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Vipera berus: hehe. You're gonna hate me after this chapter.

The city is preparing to flee to Helm's Deep as the remaining members of the Fellowship make their way to the stables. Diana looks over at Legolas but when he glances her way she quickly catches up to Aragorn.

"Helm's Deep." Gandalf grumbles.

"They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight," Gimli adds. "Who will defend them if not their King?"

Aragorn sighs as they enter the stable. "He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past."

"There is no way out of that ravine. Theoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety." Gandalf enters Shadowfax's stall and turns to Aragorn. "What they will get is a massacre. Theoden has a strong will. but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan." Gandalf looks at Diana and then back to Aragorn. "He will need you two before the end. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."

Aragorn glances at Diana and then turns his attention back to Gandalf. "They will hold."

Gandalf gives them a meaningful look before turning to Shadowfax. "The Grey Pilgrim. That's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of Men I've walked this earth, and now I have no time."

Aragorn opens the stall door and Diana steps back to give Shadowfax room.

Gandalf mounts Shadowfax and then looks at Aragorn. "Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east." Gandalf takes a deep breath and then kicks Shadowfax into a gallop.

Legolas and Gimli jump out of the way and Diana shakes her head before looking at Aragorn. "We're in a shit-load of trouble if he's late."

Aragorn smirks and drapes an arm around her shoulders as they start out of stables. "Then let's hope he's not late."

They start to pass Gelmir's stall and Diana stops. "I'm going to stay and tend to Gelmir. I'll see you guys later."

She picks up a brush and goes into his stall as the others head back to the Golden Hall. She looks around to make sure no one is within hearing distance and sighs. "What am I going to do, Gelmir? If Gimli hadn't shown up when he did last night Legolas would have kissed me." She leans her forehead against the horses shoulder. "I'm so confused. I was so thankful that Gimli came when he did. Yet, part of me wants to strangle the life out of him because now all I can think about is..." Diana feels someone coming closer and looks up to find Legolas walking toward her. She groans and begins brushing Gelmir again.

Legolas pats the horse on the neck before looking up at Diana. "You've been avoiding me."

"No I haven't." She bites the inside of her lip and continues to brush the horse, refusing to look at him.

"Then why won't you even look at me?"

She glances at him. "I don't know what you're talking about." She starts to move past him but he grabs her arm to stop her from leaving.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

Gelmir chooses that moment to nudge Diana and Legolas catches her as she falls into him. "Are you alright?" he chuckles.

"Yea, I'm fine. Blasted horse!" She shoots a dirty look at Gelmir and narrows her eyes, swearing that she just saw him wink at her. She tries to pull away from Legolas and when he refuses to let her go she looks up at him. His eyes search hers before he slowly leans closer.

"I was told you were in here. The King wishes to speak with us." Gimli grins when he realizes he once again interupted them.

Legolas' hands fall from her waist and he growls in irritaion before following Gimli out of the stables.

Diana watches them leave. "Stupid Dwarf did it again." She turns to Gelmir. "And you. You weren't any help at all!"

Gelmir shakes his head and whinnies as if he was laughing.

"No more treats for you, Mister." Diana glares at him and then smiles. "Thank you." She rubs his forehead and then leaves the stables.

A/N: I know it's kinda short. I actually had more but I thought I'd tease Vipera berus a little more since she is so anxiously awaiting their first kiss. Evil, I know but I couldn't help it. :-)