Reply Time!!!! ^___^
fan81981: I'm glad you found my story enjoyable. It started as a weird plot bunny after seeing FotR on the premiere day, but I wanted to take a serious original approach to it; what's more original that two Elven children who return to ME, their real home? I'll probably have a set of stories for Midori soon; I've already started it on paper. ^^;; You think my fic is fantastic? *blush* I thought dragon was kinda obvious too, but I found myself thinking about the nature of dragons…maybe it's obvious now, might not be later. ^__^

Right of Blood

Chapter Nineteen

"Surely you must be hungry. We spent the entire day at the river." Legolas said as they turned the corner. "We can stop at the kitchens to find something."

"A bit. It seems so quiet tonight; where is everyone?" Kayla said as she spied one servant off in the distance. "I don't think anything bad happened."

"I'm sure we would know by now. Maybe they're in the dining hall." Legolas started to steer her towards the hall door at the end of the corridor. "It is past dinner time."

"The dining hall? That room? But that's only used for large parties." Kayla felt a bit perplexed. 'Just what is going on?' "Legolas, do you know what's going on?"

He shrugged. "Perhaps someone asked to have a party." Legolas stopped at the door. "I wanted to give you this before we went in."

"Give me what?"

"This." he handed her a flat box. "Since you shall probably be leaving soon…"

Kayla looked at him as she took it, noting the fine ties and intricate knots; it seemed a shame to even have to undo them, they were like works of art. She undid the ties and opened the box, unsure of what she would find inside. Her eyebrows flew up sharply, seeing the delicate band that lay inside, glittering with tiny rubies, garnets and citrines.

"Legolas, you didn't have to." she picked up the bracelet looking at it. "It looks like it could break, it's so thin," she murmured, feeling her hand start to shake slightly. "And very extravagant."

"It won't. I had an excellent smith make it," he watched her face for a few seconds. "Here, I'll put it on for you."

Kayla didn't say anything as he put it on and looked at it for a second. "And it's small flames too."

"You noticed," he gave her a small grin. "Carad'loki."

"And I have nothing for you."

"Don't worry about that," he said, taking her arm. You've given me enough already. Shall we?"

"Yes…let's." she said in an uncertain voice. "I know I'll feel better afterwards."

After spending another day at the river ice-skating once more, she felt like spending the evening in a low-key manner. Perhaps, curling up in her room with a nice blanket and a book; or by the main fireplace in the hall, taking part in a discussion was more her pace for the night. And hopefully, tomorrow, she wouldn't have to go ice-skating again. But she had to admit, the sight of Legolas determined to master the skates, it was quite amusing and endearing at the same time. He'd finally mastered using the pick toes of he skates.

But she did find it rather strange that they came back so late today. And it seemed that everyone was in on something that she could find nothing about. What it could be, she had no clue. She had felt more festive as the days had passed since she had first gone skating. 'And Thranduil said that they were already having a party some time soon. I would have really liked to have a Christmas party.' She smiled softly to herself as she remembered the nights spent by fireplaces, singing the carols that she had grown up with; and with many an Elf joining in afterwards. Many nights had been spent in the company of Mirkwood's inhabitants, singing, talking, drinking and becoming more acquainted.

"You will, don't worry so." Legolas said gently as he pushed the door open.

Kayla smiled as Legolas pushed open the door, before she stood in the doorway amazed by what she saw before her. The large dining hall had been swathed in green, the boughs of holly, sprinkled with red berries, decorating the walls. Candles lit up the far corners of the room; the main fireplace crackling brightly while it illuminated the thick wall coverings of green and gold. The musicians' notes filled the room with an ethereal and festive atmosphere. Long tables stood by the walls, filled with food and wine, while the large area was filled with people, some dancing by the balcony window, while others lingered around talking. She looked back at Legolas who had a bright smile on his face.

