Please forgive me for my lack of updates. But everyone should be glad to know that I have the next chapter 95% done and it will not be that long between updates this time. My muse returned to me in a flash this past week after attending the Pittsburgh Symphony's Lord of the Rings concert. It was such an amazing event. Howard Shore is such a wonderful conductor and it was a joy to watch him at his finest. So thanks to Howard I am able to update. I would also like to thank all of you that and written me. It is definitely and inspiration to read your emails. Sorry I was not able to respond to each one but I will do so next time. Thank you once again and enjoy.

Chapter 15

Storm

Tucked away in the little white canvas tent, Gwenneth sat on her tiny makeshift bed. So far the day's events had been so overwhelming to her, that they seemed somehow surreal. Even though she knew not what her brother and her lover talked about, just seeing them shaking hands was joy enough. One thing was definite though - this past week she had learned that elves were an amazing race. One took her heart - which was a willing act on her behalf, to begin with. But the most intriguing of all was Arwen. How she managed to soften her brother's cold hard heart would always remain a mystery to Gwenneth. The change in the man was most dramatic! In short period of time Aragorn had gone from one extreme to another, which was hard to do, but not impossible. She had to remember to thank Arwen for her intervention and guidance.

Gwenneth let her body fall to the bed. She sighed deeply and studied the roof of the shelter. She had learned much about the elves in such a short time and to know that soon she would be living amongst them was most exciting for the young girl. All her life she had been so sheltered that none of this seemed real now. Soon, however, it would all become reality. Still one thing was heavily on her mind...this battle between Legolas and Eomer.

She was not sure if Eomer had figured something was amiss. Something inside kept telling her that he did know. He probably guessed that she did not have fond feelings for him. But even Aragorn could not convince the stubborn mule that she was in love with another. For Eomer, nothing had changed - he continued to cling to her like a new leaf to a tree. The way he seemed to posses her was quite frightening to Gwenneth, to say the least. She had a terrible feeling that something vile would happen later that day during the last competition. She had hoped that the two would do nothing foolish there in the company of so many onlookers.

If she could get to send a message to Legolas before the fight, he wouldn't do anything rash. He loved her too much, and she knew that. Eomer, on the other hand, would not hold back. She could plead with him till she was dizzy from lack of air and still the result would be the same. Eomer thought he was in love with her, but she knew that what he felt was the wrong emotion. In fact, it was hard to even classify his feelings for her as an emotion at all. His passion for her was more like greed then anything else. She would be just another feather in his cap if she stayed with him, and she would not let that happen to herself.

The only thing she knew for certain was that she was definitely in love with Legolas. It was not the fact that he loved her. Sure, she liked the idea of being loved by someone, but loving someone was a whole new experience to her and it was definitely intoxicating. Words could scarcely describe what it felt like. He was all she could think about. She would close her eyes and see him in her mind, and even the slightest touch, the tiniest contact would send her body and mind into total rapture. She was sure that no other man would ever make her feel like that again and she would not give it up now.

Gwenneth sighed to herself as she pulled her weary body up from the cot. Eomer wanted her to stop by his tent before the event to be an "inspiration" for him. Just the thought of that made her skin crawl. She decided that she would conveniently forget to stop by his tent. Maybe instead she would again accidentally run into to Legolas. The young girl had to smile to herself as she the wicked thought crossed through her mind.

Suddenly the tent was flooded with warm light as Eowyn pulled back the flap and looked in on her startled friend. She then let out a long, deep sigh. "There you are! I have been looking all over for you! Why are you hiding out in here when it is such a lovely day?"

Gwenneth smiled wearily at her friend. "I was just thinking and I wanted some solitude."

"It is anything I can help with?"

"Nay...unless you can get a message to Legolas to warn him that Eomer might do something terribly uncalled for," Gwenneth stated.

"Are you sure? How do you know that he will do something wrong?"

