Disclaimer:  What?  Again?  Yes, since I wish to keep what little I have, I'm reminding you, none of this is mine.  Well, except for one surprising bit…

Author's Note:

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Hi all!  As you know, school has begun, much to my great dismay, as it severely cuts into writing time!  But don't worry!  I'll be updating on time.  Actually I was just going to post a half chapter and then the other half in a day or two, but because of the wonderful reviews from Elf Queen and 'in histaric over here' I'm making this one great big one.  And to everyone reading you people are great!  Thank you for being so nice!

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Jhan swept open the door, his blade upraised. He couldn't help but stare in shock as the dwarf flew up, apparently out of a dead sleep, blocking his killing stroke, before it could even come near either of them. The two strained, Gimli's dagger hilt to hilt with Jhan's, their faces mere inches apart. The elf clutched a knife of his own, but appeared disoriented.

Jhan heaved with all his weight behind it, upsetting Gimli and throwing him to the ground despite the dwarf's strength. He could not entirely match Jhan's immense size. It gave him just enough time to lunge for the elf.

For a moment he considered fleeing and abandoning the shambles of his plan. He had never enjoyed a face-to-face fight despite his appearance. Jhan had always been the death in the night, lurking the shadows. His victims had seldom seen his face. Until of course he had met these two.

The elf was on his feet by this point and slipped to the side, making Jhan's attempts to reach him appear clumsy and childish. His own blade whipped in, seeking Jhan, yet the larger man managed to swing back, avoiding it. His fist swung from the side, catching the elf. Legolas stumbled, his mind reeling from the blow.

Jhan grinned, shifting his grip on his dagger, preparing to drive it home. Again though the dwarf threw himself between them and Jhan bore down on him, attempting to crush his smaller foe. The dwarf's eyes however frightened him, as they held no fear, only fury.

Jhan's stomach grew cold as he stared into them. Behind him, Legolas shook his head, wiping away blood from the corner of his mouth. He came in from the side. Jhan rolled away, gripping the struggling dwarf tightly, keeping him between them. Jhan winced at the blows he received, but he didn't dare allow himself to feel them and lose his grip.

If he could only take the dwarf, it would not take long for the elf to tire. Already he clutched his injured side, his face even more pale than was usual for his people. Jhan's predatory grin returned. He had been forced to adapt, but the night would still be his.

His attention was returned to the dwarf as Gimli's foot came out as he pressed the dwarf against a chair. It took Jhan in the back of the knee, felling the innkeeper and tearing his grip from Gimli.

As he went down, Jhan's arms swept out knocking back the elf, making him cry out in pain. As Gimli turned to his friend, Jhan threw himself at them with his blade.

Gimli leapt back, out of range, his back against the wall of the tiny room. Yet as he thought death would find him Jhan crumpled to the floor with a knife growing from his back, a pool of blood spreading beneath him.

The two warriors stared in stunned surprise at their rescuer. Inara stood in the doorway, a tight smile on her face which shown fiercely. She held a second blade in her hand, flipped back and ready to throw.

"How?" Gimli know the disbelief in his voice might be insulting, but he could do naught about it.

"It's a little off center." Legolas pointed out, as he leaned carefully over the innkeeper's form, studying the knife that had lodged there.

Inara glared in the direction the elf's voice had come from, "In a few moments you wouldn't have had the opportunity to make that comment." She pointed out. As she said it though she frowned, listening, "Is he dead?" She reached out, kneeling carefully, her hands searching for the man she had brought down.

Gimli knelt beside her, rolling Jhan over. To the dwarf's surprise the man was still breathing, though harshly. Blood ran from his nose, and his eyes already held the shadow of death. Legolas carefully avoided touching him.

Gimli felt little pity though as he looked down at the man who would have killed them all with even less regret.

"Who paid you?" Gimli gripped the man's shoulder, forcing him to focus on him.

A small smile twisted Jhan's face, "Wouldn't you like to know?" He coughed.

Gimli's grip tightened, to match a smile of his own, "Aye, I would, seeing as they wish our deaths."

Inara leaned in as well, from the way the dying man tensed; Gimli could see that she unnerved him. "Gimli isn't the only one. You're leaving this world Jhan, whatever honor you might have held is worth less than this wreck of an inn."