"You sneaky devil." she said with a laugh, glad for the light grey dress she was wearing now. "Is this why you insisted that we change our clothes? And why we came back so late?"

"Among other things." Legolas said. "This is a party for you, after all."

Kayla allowed herself to be pulled along, saying hello to the familiar faces that she spotted in the crowd. 'It seems like every person in Mirkwood is here.' By the time they came to the food tables, Kayla was somewhat tired of greeting people.

"Ah, something to drink. Just what I need." her hand snagged a glass filled with a dark liquid.

"I don't think you want to drink that particular one." Legolas said, trying to take the glass from her.

"It can't be that bad," she said evading his hand. "I'll just have a taste," she said taking a sip with a small smile. "Hm…what vintage is this? It tastes wonderful."

"That particular one is Berdruskan Dark; a recent year, but still good."

"Oh, King Thranduil." Kayla inclined her head before taking another small sip. "It is good, different from what I've had before. A very sweet taste that…smoulders, very strong."

"Ah, she has a fine palette, Legolas." Thranduil said with an appreciative look in his eyes. "Where did you two disappear to today?"

"We went to the river," Legolas said. "Saw what nature had to offer."

"Ah. Did you enjoy yourselves?"

"It was," Kayla paused, trying to not laugh as she recalled their snowball fight. "Fun. Did lots of things."

Thranduil nodded as he made a motion to someone off in the distance. "And you two are going out tomorrow?"

"We'll see Father." Legolas said with a slight shrug. "There are still some things I have to take care of."

"And I could stand to catch up on some reading I meant to do." Kayla said as she took another sip. "Ah…I think you're wanted King Thranduil." she pointed to a person on the opposite side of the room who making rushed motions in their direction.

"There's always something." Thranduil said with a roll of his eyes before the rested on Kayla's wrist. "I see you have a new gift."

"Oh, um…" Kayla felt her face go red as she stuttered. Finally she just kept her mouth shut and nodded her head.

"Hm." Thranduil said, taking her hand and inspecting it. "'Er amadaya lav sina tearc harma lanta imya mau'easen [1] ." his gaze flickered to Legolas before he bowed slightly and disappeared into the crowd.

"Berdruskan Dark, hm?" Kayla gave her glass a critical eye. "Now, am I to guess that you didn't want me drinking it because of its alcohol content?"

"It is very strong. It's floored quite a few Elves who weren't aware of its potency." Legolas looked at her. "Though, somehow, you're still stand and coherent."

"I have a very high tolerance to alcohol. There were times when it was all that there was to drink, so I had to learn to hold it. Trust me; there was a time when something like this would have knocked me unconscious."

"Well, do you think that you can put the glass down long enough to have a dance with me?" Legolas asked as he placed down his own.

"I think so." she replied, resting hers beside his. "And then-"

"Lady Kayla!"

"Culros!" she looked surprised as his frame slipped through the wall of bodies. "Shouldn't Elflings be at home getting ready to sleep?"

"Kayla," Legolas whispered into her ear as he leaned in. "Culros is the one who organized this whole thing."

"Really?" Kayla fell silent for a moment. "I honestly don't know what to say."

"You don have to say anything," he said with a shrug. "You said you didn't want to celebrate, but I noticed how you were acting differently after you helped me, so…" he gestured to the room. "I hope you like it."

"It's wonderful Culros," she said bending down and giving him a hug. "You're too smart for your own good sometime I think."

"Thank you," he said, a blush coming over his face. "What's this?" he asked, fingers touching the bracelet.

"A gift," she said. "From a friend."

"Ah." Culros' eyes shifted to Legolas and then back to her before his face broke out into a grin. "Oh, I think that's my father calling me. Coming Father!"