"I believe he realized that it is Legolas that my heart belongs to."

"How can you be certain?"

"I can not. But just call it intuition. I know he saw Legolas and Aragorn talking earlier and becoming quit chummy. He has also seen the way I look at him when he is around. A fool would have realized it by now."

"Maybe you are looking into this too deeply. I mean he did not tell you that he knew, did he?"

"No, but..."

"You don't know for certain, so there is nothing to worry about. I'm sure everything will be fine. Eomer might be stubborn, but he would never do anything stupid in front of everyone."

"I hope you are right."

"Believe me, so do I!" Eowyn stated. "Now, no more needless worrying! Come...let us go. It is soon time for the final event."

The young princess smiled back at her friend. Her heart yearned to take her friend with her, but she knew that it would almost be impossible. It would be dangerous enough for her and Legolas - much less to ask Eowyn to willingly put herself in danger, too, just for her. No, this would be her own way to gain her freedom. Freedom that she would never have with Eomer.

Gwenneth smiled at her friend as she turned to take one last look at herself in the looking glass. Satisfied with was greeted her, she turned and left the security of her tent. When she reached Eowyn, she looped her arm with hers and just like all the other times they were together, they pranced happily away with each other, laughing and giggling like best friends do.

Haldir strolled up to Legolas who was peacefully meditating in a grove of trees at the edge of the elven encampment. The tall elf looked down on his friend and laughed softly as to alert the prince of his presence. Legolas lazily opened one eye to look at the intruder, and then closed it just as quickly. "There was no need to state your presence, I sensed you before you knew where I was, my friend."

"Yes, it seems that I will never be able to best the mighty Legolas, no matter what I do," was Haldir's sarcastic return. "I came to tell you that Lord Elrond has just arrived and he is asking your whereabouts. I believe he wants council with you."

After a few moments Legolas reluctantly sighed and opened his eyes to look fully upon the elf that loomed above him. He leisurely pulled himself into a standing position and brushed off the debris that was hanging on him, so that he would look presentable to Lord Elrond. "I guess I should not keep the Master waiting then, should I?" he stated as he started to walk in the direction of the camp, leaving Haldir to catch up.

"Are you ready to engage in battle with that barbarian Eomer?" asked Haldir once he caught up with Legolas who was now hastily walking back to camp.

Legolas grunted. "I am as ready as I will ever be."

"Good! This man really needs to be taught a lesson!"

A half smile appeared on the prince's lips. "My only concern is winning the contest. I have no intention of harming or teaching anyone a lesson."

"But what if he tries to harm you?"

Legolas abruptly stopped his steps, which almost caused Haldir to crash into him. He turned to look at his companion. "Well, if that is the case, then yes, he will learn a lesson. But I will do everything in my control not to let such a thing occur." The elf started walking again, but suddenly stopped and turned once more to face the other elf. "Earlier I had a interesting conversation with Aragorn."

Haldir's face washed with concern. "And what was that about?"

"He wanted to be friends." The prince paused to watch the expression on his friend's face go from curiosity to concern. "After all these years he wants us to forget about our past and live in harmony."

"And what was your reply?"

"I told him yes. I, too, want to be friends, if not for my own, then for Gwenneth's sake."

Haldir rolled his eyes. "Just like that! You are willing to forget all that he has done to you and your kin! Just for a human girl?"

"Aye."

"You are worse off then I thought you to be, my friend. Already this girl has clouded your judgment...."

"No. If anything, I am seeing everything rather clearly now. It is foolish to continue like this. It is childish and I, like Aragorn, am ready to move on."

"Very well. You might be, but is everyone else? Is Eomer so ready to give you Gwenneth's hand? I think not."

Legolas took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Maybe not, but it is not his hand to give."

"It isn't? Did I not hear the announcement of their courtship? Did you not hear it? Or was I and everyone else under a spell that made us hear it?"

