Legolas would drive me mad.

Lady V - I'm glad he was changed to being a human. The sword-fighting wouldn't look half as dramatic/cool/sexy if he was only half the size of the orcs!

Lady Thwen - Next, to Rivendell. And I'm glad you liked the Hobbit description!

Dy - Legolas with short hair would be 'blaah yucky'. Orlando looks good though!

MoroTheWolfGod - I don't mind where you put the scene - feel free to distribute wherever you want! You might want to give credit to Tolkien, though, in case you find yourself stalked by several high-powered lawyers. Though I doubt that'll happen.

Cheysuli - A lot of you feel sorry for Aragorn! And thanks for reviewing!