Disclaimer: I don't own any of this. Not even the quotes.

**** "To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply
gives you courage." - Lao Tzu

*****

The next five days passed so quickly. Legolas had to prepare to leave with the rest of the troupe. Annowe was relieved to find that Aragorn would accompany them. The Ranger was resourceful and intelligent, both qualities that she admired.

Surprisingly, a dwarf had agreed to make the journey as well. She immediately felt in Gimli a kindred spirit and spent quite a bit of time with him when they could spare it. His honesty, stout heart and determination would be a steadying influence on the rest of them.

And they would need a steadying influence to keep the Hobbits in check. They were like wild children, full of energy and zest for living, darting here and there all at once. Except for The One. She recognized those blue eyes from her last day in Rivendell, the morning she and Legolas had left on the scouting mission. He had been the "child" she had seen on the balcony.

Quietly, she approached him and his companion in the garden one late afternoon. The sandy-haired one moved close to protect his friend and she smiled.

"I mean you no harm. My name is Annowe. I heard that you stayed with my sister, Goldberry," she said.

At the mention of Goldberry, she was inundated with questions from all sides as the other two Hobbits joined them. She laughed and tried to answer their questions the best she could but they soon tired of the game and dispersed, leaving her with The One.

She leaned over to him and placed her hand under his chin, lifting his head so she could see into his eyes. They were as blue as the sea in mid-summer and completely guileless. Her heart ached for the poor creature.

"Such a small creature to carry such a heavy burden," she whispered to him. Silently, she asked her father to aid them whenever possible. The blue eyes smiled shyly back at her.

*****

Too soon, it was their last night in Rivendell. All of the preparations had been made and the troupe would set out on the morrow for Mount Doom.

She stood on the balcony in her oversized tunic, listening to the elves singing and gazing at the stars. Why could it not stay like this forever? She wondered. No sooner had she and Legolas come to grips with their relationship then they would be torn apart again. She sighed heavily. These last several days had been bliss with him and she would treasure them in her heart forever. The Dark Lord could do many things but he could not erase the memory of her heart.

There was a soft knock on the door. "Enter," she called.

Legolas came into the room and closed the door behind him. His sleeping clothes were disheveled and his hair was a complete mess. She wondered what in Middle Earth had happened to him but before she could ask, he held a comb out to her.

"Hobbits," he grumbled.

*****

Authors Note: Annowe does not go with the Fellowship because, in my mind, she would have gone on a "separate" mission to gather her own associates and secure their aid for the Fellowship. She understands that Legs can take care of himself and she trusts his companions. She also realizes that the best way to help ensure their safety is to draw Sauron's attention elsewhere.

PS – This was for Steve. Sorry, honey, I couldn't help it.