Legolas glared at the elf. "Yes I heard it! But Gwenneth has a mind of her own and she does not belong to him. She doesn't belong to me, either, for that matter, but she does chose to be with me. Not with Eomer."

"That is why I am asking if he, too, is willing to let the past rest. I do not believe that he will give up so easily."

"Maybe not, but neither will I. There are ways around this."

"Like what? Running away in the middle of the night like some thief?" Haldir asked, his anger growing by the minute.

"Yes! If that is what it takes, then yes, that is what I will do!" he spat back at his friend.

A moment passed as the two warriors tried to compose themselves. "Look, I do not like running away, either. The Valar know that I have never run from a fight. But this is different. I...I love her, and I have never felt like this before. All the others were nothing. Gwenneth is everything," Legolas confessed.

Haldir place a firm hand on Legolas' shoulder. "That is why you need to be ready today. Do you not think that Eomer feels the same way? I think he, too, is willing to risk everything for her sake."

Legolas looked up into the sky as if it held all the answers to all of the questions of the world. "I go into this battle on friendly terms. I do not intend to harm Eomer. I will not start the fight, but if it does happen and Eomer tries to harm me, I will end the fight and he will lose."

Haldir patted the other elf's arm. "There is the warrior elf that I know and respect. Whatever you do... do not back down."

"Let us just hope that it does not come to that."

"Yes, we would not want to you to ruin your new found peace," Haldir said with a smirk. "Lord Elrond will surely be pleased to hear that you have behaved yourself these past days. I believe he expected the worst."

Legolas started walking again, but this time Haldir stayed in pace and walked along. "I believe my past will always haunt me in some way or another," he replied.

"What I like to know is why Aragorn suddenly wants to be friends."

And there it was: the question Legolas had hoped not to answer. It was not his place to tell Haldir that Arwen had been spending her time with Aragorn. Sure, Haldir had seen them talking that morning, but after speaking to Arwen he had come to the conclusion that it was nothing. Now it seems there was more to it then she had lead on. He did not know how his friend would handle the news. In his mind Legolas knew that it was best to avoid it. In the long run it would be better coming from Arwen than him.

"It is strange, really. He just realized that all of this foolishness was worthless and nobody was gaining anything by it. And when I think about it, I feel the same way. We fought for years over a woman that never really returned our love. We blamed each other when in fact we should have blamed her," Legolas said, trying to stay clear of the whole Arwen involvement.

"Well I hope it lasts. It will be nice to be able to travel Middle Earth and not have to worry about running into him or his band of merry men."

That comment made Legolas laugh. Just the thought of Eomer, Faramir and Boromir being merry men was a sight he wished he could see. "Merry men? Oh my dear friend, you surely do know how to make me laugh!"

Lord Elrond greeted the two as they reached the camp. Arwen, of course, was by his side as he gave each elf a traditional elvish salute. "Legolas... I am quit surprised to hear that you have behaved quite honorably! I must admit I was most apprehensive of letting you all come here without some guidance."

Legolas smiled at his mentor. "I would never do anything to harm the great reputation of the elves. No matter how lowly some might think of me."

"I trust that this new attitude will continue - especially today when you face Eomer in the battle arena," Elrond said, making sure it was more of a threat than a statement.

"Yes, My Lord," the prince bowed his head. "I will do my best to not tarnish our name."

"I know you will," was Elrond's last words before he turned and walked away.

As Elrond was walking away, Legolas gently took hold of Arwen's arm and pulled her to the side. Arwen looked up at him like she knew what was to come next. And in this case, she did. A sly smile appeared on her lips. "Yes Legolas, what can I do for you?" she asked almost coyly.

"As if I have to tell you! I would imagine that you already know about my conversation with Aragorn?"

The smile on her face grew. "Yes, I did hear something about that. Does it bother you that I know?"

"No," he said with a slight shake of his head. "In fact I would like to thank you."