Kayla watched as Culros disappeared back into the swirl of people. "That kid sees too much sometimes I think. Now, how about that dance?" she asked, as she and Legolas walked out onto the dance floor.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kayla readjusted the saddle strap on Slepnir's belly before she pulled her cloak closer. Her breath puffed out in small clouds before her, as she got ready. She had decided to visit Bilbo once more before heading back to Lothlórien and see how he was doing. 'It's nicer to visit rather than write a letter.' Giving the packs a pat, she placed her foot in the stirrup.

"Kayla!"

"What the…" she turned around quickly, falling to the ground as her foot came loose. "Damn it."

"I thought you would have left already."

"Culros," she sighed as she picked herself up and dusted off the stray bits of hay. "What are you doing out of bed this early. Oh, Alusil. How have you been?"

"Well, thank you Lady Kayla." Alusil said with a small bow. "When Culros heard that you were going out on a trip, he insisted we meet you here at this hour."

"In the middle of the night?" Kayla looked down at the boy. "Next you'll be telling me you want to come along."

"He does." Alusil said, as he crossed his arms. "Culros, you should know that Lady Kayla has things to do."

"Please? I promise I'll behave." Culros looked at her with a pleading look in his eyes.

"Let me talk to Alusil about it. Then we'll see." Kayla said as they walked off to the side. "Would you actually let him come along?"

"Yes. I know you would care for him as if he was your own." Alusil said.

"What does his mother have to say about this?" Kayla asked in a soft voice; it was odd, she never saw this woman. "Is she all right with it?"

"Culros' mother is dead." Alusil said. "She died when he was young."

"Is that why he…"

"Yes; you were much like her."

"Oh." she looked back at Culros, noticing his dress and the pack by his feet. "He even came prepared to leave."

"He says he will go with you; even if he has to follow you."

Kayla ran a hand over her face. "I tell Legolas and King Thranduil and suddenly, he knows. Maybe it's me, but he's more of a handful now than before."

Alusil made a sound. "Tell me about it. You don't have to take him if you don't want to."

"I hate to disappoint him. I mean, he's done quite a bit for me. Besides, I'm sticking to the road and should be back soon . I was planning to go home after this short trip. The snow should have melted enough by then. I can bring him back before I leave."

"You will take him with you?"

"Yeah," she looked back as Culros tried to mount her horse. "I like the kid. Hey, Culros! You're too short to mount that monster!"

"Am not!" Culros fired back.

Slepnir rolled his eyes, looking at Kayla with an expression that said, 'What did I do to deserve this?' Kayla looked back at Alusil with a helpless smile.

"Here, I'll help you up." she grasped the boy by the waist and placed him squarely in the saddle. "And don't squirm too much. He doesn't like it. Makes him prone to throwing people off."

"Your horse doesn't really do that?" Alusil asked.

"No, but I gotta get him to stay still somehow." she grinned at Alusil as she mounted on Slepnir. "Don't worry; he'll be fine."

"It's not him I'm worried for. You've never travelled with him like this before." Alusil's eyes held a trace of mirth. "I wish you good luck."

Kayla nodded her head, looking back at Culros after Alusil was gone. "What was he warning me against Culros?"

"I don't know. I love to travel." he said with a shrug. "You are sure I won't fall down right? The horse seems very high."

"Not if you hold on tight." she said with a smile before all the air was squeezed from her. "Culros," she wheezed. "You can hold onto my waist if you want, but not that tightly."

"All right." he loosened his arms. "Where are we heading to?"

Kayla clucked to Slepnir and they started out into the early morning forest. "We're going to a place called the Shire; I'm going to go and visit a friend before I take you back to Mirkwood and I head back home."

"Is it nice in the Shire?" Culros asked.

"It has beauty all its own." she said as she looked back at Mirkwood palace. "Anyways, we shouldn't really talk beyond necessary. These woods still aren't that safe."

"All right." Culros said as he rested his head against her back. "No talking."

