A/N: A bit of the book and movie here again.

Moonbunny77 – a new reviewer! Thanks! I apologize for the confusion regarding "pack" and "pouch". They are actually two different things. A "pack" is sort of like a backpack or a duffel bag – something that you would carry your clothes and other larger items in when you went on a trip. A "pouch" is like a pocket or purse that you would wear on your person and would contain things like tissues, lipstick, credit cards or a comb. Thanks for pointing that out. I hope this clears it up.

Jebb – My old roommate is terrified of spiders so I had to write that with her in mind. Hope it wasn't too scary!

Lith – Another new reviewer! Welcome to the story. Glad you're enjoying it! Thank you!

Queen Galadriel had indeed taken them in, giving them shelter and rest. Legolas was glad to be back amongst the elves and the beautiful wood soothed his worn nerves. After the terror and anguish of Moria, he needed time to reflect and prepare himself for what may lie ahead of them.

The rest of the Fellowship also seemed to be recovering under the graciousness of Lothlorien but they did not have time to tarry long. In a few days they must leave for Mount Doom once again.

Haldir had led them to Galadriel and Celeborn as soon as they arrived in Lorien. For whatever reason, The March Warden had declined to torment Legolas and for this Legolas was grateful.

When they reached Lothlorien, Aragorn had recounted the events in Moira and both Galadriel and her husband were shocked and saddened to learn of Gandalf's fall battling the Balrog. They agreed to help the Fellowship but Galadriel had refused to advise them one way or the other, saying only that the quest would fail if the company did not remain true.

Then she had gazed into the eyes of each, saying no more but testing each one of them in her own way. Only Aragorn and Legolas could withstand her penetrating look for long. The others blushed or turned away after a few moments under her perceptive eyes.

That night the Fellowship discussed the meeting amongst them selves, each feeling that as the Lady gazed into their eyes she also gazed into their hearts, probing their most secret desires. It had made them all uncomfortable and nervous, forcing them to examine their deepest fears and fondest dreams.

None but Sam spoke openly about it, saying that he felt as if she had offered a choice between the darkness that lie ahead with the Fellowship or the most secret wishes of his heart. Several of the others agreed they had the same feeling although no one was willing to admit what they had been shown by the White Lady.

One by one, they each drifted off into a deep and restful sleep save for Legolas. He chose to re-examine his encounter with the most powerful elf left in Middle Earth.

Galadriel had gazed into his heart and seen the nymph but Legolas had not been prepared for the flood of emotions that followed her intrusion. Under the queen's steady gaze, Legolas had felt his desire, fear and longing for Annowe well up at once and it had overwhelmed him, much like the horror and anguish of losing Gandalf had buffeted his emotions earlier.

Many of the thoughts and fears he had suppressed for the sake of this quest now came to the forefront of his heart and mind as if called forth by the White Lady for examination and scrutiny.

What if he never saw Annowe again? Did she really love him? Why had she not remained safely in Rivendell? Why had she pushed him away before? What if she perished? What if he perished? What if they couldn't find each other again? They had only recently admitted their feelings for each other and now they were in jeopardy of never seeing each other again. So much wasted time. His heart grew heavy with worry, fear and regret.

The Lady had seen all of this and offered the nymph's safety and love in return for abandoning the Fellowship. It was then he understood her aim and refused. Galadriel was testing them – making them examine their deepest fears and desires – to gauge the commitment of each member of the company to the quest. But he would not be deterred. The Ring must be destroyed at any cost and Annowe had understood this.

Legolas knew that the naiad could take care of herself. He also knew that she loved him dearly for she had let him go on this quest alone without hysterical sobbing or any "if you loved me" ultimatums. Theirs was a love grown from a deep friendship and trust built up over many years. Not an infatuation of blind desire.

With confidence, he had gazed back at Galadriel and assured her that he would not abandon the quest for Annowe, no matter what the circumstances.