"For?" she asked even though she knew what the answer was going to be. But something in her just wanted to her it from Legolas' own mouth. Those would be the sweetest words that she had heard in a long time.

"For explaining everything to Aragorn. For making him see that it was not I, but her, who he should blame, and for making it possible for us to move on in peace. I will always be in your debt for that," he said before he bowed his head and added with a whisper, "Thank you."

Arwen had heard it all, but she wanted to hear it more clearly. It was clear to both of them that she now held the upper hand and she wanted to enjoy it to the fullest. "What were your last words? I am sorry, I couldn't hear you."

Legolas looked up and saw the wide grin on her face and began to laugh at her smugness. "Thank you!!!" he said with a much louder voice. He let her enjoy her moment, but only for a few seconds before he brought up the next question. "But didn't you tell Haldir and myself that there was nothing between the two of you?"

Arwen's complexion paled when the question was asked. Legolas could see plainly that now he had her in his clutches and it was his turn to make her squirm.

"Ah....a....we...we..."

"What?" he said as he placed the strand of hair behind his ear as if to hear her better. "We...what, Arwen?"

Clearly the princess of Rivendell was flustered and she didn't like being in this position at all. She desperately tried to gain control of her thoughts. "Obliviously I spoke too soon, before. After talking to him more I realized that he is a far cry from what I thought he was."

"Obviously."

"He is!! Look, he was willing to come and talk to you. That alone shows his character."

"I am not doubting that fact. I am interested in how you plan on telling Haldir about our new friend."

Arwen let out a long sigh. "That is something that I have mulled in my mind over and over again. I love Haldir, and for a while I even thought that it was something more, but it is not. Sadly I love him more as a friend then a lover."

"And you are afraid that Haldir will take it badly?"

"Yes."

The two were silent for a moment as they both searched for an answer to the question. It was a very similar situation with Eomer. The women that Haldir and Eomer where in love with, were not in love with them. Legolas knew how Eomer was going to react when or if he found out about Gwenneth and Legolas. But Haldir was his friend and unlike Eomer, he actually cared about the other elf's feelings and what this might do to him. He silently prayed to the Valar that Haldir would understand and let Arwen and Aragorn be.

"I want to think that he has learned something this week, but I just do not know what he will do," said Legolas. "Do you want me to say something to him?"

Arwen looked deep into her friend's eyes and saw that he would indeed help her if she asked for it, but she knew that he had too much to worry about at the moment and to add this onto his shoulders would be unjust. "No," she said as she shook her head. "This is my problem. I will deal with it."

"No, Arwen. When it is time to tell him, I will be with you. You have been such a big help to me. I want to be there for you."

Arwen could not help being moved. True enough, they were friends, but before this moment she would not have considered them close. However, right then she felt like he was the closest friend she had ever had. They finally understood one another. "Now it is my turn to thank you. It would be wise for you to be there," she said, and then added "You have changed so much, and I am glad for that." Arwen placed a light kiss on his check. "I wish you luck today and may the Valar protect you, my friend." Then she smiled and turned to walk into the encampment.

Since the event was being held in mid summer, the weather had been particularly hot and dry that whole week and that very afternoon was not different then the others. Like a hammer striking an anvil the sun was beating down on upon the dry ground. Due to the lack of rain, the grass was not quit as green as it had been earlier in the week. The flowers were not as sweet smelling, and the trees were weeping and wilted. But the heavens showed relief in sight. Off in the distance thunderheads were forming as if to whisper that something ill was coming their way.

But for now, over Hobbiton not a single cloud could be seen in the bright blue sky as the people that were gathered here for the week now filtered into the tournament grounds to watch the final event. The news of who was fighting against who had spread like a raging wildfire and there was not an empty seat to be found. It seemed like almost all of Middle Earth had gathered to witness the drama that was about to unfold. It was the first in a long time that one could see openly that all the races greeted each other with open arms and no ill will - even Men and elves.