She paused, facing him, her face as cold as any warrior Gimli had known in all his years. "Whoever gave you the money that motivates your base desires, and brought you to this action would have bought the death of my son. You can give us the information we want or you shall be feeling your death for all eternity."
Jhan's clouded eyes widened at those same unfocused ones staring down at him. Some how they promised more pain than he had ever seen or imagined in all his years as a bandit and hired killer. He sucked in another breath, to answer them. After all, what loyalty did he owe a power hungry monster anyway?

"Not kill. The babe. Other plan." He forced out.

Inara's face darkened, and her hand shot out, taking him by the collar, making Jhan gasp.

"What plan?" She yelled impressing even Gimli, who would have believed the small woman capable of such a bellow.

"Better yet who?" Now that the battle had finished Gimli found himself calm, able to see what needed to be discovered.

Inara dropped Jhan, leaning away, as if disgusted as he answered, "Uruk... Virag... Watch yourself... dwarf."

The man died with a cruel smile on his face. Gimli shook his head; even in death this one was far from peaceful. He sighed. He knew that such as this man would never find peace from their lust for gold or whatever their particular curse happened to be.

In the silence that had fallen the wail of a child could be heard. Apparently, Nodin was aware of the commotion as well. Inara cursed under her breath, making the Legolas stare at her. Gimli chuckled; apparently his knowledgeable elven friend had yet to plum the depths of the race of men's creativity when it came to curses.

As Inara hurried from the room, he turned to Gimli, "They don't really… do that? Do they?"

At this Gimli laughed outright, the affronted look on the elf's face only served to encourage him. It took him a moment to bring himself under control. "Of course not! If elves did all that you say when you curse, that would truly be something, but no race can curse like that of men." Gimli shook his head in open admiration. The new King of Gondor was an example of such, an unusual skill to find among nobles, though.

As his friend's mirth finally ended Legolas felt it was time to change the subject before he provided Gimli with any further entertainment.  "He spoke the truth, Gimli.  I can smell the stink of Uruk-Hai on him."

Gimli nodded, "But what would an Uruk want with a babe?" 

Legolas shrugged, "What do Uruk-Hai want with anything?" 

"Generally, to eat," Gimli replied. 

"But not this, this is guided by some other hand."  The elf's eyes showed he was searching his own long memory, but even he did not know the Uruks well, they had been brought to life by Sarumon in secret and it had not been long since they had they been revealed to the world. 

Gimli felt cold at the memory of Lurtz, the Uruk-Hai who had slain Bromier, and nearly Aragorn.  If there were others such as him Middle Earth might yet need the services of two of its warriors. 

Gimli stood, gathering their possessions from the floor.  Even with their new supplies purchased in the village the pile remained small.  Gimli shook his head.  Leaving again, and as usual early than he would have preferred.  At least he could now expect what was coming at this time. 

He gripped Legolas' hand, pulling him to his feet as well.  The elf reached for one of the packs.  Gimli reluctantly let him take the smaller one, still concerned for his friend's well being. 

Inara met them in the hall, using her hand to guide her along the wall.  Nodin was already nestled in a sling across her chest.  She touched Gimli's face as she passed.  The dwarf blushed slightly, making Legolas grin.  As if sensing this Inara smiled as well. 

Gimli muttered under his breath, pushing gently between them and hurrying out of the inn. 

"If we want to get out of this village without having to fight whatever passes for lawmen here, we had best hurry.  Strangers are always the first to blame when a crime comes." 

Legolas raised his eyebrow at him, "And in this case they would only be too right."

"Aye, all the more reason for us to go." 

"Then if you two have reached your decision, perhaps we should be on our way."  Inara interrupted, her hand on Gimli's shoulder as they crept out of the back of the inn. 

The two regarded her silently, shaking their heads, "I may be blind, but do not think me without intelligence."  Her hand touched one face then the other.  

Legolas set his burden beside the inn, and hurried towards the darkened stable.  Already the moon was almost set.  Soon the sun would rise in its place and the innkeeper would be found not too long after.  They would want to be gone long before. 

Inara held her silence, her hand stroking her infant son.  Gimli readied their packs, careful not to meet her eyes.  In the darkness it seemed safer, away from the responsibilities that held them both. 

"Gimli, what do you know of the Uruk-Hai?" her voice was quiet, careful not to disturb any of the village folk that might yet be awake in the night.  

"They are more like men than the brutish Orcs.  And among them are those who plan, those created to command." The tone of Gimli's voice held both disgust and a hint of fear. 