"Erm hrm." Kayla said in an amused tone as she smiled to herself; this kid could be one in a million sometimes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kayla smiled as the edge of the forest appeared before her; the hardest part of the trip as over now. It was a straight trip over the mountains and across plains. At most, four days, five if the weather was bad. Slepnir had taken her to Mirkwood in four days time and they had to avoid Orc bands, and many other things. She shuddered as she brushed off the thought. She urged Slepnir into a trot, glad to see the mountains in the distance for once; for once, she was glad to see chunks of rock.

"Kayla, can we talk now?"

"Yes." she said bringing her horse to a halt, sensing anxiousness in his voice. "Is something wrong?"

Culros nodded, as he made a twisting motion, looking back at the forest. "It's in there, watching."

All the hairs rose up sharply on the back of her neck; so it hadn't just been her being paranoid. "You…you felt it too?"

"Yes. But it won't come out." Culros' head tilted up to the sky. "It won't come after us now."

"All right, then let's leave whatever it is behind and get to the Shire then." Kayla said as she urged Slepnir into a rapid trot, wanting to be away from the area quickly.

There was a strange sense of ominous foreboding that had crept over her skin like maggots over rotting flesh, which just wouldn't leave, making her worry about ever rustle that had come from the darkness of Mirkwood. She snorted as she faced the approaching mountains, her brows furrowed with thought. She knew she still had to go back through the same forest to get Culros back, and that's what made her worried.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A gentle breeze curled down through the treetops to the stretched out figures by the door. Rings of smoke curled up in lazy columns, nothing more than insubstantial ghosts making their way towards the sky.

"You must know that I wasn't expecting you to come by and visit again. Plus you showed up in time for dinner too."

"I have a knack for showing up when food is about, Bilbo." Kayla said as she watched the smoke pensively before she slipped the pipe end between her teeth once more. "Of which was excellent might I add."

"Oh, well thank you." Bilbo said in a slightly flustered voice. "It was only a simple hobbit meal, nothing more."

"You're too modest for your own good as well." Kayla said as she nudged him. "Take some credit sometimes Bilbo." she smiled.

"I suppose you are right." he sighed as he blew up another ring. "I think I have enough credit to worry about with that confounded party I'm having."

"Ah yes, the birthday party." Kayla said, nodding her head; they had discussed it over dinner. "Otho and Lobelia bothering you again?"

"Not as much as they used to. I think they fear an Elf who looked ready to skewer them once before." Bilbo chucked to himself. "I think they would fear your young companion as much too. Though, he looks rather young for your kind."

"He is. But he's wise beyond his year. Hard to believe it though." Kayla said as she mentally probed around the Shire for the Elfling and the hobbits that he had gone with today. "All four of them at the edge of Farmer Maggot's field." she sighed . 'Culros, you had better not be doing what I think you are.'

Nothing came back for a moment. 'We are not getting into trouble. Just going to help the good Farmer pick his mushrooms.'

'Say you and three other hobbits?'

Now there came a definite pause as if they were scrambling for an answer. 'Merry and Pippin say that they are hobbits of their words. If the good farmer isn't around to collect his fresh mushrooms, it would be a shame to let them go to waste.'

'Waste not, want not, hm?'

'Yes, that's it!'

'Leave the mushrooms alone.' She couldn't stop the laugh from escaping from her throat. 'Ask Farmer Maggot tomorrow if you can have some.'

'All right. We'll find something else to do.'

"Making sure they don't get into trouble again?" Bilbo asked in an amused voice.

"They were about to go after Maggot's mushrooms." Kayla chuckled as she ran her fingers along the length of the pipe. "Kids…"

"Quite a handful." Bilbo said, nodding his head. "Quite a handful."

Kayla nodded once more, noticing Bilbo's hand slipping into his pocket to fiddle with something. She swallowed hard suddenly, focusing on her pipe, feeling strained, conflicted inside. One part of her was warning her against whatever it was; the other whispered to take it, to use it to her advantage, to do great things. It was something, whispering in her mind, that it wanted to be found. She tore her eyes away with relief and apprehension, clenching the pipe in her mouth tightly. It was still there roiling beneath the surface, the tightly locked surface, begging for a crack, a weakness to exploit. She stared at the line of ants that marched their way around her bare feet and into the neatly trimmed grass until a shadow suddenly fell over her. She looked up with a disarming smile. "Hello Pippin."

