Thanks once again to all you who reviewed. The warm and fuzzy feeling is back! Even if you don't review, I'm hoping you still enjoy the story!

Okay. Here's the familiar song and dance. I don't own these guys. I'm just borrowing them. Except for Ylana. She came from the demon living in my head. If I owned these guys, do you really think I'd be posting this here instead of making money from it? Didn't think so either.

The Silent Prince

Chapter 3: Lost Friends

It only took Legolas a split second to recognize her as the girl from his dream. Her long dark tresses and liquid silver eyes were exactly the same as he remembered them. The only difference was her dress. In the dream she had been wearing a simple gown of silver and white. Now she was clad in a riding dress made up of different shades of green. At her hip hung a long, Elven-forged blade. On her back was a bow and a quiver full of arrows. In her right hand she carried Legolas' arrow, which she handed back to him.

"You are indeed quite a shot, Master Legolas," she said with a smile. "I was barely able to duck your warning and nearly killed myself trying to catch it! If I had not been expecting it, it most surely would have felled me."

Legolas could do nothing but blink in surprise as he accepted his arrow back. He had been so sure that his Dream-maiden would be nothing more than a figment of his imagination. On finding that she was real and here with him… It was enough to spin even and Elvish mind.

The Elf-maiden gave him a slight wink unnoticed by the others---the only sign of recognition to pass between the two---then turned to face the Ranger, who was staring at her as though he was looking at a ghost. i"Hana maer na kena i.i (1) It has been awhile."

"Ylana," he whispered. "Is it really you?"

She smiled. "Aye. It's me."

Aragorn stood completely still for a moment before rushing forward to embrace her, causing the other members to look at each other in surprise and bewilderment.

i"Muin gwathel,"i he said, holding her tight. (2) "Where have you been?"

The girl shrugged. "Here. There. Wherever my Lord Elrond sends me. I was out patrolling the boarders of Rivendell when you last passed through and I was so disappointed when I heard I'd missed you. Then my Lady sent me after you." She smiled, a twinkle in her eyes. "She said that there was no female in your group and thought that you could greatly use one."

Aragorn had to smile. "And I'm sure it was with good reason." He then turned to face his friends, who were standing around looking confused at this surprise visitor who Aragorn seemed to know so well. Especially Legolas, who had yet to put away his returned arrow. "Since you were able to recognize Legolas, I assume you know who the rest of the Nine are. Allow me to complete the introductions. Gentlemen, this is Ylana Fairylight of Rivendell, one of the few female warrior Elves of Middle-Earth. She's also Arwen's closest friend."

i"Mae govanne, mellyn,"i she said with a bow, touching her heart then extending it out to them. (3) Then she looked directly at Frodo and smiled. "Greetings, Master Baggins. My Lady Arwen sends her hope that you are well and wishes that you avoid getting hurt yet again."

Frodo blushed as the others laughed, but he was pleased to hear that the fair Arwen was still thinking about him.

Having gotten over their shock, the Fellowship fell immediately at ease with the female warrior. She was outspoken and friendly, a direct contrast to the aloof and unemotional Legolas.

"So what exactly are you doing here?" Gimli, who had vowed never to trust an Elf, asked gruffly, watching the new arrival with something akin to apprehension.

At this her face became serious and the others caught a glimpse of the hardened warrior within her. "Reports of large bands of Orcs spewing from Isengard reached Rivendell. Arwen became worried for you and begged her father to call me back and send me to warn you. He agreed." She looked over to the Elf prince and her voice softened. "Especially since these Orcs seem to be after you and you alone."

Gasps rose form the others but Legolas did nothing as his own blue eyes stared deep into silver ones.

"Legolas?" Aragorn asked, the concern in his voice matching the concern on his face as he moved to put a protective hand on his friend's shoulder. "Why would anyone be after Legolas?"

She shrugged. "I do not know."

Gandalf looked disturbed. "From Isengard, you say? This does not bode well at all, for it seems as if Saruman has stepped up his timetable. And now he is hunting Legolas for an unknown reason." He paused. "How long are you to be with us, Ylana?"

She bowed deeply to Gandalf, once more touching her heart and extending her hand to him. "As long as your Quest stands before you, Mithrandir," she answered. Then she smiled. "Or until you wish to be rid of me."

Legolas felt his heart skip a beat at her words, confusing him further. iI want to know more about this strange girl. I am drawn to her… I do not feel lust or love. I am just curious as to how and why she came to be with us. And how she was in my dream. Whatever, I am glad she us to remain with us for a time. It is good to see and speak with another of my kind.i

Shaking his head, the Elf looked up to find his eyes once more locked with a pair of liquid silver ones. Feeling as if she had somehow been reading his mind, he felt a dreaded heat begin to rise in his face but pushed it back down. It would not look good for the silent prince of Mirkwood to lose his composure over a girl he had only just met. He gave her a slight nod in acknowledgment. She offered him a smile in return then turned to face Aragorn as he began speaking once more.

"Gandalf, this only goes to prove my point. If these reports of Isengard are true, and I do not doubt that they are, then we must choose another route. The Gap of Rohan takes us far too close to the tower of Orthanc. I will not risk Legolas's life needlessly."

Frodo did not like the look on the wizard's face.

"Lord Elrond has offered a suggestion, if I may?" Ylana said quietly.

