Legolas blinked as he woke up, his open eyes looking up at the top of Lothlorien's green trees. But as his awareness began to settled in, he noticed that something wasn't right. And from the foul stench of the air, he knew what it was.

A giant warg came charging up from behind him, its foul mouth open and fangs bared as it was about to bite Legolas. His dagger caught in a tangle of blankets, he could only cover his face with his arms. But as the creature was an inch from his skin, a blade fell downward, cutting off the creature's head. The dead creature fell to the earth with a thud.

He looked up from under the cover of his arms to see Meiou, holding a long sword and looking fearfully at the dead warg. He looked at her blade, only to see that it was one of the swords that once fought during the Second Age. It had a long handle, and a long curved blade that shone like mythril, despite having black blood on it. As he watched Meiou lower the blade a bit, he saw how strong of a woman she was, and he was glad for it.

"Manen nalyë?" She asked him, her pale face staring at the dead Warg as she removed one hand from her weapon and reached it out to Legolas to help him up. He took her hand and raised himself up, looking down at the creature before looking in amazement at her. "You did not tell me you could fight."

"I don't." She answered and blushed, and Legolas smiled to himself. "I just did it on instinct." She raised her sword, "Maybe I was born to be a warrior…"

"I see." Legolas said as he looked down at her. She was full of surprises.

"I wandered throughout Caras Galadhon, and I found some things that could be useful to us." She bent down beside the pile of things near her. Legolas bent down, looked through the pile with her and started sorting around.

A few minutes later, Legolas and Meiou found some extra arrows, some clothes, weapons, blankets and some elven rope. They put them inside their packs as Legolas looked up and asked, "Where is Gimli?"

"He is on the river, awaiting for us." Meiou as she raised her pack to her back.

They walked through the forest and to the small port inside Caras Galadhon, where Gimli was waiting for them. Near him is a giant swan boat, and Legolas remembered the boat as the one Galadriel once rode.

"Gimli!" Legolas exclaimed jokingly that Meiou laughed.

"It was all I could find!" Gimli exclaimed, though the skin under his bushy brows and beard grew red with embarrassment. "It was the only one that could fit the three of us!"

"Whatever you say, Gimli." Meiou said as she slowly clambered up the boat. Legolas and Gimli followed her.

"What route shall we take, Legolas?" Meiou asked as Gimli and Legolas started paddling.

Legolas thought for a while before saying. "We shall land on the Lake of Rauros, before continuing on foot to Rohan. From there we rest a while and maybe borrow some horses from King Eomér…"

"You know him then? King Eomér of Rohan?" Meiou asked.

"Know him? Why certainly!" Gimli exclaimed, "Best Rohirrim I ever knew, good with both his land's horses and their masters. Surely one of the greatest men I fought with in the War of the Ring."

"Who was with you, during this war you speak of?"

"Well, there was me and Gimli. The great wizard, Mithrandir, who became Gandalf the White. King Eomér and his sister, the shield maiden of Rohan, Lady Eowyn helped us during the battle on Helm's Deep. King Elessär, who was once known to us as Strider. Then Boromir, son of the steward, Denethor…"

"He died near the lake of Rauros…" Gimli added.

"…and the four Hobbits of the Shire: Frodo Baggins, the ring-bearer, Samwise Gamgee, his gardener who became his most trusted friend, Meriadoc Brandybuck, esquire of Rohan and Peregrin Took, once Guard of the Citadel of Minas Tirith. There was also Faramir, brother of Boromir, who helped Frodo once. He became Lady Eowyn's husband and now rules Ithilien."

Meiou's eyes shown with wonder, "Such companions… how adventurous it must've been for you."

Gimli shook his head, "Aye, it was adventurous, but it was a war I'd never forget. So many lives claimed by death, yet there were so many lives that changed forever."

Legolas nodded, "Freedom comes with a price sometimes…"

His words made Meiou think and be silent for a while. As Legolas looked over to her, he asked, "Mani ceni, Meiou?"

"Freedom comes with a price…" Meiou whispered, as she smiled sadly at Legolas. "Yes… that is true. Freedom does come with a price…"

Legolas knew she was thinking of her mother, and stayed silent. Sometimes some things are better left unsaid.

"Welcome, Dwarf and Elf. It has been long since our parting."

Legolas and Gimli bowed to the man that sat on the wooden throne, and Meiou had no choice but to bow down as well. As they slowly straightened up, Meiou got a good look at Rohan's king.

King Eomér possessed a round, stern face under his long tawny hair and scruffy beard. His eyes were as brown as the earth his horses run on, yet it held a certain look of bravery and courage underneath it. His stance was wide in berth and his back was straight, which can clearly show his bearing and his strength as a leader. He was obviously a man of courage, of tenacity and of strength, and Meiou was quickly impressed with him.