He hesitated, "But I do not know for what purpose it wants your son." 

Inara's head remained bowed over her son, not turned towards him, "That is because you do not know all of our story." 

Gimli frowned, about to inquire further when Legolas returned.  The horse trailed behind him, its expression eloquently informing them of its immense displeasure at this new turn of events. 

Legolas stroked its head, "It was not our choice that brought this about my friend.  You cannot hold us responsible for the follies of men."  The horse whickered but did not appear appeased in any way. 

Gimli growled, "Don't waste your breath trying to explain sense or reason to such a creature as that.  Help me load our supplies." 

Legolas' grin only widened as he helped to arrange the burdens on the horse's back.  Between them they finished the job quietly and efficiently.  Gimli helped Inara up onto its back, settling her between the packs, patting Nodin's sleepy form before sliding to the ground, somewhat awkwardly. 

Gimli glanced at Legolas questioningly, but the elf shook his head.  He would prefer to walk for a time at least.  Gimli shook his head, muttering. 

"To think dwarves have been accused of being stubborn.  Whatever lout said that has never met an elf!"  

Legolas merely shook his head, ignoring the dwarf's protests.  Gimli sighed, he could not entirely understand how one how had not left his bed yesterday, entirely exhausted would wish to walk however far they would travel today.  But then he had never entirely understood the reasons the elf gave for many of the strange things he took it into his head to do. 

Luck was with them again as it appeared Nat had fallen asleep watching the gate.  Legolas slipped in, carefully lifting the latch as Gimli led the horse through.  Legolas followed them, letting it fall shut again behind him.  

Nat turned over in his sleep.  For a moment he thought he heard something in the night, but rejected the idea, sinking down into deeper slumber.  There was naught to be concerned for in his world and naught to disturb his sleep. 

The path leading down into the plains was eerily silent.  In the darkest hours of the night they did most of their traveling.  Gimli kept the pace slow, still careful in regards to the elf.  Occasionally Legolas would put out a hand, stopping them. 

They would freeze, hardly daring to breath, until the elf relaxed and nodded.  Even Nodin seemed to understand the need for silence.  He didn't make any of the usual infant sounds that normally accompanied his presence. 

Once Inara's ears caught something even the elf had missed.  She couldn't help but smile smugly at the shocked look on the elf's face.  As they traveled the sky lightened slowly, revealing the surrounding scenery. 

All around them the plains stretched out from sky to sky.  As the sunlight touched it they turned a brilliant gold, lighting the earth as much as the sky.  Though they had been careful to hide at ever sound they never saw any sign of their pursuers.  Though all felt as though they were not alone. 

Gimli's hand was never far from his axe during the day that followed.  He couldn't help but curse the Rohirrim for spreading their villages so far and few between.  The long plains between were hard on all who traveled them. 

They did not dare stop to rest and after a time the elf's steps began to falter.  Between the two of them Inara and Gimli managed to hoist the protesting elf into the saddle again.  To make room Inara handed Gimli Nodin, who was the only one of the travelers not exhausted. 

"There you are lad, now, you stay there.  I'll have no more protests from you."  Gimli chastened Legolas.  The elf frowned at him.  The difference in their ages never seemed to deter the dwarf in the least. 

"You have not given me the chance to protest, Master Dwarf.  In this instance I bow to your guidance."  As he said it he kept his face carefully expressionless.  Gimli eyed him suspiciously, suspecting a jest. 

"Humph, for all the fame of heroes we truly seem to spend most of our time merely walking through endless treks." 

"Would you prefer the battles?"  Inara questioned. 

Gimli turned to her, "I certainly would not.  Both the elf and I will bow to you."  He swept his hand out before him in a dwarven bow, not breaking his stride. 

Inara laughed, and Legolas joined in, holding his side.  Even Nodin, though he did not understand the joke giggled, reaching for the bright array of weapons and armor that adorned the dwarf. 

When darkness fell a second time, blotting out the bright grasses, Legolas pointed out for them a sheltering circle of stones.  Gimli led the horse to it, helping the elf, and then Inara to the ground.  As soon they were settled, Nodin, returned to Inara's arms, Legolas nodded to Gimli and wandered into the night. 

He knew the elf would not go far, especially not now, but Legolas needed to rest in the manner of his people.  And perhaps, he thought, perhaps he would have time to finish his conversation with Inara. 