"Er…hello." he said somewhat nervously as if thinking something over.

"Brought him back in one piece and out of trouble I see." Kayla leaned over to the side to see Culros standing with Frodo and Merry, still a good deal taller than them.

"Yes, but there's something I-well, we wanted to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Well, ah, well, you see-" Pippin began looking somewhat flustered.

"What he trying to say, is how did you know where we were?" Merry said stepping forward. "How did you know we were just about to go and-"

"Help Farmer Maggot pick his mushrooms." Frodo interjected, stepping closer to his two friends.

Kayla looked between the three hobbits, while Culros stood in the back, trying to look inconspicuous but not getting very far. She looked at Bilbo before looking back at them and moving the pipe end around in her mouth. After a few minutes they started shifting around, waiting for the reply.

"That's because I have to make sure you four don't get into too much trouble." she smiled at them. "Besides, I was going was going to buy you all mushrooms tomorrow."

"Really?" Pippin looked happy. "Just how many mushrooms are we talking here?"

"Pippin!" Merry said in a scolding voice. "You don't ask that kind of question. Besides, she's probably going to get a lot since she knows how much hobbits love mushrooms."

"Yes," Kayla said as she did her best to not laugh. "I know how much Merry. Are the three of you going down to the tavern?"

"We are." Merry looked at Frodo. "Coming?"

"No. I think I'll turn in early tonight."

"As will I." Bilbo said as he rose, heading inside. "See you all in the morning."

"Night, Bilbo. All right then, come on Culros." Pippin said as they made their way to the gate.

"Can I, Kayla?" he looked at her hopefully.

"So long as you don't drink anything; I'll be watching." she gave him a look before she rumpled his hair and watched him go off. She seated herself back down, glancing at Frodo as he looked out over the Shire. "Are you waiting for something in particular Frodo?"

"Not really." Frodo came and sat beside her. "I was just wondering about Midori. How is she anyways?"

"How is she? I can't really say. I haven't seen her in a few months." Kayla paused for a moment. "I've been in Mirkwood."

"Ah, I see."

"It sounds like you miss her."

"I do." he said after a few seconds. "She was…" he trailed off, shrugging. "I don't know; I'm not too sure myself."

"Neither am I." Kayla said with a nod.

"But you're her sister."

"We only found that out a year ago when we arrived here; hasn't seemed like that long." Kayla smiled wistfully to herself. "I can still remember her before all of this, quiet and shy, like she had been alone for so long. Then we came here and she seemed to change, as if she had been given another chance."

"She seemed happiest in the trees and by the river," Frodo paused for a moment. "Very happy to be near the water."

"Yeah, I think she's a water baby." Kayla took the pipe from her mouth, allowing the smoke to curl outwards. "A water baby is a word that you use for someone who likes the water a lot. I never was one. I dislike large bodies of water, especially rivers. Baths are a different story."

"I agree. But Midori could do some amazing things with water." Frodo plucked a small blue flower, twirling it in his fingers. "She told me that the journey is the most important thing, and what you learn as you travel. That some journeys are like rapid rivers, something you can't fight and have to struggle to barely survive; others are like slow streams, allowing you to chart your own trip as you desire."

"What made her say that?"

"I don't know." Frodo shrugged. "She said it was something she told Jubei a long time ago, and that I reminded her of him in so many ways."

"Jubei?" Kayla frowned for a moment. "I have no idea who he is; can't help you there."

"She was said some weird things that day. She said that great things would be happening. But then she said that great things don't necessarily have to be good." Frodo looked at her. "Do all Elves speak so? In words that make little sense?"