"What is this? Another Elf traveling with you?" Eomér said, and Meiou's reverie snapped and she looked at him. He smiled at her as he asked, "What is your name, lady?"

She swallowed before speaking, "I am Meiou Linnadhiel of the Woodland Realm, King Eomér."

Eomér smiled, "I see. You come from the dwelling of Master Legolas?"

Legolas nodded for her.

"Welcome then, Lady Meiou Linnadhiel, to the land of Eomér King, Rohan. The home of the horse-lords." The young King addressed the hall in general. "I give to you my people, the men I have fought with, Master Legolas and Master Gimli. And their companion, Lady Meiou of Mirkwood!"

"Hail!" cried the men, which made Meiou jump in surprise.

"King Elessär has told me that you were traveling around Middle Earth." King Eomér said with a smile, "Why not rest and feast here a while before you continue on your journey?"

Gimli nodded, "We would be honored, King Eomér. Of course, a little ale with you might do us some good."

He laughed, "Master Dwarf, if I am not mistaken, it was the elf that had won that battle a long time ago."

"Then I come to reclaim my honor!" Gimli cried, "I will not let my record at ale-drinking be tarnished just because of some pointy-ears!… beg your pardon, Lady Meiou."

Meiou merely smiled.

"Then a duel it is then!" King Eomér cried. He addressed the hall again, "Our guest shall rest and dine with us! Bring in our finest ale and meat!"

The men cried, making Meiou flinch a bit. She felt herself being pulled close to someone, and she realized that the arm pulling her was actually Legolas'.

"Legolas, what are they…?"

"Would you like to freshen up first, Lady Meiou?"

She turned to look at Eomér, but before she could answer, Legolas spoke. "Yes… I think we would all do some freshening up. It has been a long journey."

"Then I shall order some water and clothes for you." Eomér said, and instantly three servants came up beside him, "Water for bathing and clothes for the young lady. And water for bathing for the elf." He turned to Gimli, who was already looking around for some ale, "And what of you, Master Dwarf?"

"Some ale is all I need!" Gimli cried as he finally spotted a mug brought by Eomér's men. "I shall wash up after my body is filled with food and wine!" He let out a loud yell as he started drinking with the men.

Eomér led Legolas and Meiou to one of the rooms, all the while speaking. "It has been years since I saw you last, Legolas Thranduilon. What has occurred during your journeys with the hard headed dwarf?"

Legolas laughed, "All has been well, Eomér King. The world has not changed much, except for the fact that it had grown more peaceful than when we first met."

"I understand fully." Eomér nodded. They stopped beside one of the rooms and he mentioned for Legolas. "This was once my room. Please use it as you wish."

The elf-prince bowed in thanks and looked at Meiou, "I shall see you later, Meiou."

She nodded to him as Eomér mentioned for her in the other room. "This was once my sister, Eowyn's room." She smiled in thanks at him, but she was surprised when he came in with her. "Aren't… aren't you going to the party?" She asked, a little unsure of the king.

He saw the look on her face and raised a hand in peace, "I have no evil intention towards you, Lady Meiou. I only wish to give a little gift while you visit here." He went to a nearby trunk and started rummaging through it as he engaged her in a conversation.

"So, how do you find your two companions? Were they good to you?"

"Yes. They have been wonderful." She replied, a little at ease with the young king now, since he had made his intentions clear. "Have you known them for long?"

"I only knew of them when I encountered them across the Riddlemark." Eomér replied as he continued to look deep into the trunk. "I found them suspicious. Who would travel with a man, an elf and a dwarf as company?"

She giggled, "Yes, perhaps that would be rather odd."

"But I admire them… Legolas and Gimli." Eomér said, stopping a bit as if reminiscing something. "Our fellowship remains strong because of them, and perhaps because of the Hobbits as well. Their friendship runs deep, even if they are of different races." He sighed, "They have only each other now. But how I wish…" he stopped.

Meiou's brows furrowed, "How you wish what?"

He shrugged and returned to rummaging the trunk. Only when he had unearthed a leather pack embellished in gold did he answer her. "I have wished for long that the fellowship would find love in Middle Earth. Elessär had Arwen, my sister had Faramir… and from what I have heard, three of the four Halflings are married." He sighed as he stood in front of Meiou, "Gimli is rather unfortunate, for the women of his race is less. But you…" He smiled as he shook his head, "I have always wanted Legolas to find happiness in the arms of a she-elf."