To her dismay Gwenneth had failed to avoid Eomer. She hadn't attempted to find him, but that mattered little, because he had found her, and wouldn't let her out of his sight. If he wasn't around, he made sure the either Faramir or Boramir were there to keep her close. 'This is just how I imagined it would be if I married him,' she thought to herself when she glanced at him and he flashed a bright smile back at her. Inside, her stomach lurched at the very thought.

"This here will be all the luck I need!" she distantly heard Eomer say to a passing well- wisher as he tightened his grip around her waist and pulled her closer to him. In return, she gave a polite smile like any good little wife would. And again her insides churned.

"It is time for me to leave you, my love," he whispered into her ear, his lips lingering there a little too long for her comfort. A shudder ran down her spine but it was not a pleasant one.

"Yes, my Lord. I will seek Eowyn so that we can watch together," she said to him with a fake smile on her face.

"Very good, but there is one thing I require before you leave."

Gwenneth froze. "And what might you require?"

A sadistic smile appeared on his face as he moved to loom above her. "All I need is a kiss to take into battle with me." Gwenneth clenched her eyes as his lips brushed against hers. It could hardly be a question, since he didn't wait for her answer. She did not want to hate this man, but nothing he did was really helping! "Thank you...now there is no way I can lose," he said before he loosened his grip on her and turn to walk away. He took a few steps and then quickly turned back. "Surely Legolas does not have the love of a women with him," he added and trotted off.

Confusion filled her mind as she watched him walk away from her. 'What had made him say that?' she wondered. Then like a heavy boulder falling from a cliff it hit her. Her stomach sunk and her breath evaded her. Everything around her started to spin with the realization that fell on her mind. "He knows," she said out loud to herself. Fear gripped her now. Then she turned and ran through the crowd searching for a familiar face to help her.

Gwenneth searched and searched, but she failed to find anyone. Not even Arwen or Gandalf could be found. Terror grew inside her with every moment. Then she abruptly ran into an elf with the hair that resembled her love's. Her first thought was too talk to him and see if he could help her. In fact, at the moment it was her only desperate thought. "I am sorry to bother you Master Elf, but I was wondering if you knew of the elf Legolas?"

The blonde elf eyed the young girl in front of him, letting his gaze drift from head to toe. He laughed softly to himself, amused at this coincidental collision. "Why, yes.... And you must be Gwenneth."

She looked at him with astonishment. "You know me?"

"Of course! Legolas has told me nothing but wonderful things about you," he said as he took her hand and gently placed a light kiss in the palm of her hand. "I am sorry, I am being rude. My name is Haldir. I am a good friend of Legolas."

As soon as the Princess heard that, she could finally breathe easy. The cramps that had her stomach all twisted, eased and the pain slowly faded. She let out an audible sigh, which made Haldir chuckle louder. "You seem like you are in peril. Is it something that I can be of assistance with?"

"Oh yes!" she blurted out a little too loud, causing some people around her to glance in their direction. "I need you to get a message to Legolas," she added, this time with a much softer voice.

"Well, it must be important, since you have such a terrified look in your eyes."

"It is a matter of life or death!"

Haldir felt sorry for the young girl. Eomer had had her so scared, that even he was tempted to feel fear. He reached out and rested his hand on her shoulder.

"Fear not, milady. I will help you in any way I can. You can count on me to get a message to Legolas." As soon as he said those words he could see that her fear began to reside, and she seemed to breathe easier. "Legolas will be well prepared for his opponent."

"Thank you, master elf. I have met few elves in my life, but I am finding that you are indeed a noble race," she complimented as she bowed to show her respect. "Now, if you would excuse me, I must find my place before Eomer notices that I am not were I am supposed to be."

Haldir quickly snatched her and to place one last kiss upon it. "Till we meet again, Milady."