Galadriel was pleased with his unspoken reply. Lust and wanton desire could be a very dangerous emotion and easily manipulated. Love, however, was steadfast, giving both strength and courage. She could feel the strength and courage of Annowe's love in Legolas and tilted her head in approval at him before moving her gaze. He would not falter and would remain loyal to the company no matter the consequences to himself or to his beloved friend. They were fortunate to have each other.

Legolas sighed in relief at passing her test. The queen had made him face his deepest fears and desires and he had not faltered. His commitment remained firmly with the Fellowship even though his heart was with the nymph. With a satisfied grin, he realized that it was the understanding and trust that he and Annowe had built over the years as friends that enabled him to meet Galadriel's gaze and pass her test with such ease.

Stealthily, he slipped his hand into his pouch and drew out the frog, watching it's green eyes flash in the dim light. He had wanted to ask the Lady how Annowe was fairing but he was almost afraid to hear the answer. No, he would tell himself that she was safe. He did not need to know if she were in peril because he could not help her and his attention was needed here, on the road to Mordor.

Consciousness crept to her slowly. Disoriented, she struggled to identify her surroundings and remember what happened. She was in a large and comfortable bed surrounded by soft pillows so she could not be a prisoner, could she?

Groggily, she sat up in the bed and threw the covers back. She was clean and dressed in a silken sleeping tunic and her hair had been brushed but not re-braided.

She wished she could remember what had happened to her. The room she was in started to look familiar – the ornately carved bed and the sumptuous tapestries depicting hunting scenes were fixtures in Thranduil's Halls. Perhaps she had reached her destination after all.

Unsure of her physical condition, Annowe slowly climbed out of the bed and walked to the door. Just as she was about to reach for the brass handle, the door opened and a young elf page came in carrying a plate of cheese, fruit and bread. In her other hand, she held a pitcher of water.

"Where am I?" Annowe asked the maiden.

The elf smiled. "You are a guest of King Thranduil," she said gently. "How are you feeling?"

Thranduil! She wanted to shout with joy. She was safe and the most dangerous leg of her journey was now complete.

"I am fine," she answered, eyeing the plate of food hungrily. "How long have I been here?" She asked hesitantly. She was almost afraid to hear the answer.

The elfling frowned, creasing her delicate features. "Perhaps you should speak to the King of this matter," she replied and sat her burden down on the bedside table.

Now Annowe frowned. This could not bode well for her. "When can I see him?" She asked urgently.

"Please, eat something and dress. I will let His Majesty know you are awake and eager to see him," the elf advised.

Annowe pulled a chair over to the table and sat down at her small feast. "Thank you," she said gratefully.

The elf nodded graciously and pointed to the large wardrobe on her left. "You will find your belongings and some clean dresses inside."

The hungry nymph smiled over an apple at the elf. "You are very kind. Thank you."

After she had eaten her fill, she bathed herself in the private bath off of her room. Despite the food and the bath, she was still anxious. How long had she been here? What had happened to her? She could remember entering Mirkwood and finding the boat but the events after that were blank. However, she did remember the purpose of her visit to Mirkwood and for that she was thankful.

In the wardrobe, she found a tunic that fit her, more or less. Since she was not nearly as tall or as willowy as the elf maidens, she had to find a larger tunic to fit her curves. She giggled at the excess material dragging on the floor and tied a knot at the hem to keep most of it up away from her feet.

At the bottom of the wardrobe were the last of her personal belongings – a belt, her circlet, her pouch and a pillowcase. Tenderly, she removed the pillowcase and held it to her face. It still retained Legs' scent! She closed her eyes and breathed deeply of his smell, letting the memories of their few days in Rivendell wash over her like a soothing caress.

She missed him terribly. Laying aside the pillowcase, she rummaged through her pouch and pulled out his comb. By some small miracle, his luminous hairs were still entwined in the teeth. Tears welled up in her eyes as she ran the hair between her thumb and forefinger. Would she ever see him again?

With a heavy sigh, she placed the comb back in her pouch. She could not let worry and concern for him cloud her vision. She had her own task and must stay true to it if she were to be any help to him.