She immediately knew his meaning and she raised her hands up in protest, "Oh, no sire! I have no…"

"This is for you." Eomér cut in, as he laid the leather pack to her arms. "I wish for you to use it tonight at dinner. I shall now take my leave of you." He gave a smile, which to her, looked like he was conspiring something, before leaving out the door.

Meiou was a little confused at his smile, but much more at Eomér's thinking that she could be the one for Legolas. She shook her head mentally as she laid the pack down on the bed. Slowly, she removed the leather cover. Only when she had opened the package to open did she let out a breath.

"Oh… you have got to be jesting…"

Legolas watched as Gimli fell down for the count for the second time. He smiled as he looked at the men of Rohan and said, "Game over."

The men laughed as two of them dragged Gimli out to one of the guestrooms to have him sleep off the effects of the ale. Legolas drank the last of draught as Eomér came to him.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Sir Elf? Is the bathing water to your liking?" He said, grabbing a mug of ale and drinking from it.

Legolas smiled at him, "Magnificently, Eomér King. I am relaxed and revived by the bath." He looked around behind him as he asked, "Where is Meiou? Has she not finished bathing?"

Eomér was about to answer, but a shriek made the two of them turn around. They stared for a while, but a moment later, Eomér laughed and whistled. Legolas, on the other hand, just stared.

Meiou stood on top of one the tables, the men of Rohan asking for a song from her. She looked graceful and beautiful and was dressed in all glimmering white and silver, like clouds about the Moon. Her face was slightly red from being embarrassed, but she seemed to like the attention, and she just smiled at the men. As her earth brown eyes met his, she smiled more and waved at him. Legolas felt his breath leave his lungs.

Eomér left Legolas' side and went to up the table Meiou as he addressed the men. "A song from Lady Meiou then. But just one, for they have to travel to Minas Tirith at first light." He patted Meiou's hand as he said, "A song then, my lady."

"But my lord…"

But Eomér had already left her side and now jumped down the table. He cheered with his men, and as she swallowed in nervousness, he took it as a sign and raised a hand to quiet them. As the last voice silenced, Meiou opened her mouth and started to sing.

To the Sea, to the Sea! The white gulls are crying,

The wind is blowing, and the white foam is flying.

West, west away, the round sun is falling.

Grey ship, grey ship, do you hear them calling,

The voices of my people that have gone before me?

I will leave, I will leave the woods that bore me;

For our days are ending and our years failing.

I will pass the wide waters lonely sailing.

Long are the waves on the Last Shore falling,

Sweet are the voices in the Lost Isle calling,

In Eressëa, in Elvenhome that no man can discover,

Where the leaves fall not: land of my people for ever!

The men were silent as she sang, nobody spoke, for her voice was like the singing of angels from another world. Everyone was in awe of her voice, even Legolas. When he stared at her before, it was because of her beauty. But now, he stared at her because of her magnificent vocals.

As the last of her note died off, the men cheered gratefully and loudly, that it almost felt like the hall would fall down on them. Meiou bowed at her audience, her nervousness fading, blowing them kisses. Someone had given her a wreath of Simbelmynës, and she took these gratefully, and nestled them on her hair.

Legolas continued to stare at her. Only when Eomér came to his side and pushed his chin back up to cover his mouth did he snap back from his reverie. "You are going to catch flies with your mouth hanging open like that, my friend."

Legolas drew his gaze from Meiou, a little embarrassed to be caught staring at her. He drew his mug to his lips as Eomér suddenly asked, "Do you love her, Legolas?"

The elf almost spit out his brew, but compromised the action by gulping a huge amount of ale. The suddenness of his movement made the ale move to his trachea instead of his esophagus, and he got into a coughing fit. Eomér slapped his hands repeatedly on the elf's back as he laughed, "Slowly now, dear elf. You can't let that ale miss the spot."

Legolas' coughing stopped and he said, "I do not know what you are talking about."

"Meiou Linnadhiel… Linnadhiel? Doesn't that mean 'singer' in your language?"

Legolas looked a bit stunned at this revelation for a moment before answering, "Yes… you're right. Linnadhiel means 'singer' in the Elven tongue."

Eomér looked at her again, before swallowing the last of his ale and saying, "You must rest now. You have long journey before you. I shall have the horses ready for you by dawn."

Legolas turned to look at him and said, "Thank you. I am in your debt."

The king laughed, "Your debts mean nothing here." He raised his empty mug to Meiou, who was still on top of the table, looking for a way to climb down. "The only way you can repay your debt is if you rescue that elven damsel in distress and make her happy."

Legolas was quite unsure of what the king had said and made his brows furrow in a frown as he thought of his words. As the two men came to the table, they both leapt up and stood beside Meiou.