Gwenneth blushed at his suaveness. 'Are all elves like this?' she wondered to herself while she pulled back her hand and turned to leave to find Eowyn, who was surely going out of her mind by now, wondering where Gwenneth had disappeared to.

Legolas was leisurely leaning against the white fence that encircled the battle area as he talked with Elladan and Elrohir. He had never before felt so relaxed. Everything he had ever wanted was within his grasp. He had only this one last obstacle in front of him, and then there was nothing stopping him. Or so he believed. The twins were telling him some of the stories of what had happened to them in the past week, which made him smile at their antics. Apparently some things never changed. Then he heard his name from a distance and turned to see Haldir hastily walking toward him.

"Haldir my friend, you must come and hear these stories. If I would have done half of what these two accomplished, Lord Elrond would have my hide," laughed Legolas. But when he noticed that Haldir was not sharing his enthusiasm, he abrubtly became concerned. "Is there something wrong, my friend?"

"You could say that," was the cold response.

"Tell me."

"He knows."

The elf needed no further explanation, he knew exactly who it was that Haldir was talking about. Legolas looked at the ground below his feet and sighed. "I was afraid of that, but it doesn't change anything, I will not deliberately hurt him, unless he threatens me or Gwenneth."

"But Legolas, you know what he is capable of! He will not let you win this fight, neither will he let you take the Princess," Haldir said, trying to reason with him. "He will kill you!"

Legolas meet his friend's stare. "Maybe."

Haldir was stunned at the prince's cool demeanor. The twins, too, seemed shocked at the new attitude of the warrior elf. "What are you going to do?" asked Elrohir.

"I am going to fight him in this last battle."

"But what...?"

"I will deal with it when it happens." Legolas interrupted Haldir.

Haldir put his hand on his friend's shoulder as a reassurance. "Your friends will be with you."

Legloas smiled at Haldir and the twins that were now standing behind his friend. The four of them have been through many trials together and they always were able to come out of them relatively unharmed, this one would be no different, so they told themselves. Haldir and the twins then took their leave of Legolas, for the fight was only minutes away.

The two warriors stood in the middle of the field just inches away from one another. Neither of them heard anything that Gandalf was saying to them and the crowd. One could have sworn to hear a low growl coming from both. They were the best in their own race, and now it came down to this last battle that would prove which was the best of all the races. It was all supposed to be a friendly competition, of course. However, there was no visible friendship between these two men. To them this battle was not to prove who would prevail as the bravest or strongest. No, this battle was going to be about a woman! A woman that one loved with all his being and the other only believed he did.

The tension between them was almost a solid, heavy thing. In Eomer you could see the fury and rage. His face was crimson red and his knuckles were white from his massive grip on his sword. The wind was lightly whipping hair about his face, adding to his frightening façade. Legolas, on the other hand, was showing a much more reserved attitude. While Eomer seemed to pulse with intensity, the elf was different - his stature was unwavering as he held his head high. His face showed no fear and was full of confidence -almost on the verge of cockiness- but in his eyes, one could see the icy intensity burning inside.

Gandalf at last finished his speech. It was something about peace, duty and fellowship and mattered little to the duo. The wizard softly wished the man and elf his best and turned to walk away. When he was safely out of harm's way, he whistled loudly, signaling the game to begin.

The crowd held it's collective breath as the two started to duel. The loud clanging of steal sounded like a melody being played on an instrument that was severely out of tune. It was like an intricate dance; both of them seemed to anticipate the other's move and would match it. It would soon become apparent that neither of them was going to make a mistake and give the other an advantage. Several minutes passed until Eomer grew frustrated and decided to bait Legolas into doing something foolish.

"Legolas, I am shocked! You did not congratulate me and my future wife," taunted Eomer. But Legolas heard nothing of it and continued his fencing tactics. "She will make a good wife, don't think?" he continued. Still the elf showed no emotions. Then it came to Eomer and he grinned to himself and prepared to take the upper hand in the fight. "I don't think I can wait till our wedding night to be with her. I think that I will take her after I kill you this night," he said before he took a swipe at the elf's face, slicing his check about an inch. Blood immediately flowed down the prince's face. Those words worked, but not the way Eomer was hoping. In fact they worked against him.

