Alright, all. Don't know if I mentioned this last update here or not, so here it is: Due to circumstances owing to a bureaucracy (I'm sure that's probably spelled wrong, but you'd probably rather get the chapter than have me go find a dictionary to look it up since this is just an author's note) I will not have internet for a little over a month, and this is probably, but not definately, the last chapter I'll get up for this story before that happens. So, if there isn't one fairly soon (within about a week), you can check back in mid-september for more.

Amberle Elessedil: Turiel it is, then... as long as I write that down somewhere. Well, what Alyeni meant was anyone close to Arwen would know--by the look in her eyes, the slightest hint of something wrong on her face. They would simply know because they know her so well. She's saying that Leaf should know, because anyone that close to her should. As for his change... well, there's a very good reason for that, which should be coming in a few chapters.

Animir: I have thought about it, mostly because I was trying to write a plausible human/elf story way back when, and had to figure out how alike humans and elves need to be. He may become a bit jealous, but that's not really why Eomer's around. Just a possible side plus.

LJP: Well, there is a flashback planned, and Eomer will be with her at the time, but he already knows she and Legolas were together. He knew who she was to Legolas as soon as he figured out who she really was. If you liked the insight, be prepared for more later... I'm a bit ahead at the moment, but still having problems. Oh well. I'll get it right sometime.

Kelsey: They will get there... but I need a little time to get around to that. It'll happen, don't worry.

: Glad you liked it, thanks for reviewing!

Chapter 37

"Alye!" Estel shook his head. "For being such a fine smith, your sword skills are—"

"I know, I know. Save the last few days, the only instruction I got was from elves of my own age and nearly equal knowledge."

Eomer laughed. "She has improved, Aragorn. Though in ways she shall always surpass me."

Estel nodded with a rueful grin. "Like speed, and grace, poise and—"

"'Ey! I'm standing right here, you know."

Estel laughed. "May I, Eomer? I forgot one you are clearly aware of… endurance."

Eomer smiled wearily and bowed slightly before moving aside. As he wiped sweat from his brow Estel moved to face me. I moved slowly into position, wary of this man who had been trained far longer than my former extremely worthy opponent, and by the elves. "Relax, Alye. You are here to learn."

"And be humiliated by children," I sighed.

He laughed. "Not at all. You know the qualities of a blade within instants… Use that to know your opponent."

Huh? Okay, that was cryptic. After thinking about that for a few moments, though, I thought I understood. Elven minds can work quite quickly, when set on a task. My task was usually blade quality, design. What if I didn't focused so much on where his blade was in proximity to my body? Suddenly, it was much easier. Much easier. I didn't have to dodge nearly as often because I could read him—his movements—to know where my sword needed to go.

"Now you're improving," Eomer exclaimed, lifting a brow. "What did you do?"

Estel smiled. "Got her to watch, rather than merely react. It's how I was started."

"What, no step-by-step instructions?"

"Not for the sword, Alye. As it is used, it is less of an art."

"Perhaps in war, but I've seen Glorfindel practice."

Estel chuckled softly. "He has it down to pure art," he agreed softly. "If I had his years, I might aspire to such. All I was taught was to use the sword efficiently, so I can fight without tiring far longer than most humans."

"Because to tire out so quickly certainly wouldn't do."

He rolled his eyes. "Alye, you are…"

"Mmm." Eomer agreed. "When you figure it out, do let me know." He drew his sword again. "Come again. Let me see if you improve with this mere mortal."

After a few minutes, it was, for the first time, his sword to clatter to the stones.

"Didn't know you used a sword, lad."

I stilled in surprise for a moment before laughing. "Gimli," I couldn't find anything to say for a long moment. "I can assure you, Leaf does use a sword, when the occasion calls for it."

I turned, making him blink. "You're—"

"Not who you thought I was?" I suggested.

He grunted. "Well, it's not like you dress properly."

"And how would you know? How many female Mirkwood elves do you know? Wood-elves, mind."

He blinked at me and finally snorted, turning slightly aside. "So where is the Elf?"

I considered asking him which one, but decided against it. "Sorry, but I don't know where he is. I would guess somewhere high."

"What is it with you blasted wood-elves and trees?" he huffed, glancing wildly around.

I smirked. "You answered your own question."

He looked rather startled, then disgruntled. He also looked at a loss.

I took pity on him. "Cheer up. He'll wander back sometime."

He offered me a glare.

Eomer and Estel had left for lunch. Gimli had already come from it—as the crumbs in his beard attested. I pulled a somewhat… well, mangled, to put it mildly, piece of waybread out from a pocket, nibbling on it while considering my options.

After much deliberation—until the bite was gone—I decided to explore the mountains. There had to be ways to avoid anyone else—namely Leaf—while I looked around. I dusted my hands and observed Estel's home, looking for an easy way up the rocky cliff. I wasn't instantly aware of being followed. No, I'd gone about six steps before I noticed. I decided he could follow, if he could keep up. I guess he just needed an elf to follow.

His breathing was soon loud enough to be heard far enough that I wouldn't want to be headed into danger with him at my heels.

A light laugh came from the stones a bit ahead of us. "You still fail to walk silently, friend Gimli."

"I am still a dwarf, you blasted elf! Come out where I can see you!"

With another soft laugh Leaf bounded into view. "Now Gimli, an elf—" He stilled when he saw me, the crooked grin falling from his lips.

"Would escape notice?" I offered quietly. "You forgot something." I tilted my head at the dwarf and passed him.

"Where are you off to, lass?"

"To explore," I murmured, glancing back.

"As we are, no doubt," he grunted, looking between me and Leaf. I think he was trying to assure himself that from a distance or behind we could be mistaken… as long as I was dressed as Tyran.

I considered taking him up on it for a moment… but then I considered what it would likely be like. Leaf had barely spoken in my presence since I first arrived from Mirkwood. With Gimli—the thought caused a sharp ache in my gut—he was as free as he had been with Tyran. "I wouldn't want to spoil your day, Gimli," I said instead, finally taking the steps that put me out of sight.