As the elf-prince came up the table beside Meiou, she turned to him and was about to smile. But his frown made her smile freeze mid-way, and concern took over the emotion in her eyes. On her other side, Eomér addressed the men.

"Our guest shall now rest." He said to the hall, "But we shall continue our celebration. The reason of our celebration is of utmost secrecy." He winked, "So let us drink and be merry while our guests rests!"

Groans of disappointment rose from the men, as they all wished that Meiou would sing some more. She could not find a way down, but she was surprised when Legolas suddenly bent over and carried her in his arms.

"Legolas!" She exclaimed, "What are you…!"

"Sedho!" He whispered vehemently. And she immediately clammed up. It was only when he had carried her to her own room that she raised her hands and pushed him away. He let go of her, and she caught herself on the floor.

"How dare you!" She cried, and her hand flew up and hit Legolas squarely on his cheek, "How dare you mistreat me like that?"

"You were like a scarlet woman on that table!" He shouted back, "Such action is not to be expected of an elf!"

"Not to be expected? Is not to be expected for a person to live her life to the fullest! To enjoy freedom and fun when the opportunity came!"

Legolas' face registered shock as she continued to speak. Her words had an effect on him, as well as the fierce determination in her eyes.

"You did not go through what I have been through." She said, her voice now lowering to a vehement whisper, "You did not know what it is like to be locked up. To be shunned by your own father, to be driven and hidden away like a leper on the streets. I lived my life hidden in the shadows of my father's cloak. And now that I saw the light of life in these men and in you and Gimli, you dare take it away from me?" She shook her head as she looked at him, "I may be immortal, but what is immortality if all you do is keep it to yourself? What is immortality if you do not share yourself to the world? What is immortality if all you could do is sit there and watch the world pass you by, while you remain unnoticed?"

His gaze dropped to the floor as she finally said, "I wish to share myself to the world, Legolas, but if it means that you shall be holding me down, then I shall travel by myself, whatever dangers come to me." She turned away from him and entered her room. She closed her door silently and locked it, leaving Legolas to stare at her door.

"She is right, you know."

Legolas turned to his right to see Gimli, his face red from all the ale he drank, but his eyes were serious and sober. He leaned on one of his axes, the one used when he was walking. He sighed and walked past his friend, leaving Gimli confused and morose as he continued to look at him.

Meiou was whispering to a horse, a beautiful mare named Morwen, when Gimli came to the stables, bearing his axe and his gear. He looked up at her as he said, "So you mean to go with us to Minas Tirith?"

She continued to tend to her horse as she said, "I will travel with you to Minas Tirith, but if Legolas continues to hinder me in my rejoice of freedom, then I shall take my leave of him."

Gimli's eyes filled with a strange emotion as he whispered, "The lad didn't mean it, Meiou. He did not mean to hurt you."

"He speaks the truth."

Both Gimli and Meiou looked up to see Legolas, holding a saddle in one of his hands and his gear in the other. She stared defiantly at him and Gimli let out a small cough and said, "I think I left something in my room. I'll be right back."

As soon as the dwarf disappeared, Legolas came to her. Something in his movement made Meiou feel a bit warm, and a soft blush came to her cheeks. She turned her back to him and tended again to her horse to hide her face from him.

She continued her chore but she stopped when she felt him stop behind her. He was so close that should she lean back a couple of inches, she would be leaning on his chest. She held her breath as she heard him lower his things to the stable floor.

"Goheno nin." He said, and she felt his breath tickle the back of her neck. "I did not mean what I said. I just feel like I should protect you."

"Protect me from what?" She said, her breathing becoming short and hollow.

"From the men of Rohan. I thought that, because you were locked up, that you would be frail and defenseless. I was mistaken. Forgive me. I was wrong to think of such." She felt him shrug a bit, "I have forgotten that you saved me from a warg not six days ago."

"I'm not as frail as you think. You should well remember that." She said as she arranged her horse's saddle again.

"No… you're not."

Something in Legolas' voice stopped Meiou, mainly because he whispered those words. She felt his hand rise up, and touch her short hair. She didn't move as he continued to caress her hair. He stepped a bit closer to her, so his nose now settled near the top of her head. He smelled her scent and breathed it in deep, but Meiou turned suddenly, aiming a dagger on his neck.

Legolas looked into her earth brown eyes, which seem to be challenging him. He continued to stare at her, before smiling at her and backing up, saying, "No. You're not."

She continued to stare determinedly at him, lowering her dagger slowly, as he picked up his gear again, walked away from her and went to tend to his horse. Only when he had disappeared behind his horse did she release her breath in a longing sigh.