As the elf disappeared into the dark, Gimli turned, careful to face away from the fire.  He had no desire to be caught bright blinded by whoever might be chasing him.  As he sat, Inara rocked Nodin, waiting for him to quiet and sleep.  As she did, she began to sing.  The song was strange, one which Gimli had never heard before. 

Stars shine bright in the deep

Eyes burn with a light

And a wish to weep

To be there in the night

A seer's life in a lost land

A promise to keep

Hold the future in their hand

            For a time he did not but listen, her voice was quiet, barely reaching beyond the edge of the light from the flames.  He couldn't help but wonder about the words in the song.  A small remnant of Inara's mysterious past it seemed. 

            Inara stopped, and turned to Gimli, a little half smile on her face.  Gimli returned it, though he couldn't help but notice her eyes stared blankly above his head.  He put out his hand, and Inara took it. 

            "This song is the song of my clan.  Nodin and I… We are not Rohirrim."  Her hand held tightly to his as if to her hold on the world. 

            "I did not think you were." 

            "Our clan, it is very small, we live high in the mountains.  Nodin's father…"  Inara took a deep breath, which sounded suspiciously like a sob. 

            "Nodin was going to be special, he was going to be the one to lead our clan.  But the Uruk's…" 

            Gimli moved hesitantly to her side, his contact seeming to allow her to continue, "It was only a small scout party, but we were so few."  She shook her head, shaking.  Gimli carefully wiped away her tears, knowing only too well what she spoke of.  It was a story many in Middle Earth could tell. 

            Inara never made a sound, yet Gimli could feel the damp of her tears.  Nodin barely stirred.  Gimli reached out his free hand to comfort him.  Inara's hand ran lightly over his face.  She gave a strange laugh, not entirely a happy one. 

            "I doubt anyone of my clan would believe my story now.  We made a life for ourselves, after, but this and you…!" 

            Gimli's smile was bitter, "Aye, a dwarf.  Would it have been easier had I been an elf or a man?"  

            Inara's smile matched his, "It might have, but you are not a man nor are you an elf, and this does not change it." 

            "No," Gimli knew she could feel his face beneath her fingers and knew they each understood, "No it does not." 

            When Legolas' mind returned he made his way back to the campsite, but decided to wait, giving them time.  As he sat in the darkness in the waving grass he could hear Inara's voice, singing softly, a song long forgotten. 

Stars shine bright in the deep

Many fall and leave the path

A forward step, a leap

Face the common wrath

The last will be found

In a land of peace

To a new world bound

May the fight cease

No longer a wish to weep

When stars shine bright in the deep

Author's Note:

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Just a little nervous about the whole thing, this chapter being a bit different.  The thing I own?  Well it's the poem, I wrote it.  I hope you like it! What do you think Elaine? 

in histaric over here:  I'm glad you like it!  Don't worry too, I'll be finishing, you have my guarantee on that one.  I'm enjoying writing it too! 

Elf Queen:  Thank you!  It's nice to know I'm getting Legolas and Gimli right, I was worried about that.  Also, a 'Mary Sue' is a character that isn't believable, she's usually the love interest, and is Ms. Perfect: she can kill fifty Orcs, cook dinner and do the laundry all in an hour, kind of thing.  It makes stories and the author's look bad.  I know what you mean though; it's rather hard to define. 

Yami Maleci:  Yep, elf torture abounds, but everyone seems to enjoy it so, no complaints right? 

Roseblade22:  Hi!  I'm glad I finally got to actually see you today.  Thank you for saying hi.  Did you like the poem?  I was a bit nervous about developing the whole thing with Gimli, considering he's a dwarf and all…  Do you think it worked? 

Tomorrow is another family get together, my cousin's getting married so everyone will be there.  Polka and bratwurst all around, but hey, it's always fun with my family.  We'll see if I survive (four cousins and four aunts and uncles are sleeping over tomorrow). 

Again, I hope this chapter wasn't too strange or too long and I hope to talk to you again soon, (by reviewing your next update perhaps? ;)  )!

Star-Stallion:  Well how was that for romance?  I even left Legolas alone for a chapter, don't worry though the fun's not over yet!  And I'm updating as fast as possible. 

Bloom Gurl:  I agree.  It's fun to have her fight, just because it's so different.  The hard part is remembering not to say 'and Inara looked at him' sort of thing, I have to be very careful not to forget!  I'm glad you enjoyed it!