Both Gandalf and Aragorn looked at her in surprise, as if they'd somehow already forgotten she was there. "Of course you may! You're an honorary member of this Fellowship now and a bit more up to date than the rest of us. What is it your Lord proposes?"

She nodded in acceptance. "There is a city not far to the east of here. Terin, it is called. A city of Men that lies against the Misty Mountains. It is heard that there are mountain strongholds there that you could pass through to avoid confronting Isengard."

Gandalf looked thoughtful at those words---thoughtful, and pleased. "Of course. I know that city well. Prince Liothiel's father was an old friend of mind and I'm sure he'll do whatever he can to help us. It is a wonder I didn't think of it sooner." He smiled down at the Elven girl. "It is indeed a good thing the fair Lady Arwen sent you to aid us."

iIndeed it is,i Legolas thought, his eyes fixed upon the girl. iIndeed it is.i

The Fellowship---now Ten----hanged their course east and went deep into the forest before stopping to make camp for the night. Ylana offered to stand watch that night for Elves didn't need as much sleep, and she had only been on the Road for a day while they had been on it for many.

Once everyone had settled down, Aragorn left the group of pipe-smokers to come and sit by his old friend. There they proceeded to catch up with each other, trading stories of the past few years and recalling old ones. Soon, they had the whole Company laughing as they recalled childhood pranks.

"Do you remember the time Arwen and I dared you to put sleeping weed into Lord Elrond's tea?" Ylana asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

Frodo's eyes, filled with tears of laughter, went wide. "You didn't!"

Aragorn laughed, a faint pink tinge appearing on his cheeks. "Aye, I did. He had an important Council later that evening and fell asleep right at the table. He knew it had been the three of us, for the twins had gone off to Lothlorien. Luckily he enjoyed a good prank every now and then and thought it quite funny, if a bit embarrassing for he snores loudly. He gave us a bit of a lecture and sent us on our way."

This brought fresh laughter from the others. In his mind's eye Legolas could see them all those years ago. The two female Elves and young Man. Obviously they had always been very close. iOne must wonder why he chose Arwen over Ylana…i

Aragorn sat in silent remembrance for a moment, puffing on his pipe. Then, almost apprehensively, he asked "Do you know whatever became of Dolinril?"

Ylana smiled as she drew the Elven blade form its sheath. "It's right here."

"So iyoui kept it!" Legolas couldn't be sure, but he thought he saw Aragorn's eyes mist over at the sight of the sword. "I have often wondered of its whereabouts. I am glad to see that it has not made its way into evil hands."

The hobbits were puzzled. "It looks like a plain old sword to me," Merry said. "What's so special about it?"

Ylana and Aragorn shared a secret smile, then the girl's gaze returned to the blade. Not even a second later, it burst into flame.

"Whoa!" Even Gandalf recoiled from the shock at seeing the flames race along the blade but not hurt it.

As the two childhood friends laughed, the flames disappeared as abruptly as they had appeared.

"That, my friends, is the product of two curious Elves and one Man attempting magic," Aragorn explained with a smile. "As you can see, it worked exceedingly well. It only catches fire at its wielder's command."

Legolas wanted to laugh in delight. iDolinril. 'Hidden Flame.' How appropriate.i

Gandalf had to chuckle. 'Estel, I'm beginning to get the idea that you were a troublesome youngster."

The Ranger blushed fiercely as Ylana laughed. "That he was, Mithrandir. That he was."

Aragorn laughed as well, the sighed. "I haven't one fond childhood memory that doesn't involve you and Arwen. It nearly devastated us when you decided to go off and become a warrior."

iSo that explains it,i Legolas thought. iYlana went off to guard her home, leaving her two best friends to fall in love. Or was that her true reason fro leaving?i

Ylana sighed as she slid the flaming sword back into its sheath. "I think you've had enough stories for one night. You are all weary. Rest well. I shall keep guard."

Just then, Sam let out a large yawn, proving her point and causing the others to laugh.

Soon, all were wrapped in their bedrolls, either asleep or quickly approaching it. All, that is, save Legolas.

The Elf knew that he would find no sleep that night. He had quickly scaled one of the trees that sheltered the group and sat in its protective grasp, staring up into the clear night sky. The feeling inside him had been pushed to the back of his mind as he had sat and listened to Ylana and Aragorn, pondering the mystery of the girl. Not it had risen again, stronger than before. Something was bothering him, something too terrible to speak of…

"Legolas?"

Gazing downward, the Elf prince saw Ylana staring up at him, hands on her hips and an amused smile on her face. "Do you enjoy sleeping in trees, my liege? Or perhaps there is another reason you are up there?"

He had to smile as he leapt lightly to the ground, hardly leaving an imprint on the grass. "I was merely gazing at the stars, at Earendil. Thinking. There is something to terrible to speak of bothering me. I know not what it be."

A troubled look passed over he beautiful features, then it was gone. "It must be all this talk of Orcs after you. Do not worry. I will keep a sharp lookout through the night." She gave him a small push. "Now rest."

He shook his head. "I cannot. Tonight, sleep evades me. For I have much on my mind." He looked at her hopefully. "Perhaps you would allow mw to stay and speak with you? For I have many questions I wish to ask."

She smiled and, once again, his heart skipped in that unnerving way. That smile was meant for him, and him alone. "I would enjoy it greatly."

(1)iHana maer kena ii-----It's good to see you

(2) iMuin gwatheli-----My sister

(3) iMae govanne, mellyni-----Well, met friends