The elf's fury finally spilled out as he moved closer to Eomer. His left hand touched his wound and came away with blood on it. At the sight of the blood an evil grin appeared on his face. "You will never have Gwenneth. And after today, you will never again touch her!" he spat.

Eomer suddenly became afraid as he saw what he had done to Legolas. Both men suddenly pushed back to separate from one another. Eomer started to retreat more, but Legolas was having none of that as he ran and jumped at the man. The elf kicked out, knocking Eomer to the ground. Eomer scrambled to get back to his feet and was able to raise his blade just in time to block the massive force that was coming down on him.

Legolas had put all of his strength in the one blow which then caused him to lose his balance and that was all Eomer needed to now knock the elf off his feet. Eomer left no chance for the elf to recover as he started to swing his sword at the fallen elf.

Legolas held his blade over his head, trying to hold off his attacker.

Again and again metal met metal. Like a hammer driving a nail, Eomer's sword came down. "You...will...never...have...her!" he yelled in between blows.

Mind and body were lost to Eomer as he pummeled the elf below him. In front of him crouched a spent body that was nothing like the warrior that he had been just minutes ago. It was a pitiful sight, but Eomer held no pity for the elf. Never before in his life had he wanted to kill someone as much as he did right now. Images of Legolas and Gwenneth came to his mind and served to drive him to a sickening madness.

Suddenly the man stopped and looked at his opponent, then raised his sword one last time for the deathblow. He stared into Legolas' eyes as the elf's arm dropped to his side, as he could no longer ward off the attacks. He could see that Legolas had accepted his fate. In his mind Eomer knew that death would be the sweetest justice. "I will tell Gwenneth you said goodbye," Eomer hissed. He gripped his sword tighter and began to swing.

"Eomer!! Stop!!" came the voice from the crowd.

Eomer stopped his swing and looked up to see Gwenneth running onto the field, followed by Aragorn. Before Eomer could comprehend what was happening Gwenneth had reached the fallen elf and was on her knees in between the two. She looked up to him, tears welling in her eyes. "Leave him alone!" she cried as she cradled the battered and bloodied elf in her arms. "How can I be with you now, after having seen what you did? Have you not learned anything this week?!"

"Gwenneth... I was only doing it for you...I..."

"NO!! Don't speak such lies! Do you honestly think I wanted you to do this? Even if I didn't love him, I would not have wanted it."

"But I love you.... I want..."

"Love?? Is this what you call love?" she shouted as she looked down at Legolas. "No! What you did has nothing to do with love!"

Aragorn knelt down to help the fallen elf. He wrapped his arm around his waist and helped Gwenneth pull him to his feet. He threw a glance at his so-called friend. "I think you should leave us."

"Aragorn...what has gotten into the both of you?"

Aragon's eyes pierced Eomer's. "I tried to tell you before, but you would hear none of it. Now you are seeing with your own eyes that she is not in love with you and never will be. It is sad that it has come to this. You were my brother. But no more. I have nothing else to say to you," he said as he looked away in shame. "Please let my sister be, she has been through enough."

Defeated, Eomer shook his head and turned to walk away, leaving brother and sister to tend to the elf. Then he turned for one last glance at the girl. He had only tried to love her and to give her what he thought Aragorn had wanted for her. But now it was clear to him that he was not what Aragorn wanted for her and never would be. Eomer turned and walked away, the pain churning in his heart. He did not know which was worse - losing a bride or shaming his best friend.

Gwenneth and Aragorn struggled to help the elf to get some aid. "Thank you my brother," Gwenneth said, putting her free hand on Aragon's face. He smiled warmly to the young girl and continued to help Legolas off the field.