"Some do, some don't. I prefer talking like this; much easier." Kayla contemplated the last rays of the sun. "But I think I know what she was talking about. Some weird things have been happening, Orcs and whatnot moving around."

"What's an Orc?"

"Something you don't want to meet in the dark; take my word for it." Kayla said as she stretched. "But this isn't the place for talk of such things."

"You're probably right." Frodo stifled a yawn. "I'd much rather worry about Farmer Maggot and his dogs than some Orc."

"Even I would. Go and sleep Frodo. Good night."

"Good night Kayla." Frodo said as he rose and walked in.

Kayla started to put the pipe back to her lips but froze as Frodo brushed past her, images flashing through her mind. After a few minutes, she placed the pipe into her mouth and focused her thoughts on Galadriel. A few more minutes and she could clearly see her mother sitting at a table, surrounded by discussion by what was obviously emissaries and, surprisingly, Gandalf.

'Mother, are you that busy?'

"Arlonniel!' Galadriel was clearly surprised but pleased. 'This is most certainly unexpected. How are you in Mirkwood?'

'I'm in the Shire. I came to visit a friend. But that is aside from the point. I want to show you something.'

Kayla didn't say anything else as she allowed the images to drift through her mind, allowing Galadriel to pick up on their impressions. Of Frodo running from something on a horse, a bright gold band, flashing from his shirt; of Frodo surrounded by his friends, swords drawn as black figures approached them in some ruins; of Frodo being stabbed by a wicked, and eerily familiar, blade and crying out in pain.

'When did you see this?'

'As Frodo walked by me a few minutes ago. I think something of this nature should not be ignored so. I think that something is going to happen here, and soon, by some design. There's something here that wants to be found. By what, I not too sure, but I am sure that I don't anyone with evil intentions to find it.'

'I see. Celeborn?'

'Yes?'

"Hello Father.'

"Arlonniel, how are you? Long has it been since we talked or seen one another.'

'I know.'

'Celeborn, as much as I am glad that you two are talking more now,' Galadriel's voice sounded anxious. 'I believe that Arlonniel has stumbled on the one thing that Sauron wants back.'

Celeborn didn't reply for a moment. 'Arlonniel, where are you now?'

'The Shire.'

'Then come straight home. If Sauron discovers that you have found this, and if it is what we suspect it is, then your life will be in grave danger.'

'I can look out for myself, Father.'

'Against this, you cannot. This one is far beyond you, even though I have full faith in your abilities.'

"Celeborn is right Arlonniel. Just come home. We shall send Gandalf; he has had many dealings with Sauron's schemes and knows what must be done. He can investigate this matter and see if it is a threat as you think it is.'

'All right Mother. Did Gandalf ever find Gollum?'

Nothing was said for a few moments before Celeborn talked. 'Gandalf caught up to Gollum too late. He was captured by a band of Orcs and taken to Barad-dûr. Gandalf is here now; and shall be there soon. Make sure you come straight home, Arlonniel.'

'I'll leave now Father. I'll see you in a week.'

Kayla sighed as she let the link dissolve away; not even here a day and they had to leave already. She walked in, writing a brief note; she didn't want to disturb Frodo and Bilbo's rest. Bilbo looked fine but he always seemed strained to her, like he would break down at any moment. She left the note on the table beside the tea pot and grabbed her packs. She started walking down the path, whistling. When Slepnir came trotting up, she threw the packs on and hurried down to the tavern. After managing to pull Culros away after a rather amusing tavern song and many goodbyes, they were off on the road once more.

"Kayla?" Culros asked as he rubbed his eyes.

"Yes?" she looked ahead at the dark path before them.

"Why did we have to leave so soon?" he gave a yawn.

Kayla felt the tenseness inside start to dissolve away slightly. 'He knows and sees so much, and yet he still so innocent.' She sighed. "Because I have to head back home; something came up. Sorry to ruin your fun."

