A/N: Hey, guys. Sorry I didn't update when I said I would. :D At least I updated in October though. LOL

Celtic Cross: Here's a chapter for you!

Chapter 6: Rohan

Estellia was silent as they rode on. Her wounds burned with a painful fire, and she could only think of finding someplace to rest. She sensed Legolas's eyes on her, but she didn't turn or acknowledge him. Legolas moved as if to approach her, but Gandalf stopped him with a hand on his arm. Legolas looked at Gandalf then back to Estellia.

She turned and met his gaze for only a moment as Gandalf spoke. "Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld, King of Rohan whose mind is overthrown." They approached the gates of the kingdom. "Saruman's hold over King Theoden is now very strong." Gandalf looked at his companions. "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here."

They entered the gates and rode slowly through the town. Estellia looked about her; the townsfolk were dressed mainly in black and gazing at the visitors with expressionless faces.

"You'll find more cheer in a grave yard," Gimli muttered.

The group dismounted and walked toward the Golden Hall. The guards stopped them at the doors.

"I cannot allow you before Theoden-king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame, by order of…Grima Wormtongue." The guard seemed discouraged to be upholding laws written by someone that wasn't his king. (A/N: This guard, by the way, is Hama)

Gandalf frowned then nodded to his companions. Estellia was unarmed thanks to the Orcs; Legolas had his bow and arrows and two knives; Aragorn had his sword and a dagger; Gimli had two axes. Gandalf removed Glamdring from his belt and set it down carefully. They moved toward the entrance, but the guard stopped them once more.

"Your staff," he said gesturing to the white, carved wood in Gandalf's hand.

Gandalf glanced at his staff. "Oh, no. You wouldn't part an old man from his…walking stick?" He seemed to lean on it more as if to prove his point.

Estellia hid a smile, but they were allowed to enter. As soon as the doors closed, Gandalf held his staff so it looked hidden beneath his cloak.

"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden-king," Gandalf commented.

An old man, far too old to be king, sat on the throne with a slimy, greasy advisor beside him. (A/N: Mwahahaha… Wormtongue the little worm!) "Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" the king murmured.

"A just question, my liege," the advisor said. He rose and walked toward the group. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest."

"Silence!" Gandalf barked as the advisor reached him. "Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!" He held up his staff.

"The staff!" The advisor slowly walked back and looked to the guards. "I told you to take the wizard's staff!"

The guards rushed out, but Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Estellia dealt with them as Gandalf stepped toward the king. Estellia kicked one man in the head with her foot then caught another between the legs with her knee. She whirled around to fight another then cried out as one of the men from behind grabbed her around the waist and held her close. Her already badly injured back rubbed against his coarse fabric. With her ebbing strength she elbowed him in the nose then dropped to her knees when he released her. In a haze of pain and fatigue she saw Legolas kneel by her side.

She winced when he touched her. "Leave me be," she murmured, vainly attempting to push him away.

"You must be attended to," he said firmly but gently. "You're bleeding."

He gathered her carefully in his arms as her strength failed, and she could no longer fight him. He nodded to Aragorn, and the two were led away by Eowyn.

Estellia woke in a room she didn't recognize. She got out of bed slowly then went to the wall where an ornate armoire stood. Opening the doors she found dresses in every color of the rainbow. Fingering a pale blue one, she found her thoughts wandering to the elf that carried her here. She silently reprimanded herself for being silly and dressed in a pale green dress that matched her eyes with flowing sleeves and gold embroidery of flowers and leaves. She was just brushing through her hair when someone knocked on the door. She turned to it as it opened. Eowyn stood in the doorway.

"Estellia, your companions asked me to come check on you," she said. She was dressed in black and wore a black veil as though she had just come from a funeral or was heading to one. "Are you feeling better."

"Yes, much better." Estellia braided a bit of her hair in a single braid as Eowyn entered the room.

"Legolas must love you very much," she commented. "He didn't leave your side nearly all night."

Estellia stopped braiding and turned to Eowyn. "Legolas doesn't love me," she said stiffly as if more to convince herself.

"Oh…I-I'm sorry," Eowyn mumbled. "I just thought… Well, the way he was caring for you…" She stopped abruptly as Estellia turned away.

"Is there a training room nearby?"

"Yes."

"Please take me there."

Eowyn led her to the room and even got her a sword, dagger, and bow and arrow set. Estellia was practicing and jumped when Legolas suddenly spoke.

"Your skill with the sword is excellent, but you lack in the bow."

She scowled at him then shot another arrow. It hit the outer ring on the target. "You're distracting me."

"Those that excel in what they do don't get distracted," Legolas replied.

Estellia notched another arrow then stopped abruptly as Legolas's hands covered hers on the bow. Without a word he slowly and calmly guided her hands to a different position.

"Use your mouth as an anchor," he said.

She obeyed; his hands instilled a calming effect in her though her heart was hammering in her chest. She released the arrow when he instructed, and it flew smoothly into the bullseye. She was shocked and looked to Legolas who merely smiled at her.

"I told you it was easy, meleth nin," he said. /my love/

They both started when he said that. She pulled away from him, and he remained frozen in shock. Without a word she turned and left the room. Whether intentionally or not, the blue eyed elf had revealed his heart's intentions. He was in love with her.

A/N: All right, if you remember I only update on Fridays okay? From now on. :D