"It's all right." he said in a tired voice. "We can always come back."

Kayla smiled as he rested his head against her back, falling silent as his arms around her waist went slightly slack. "Sweet dreams Culros." she paused looking at the faint line of mountains in the distance. "Sweet dreams…"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Kayla jumped down from the saddle, turning around, to catch Culros as he slipped down. The two days of non-stop travelling seemed to have worn him out. He was fast asleep now. 'Odd…I guess only Elflings sleep, and grown ones do that awake but asleep thing.'

"Stay here Slepnir. Help yourself to some hay and water." she said as she walked out of the stall and closed the door with her foot.

It was the middle of the night in Mirkwood; hopefully, she could slip in, get the few things she left in her room and be out; twenty minutes tops. She made her way to Alusil's house, glad to find that he was wide awake. After handing Culros over to him and having a brief conversation with him and bidding him farewell, she made her way to the palace, glad for the silent and empty halls. Coming to her room, she was surprised to find the door open a crack; since when had servants taken to cleaning in the middle of the night? Drawing her axe from her side, she got a good grip on it and walked in slowly.

"Legolas?!" she nearly dropped her weapon in surprise when she saw him. "What on earth are you doing in here?"

"Arlonniel!" he walked over and gave her a swift hug. "Thank Valar, you're safe!"

"O…kay," she said. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"The forest has been crawling with Orcs, Spiders, every foul thing that serves Sauron. They came out a few days after you left."

"Really? I met nothing coming back here. But then again, I was on edge and ready to cut down anything that attempted to kill me." she looked at him, brows furrowing. "You were really worried."

"Yes. I glad that you are safe." Legolas took a step back, noticing her travelling clothes. "And you're leaving again."

"Yes. Mother and Father want me home as soon as possible. I came to get some things I left here and leave again." she paused. 'But I don't really want to leave here.'

Legolas nodded his head. "I packed them for you." he walked over to the bed and gave her a small bundle.

Kayla nodded as she took it from him slowly. "Thanks. You know, you should really do something about that."

"About what?"

"This." she ran her fingers through the hair that stuck out from the side of his face. "You can't keep tucking it behind your ear."

"There's not much else I can do with it. It escapes braids."

"Hmph. Hasn't met the braids I can make. Sit." she pointed to the bed. "I may have to leave, but I can take the time to do this."

She sighed as Legolas sat and she quickly pulled out the comb from the pack. "This is too much a liability in battle you know."

"Don't remind me." he said, making a face.

Kayla chuckled as she quickly combed out the slight snarls and braided it back along his head. She did the same on the other side before she smoothed it out, smiling to herself. "There; all done. Now, you don't have to really worry about your hair sticking out, or some one grabbing it when they fight dirty."

"Thank you." Legolas said in a soft voice as he looked at her.

"Lle creso." she whispered, feeling her breath stick. "I should get going." she stood and headed for the door.

"Arlonniel," Legolas rose and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Be careful out there."

"I will." she said. "You take care as well Legolas, mellonamin [2]." she looked at him for a moment before she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. "Try to keep your hair braided, all right?"

"Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya [3]*." Legolas murmured

Kayla simply nodded her head, not trusting her vocal chords to speak properly. She took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before she turned away and headed back to the stables. That was much harder than she had imagined it. But then again, she wasn't expecting to find Legolas in her rooms. She led Slepnir out from his stall and mounted, leaving the palace of Mirkwood behind her. 'I think I am starting to understand that dumb phrase, 'Home is where the heart is.'."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

[1] Er amadaya lav sina tearc harma lanta imya mau'easen - One would be foolish to let this rare treasure fall through their fingers.
[2] mellonamin - my friend
[3] Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya - May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky.
* Source: Fisher, Jude. The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring: Visual Companion. 2001. Hammersmith; London. HarperCollinsPublishers.