A/N: I've decided to extend Behind Her Eyes; originally I intended to kill Nicolette off shortly after the battle of Helm's Deep. But things have changed, so now I intend to let her live for now. All I can tell you is to settle in for a long while.

Nicolette: Phew! (Wipes sweat off forehead)

And from now on I will be replying to reviews through the new feature that has been installed. WOOT!

××Nicolette's POV××

The morning passed quickly, I saw little of Legolas that day.

At the request of Èowyn, I took care of the small children while their parents prepared to leave, so I went around knocking on doors offering to take children off of parents hands for a bit. I nearly laughed at the look of relief washing over some of their faces as they passed their sleeping children to me.

"Can you tell us a story?" A young, blonde-haired girl asked as I led the small flock of children through the corridors of the Golden Hall to my room.

"Yes, how about the story of the Beauty and the Beast?" I offered, opening the door to my room.

"Beauty and the Beast?" A little boy asked, "What's that?"

I made a funny little sound of disbelief, "You've never heard of Beauty and the Beast?"

Ten little heads wagged. "No," Was the universal cry.

This could work to my advantage…

So I spent the better part of the morning telling them every fairy tale story I could remember, and some that I made up. The children loved it and were clinging to my leg for more stories.

"What happened to Ariel?" A girl named Freya asked, eyes wide.

"She married Prince Erik and lived happily after."

Freya sighed in relief, "Good."

I kissed her on the top of her head, "Yep."

Someone knocked at the door, "Come in!" I shouted.

Èowyn opened the door, "It's time to leave." She patted a young girl named Marina on the head.

"Alright, time to leave for Helm's Deep. If you're good I'll tell you all some more stories!" I said, picking up two children. "Follow the leader!" I cast a desperate look to Èowyn.

She smiled knowingly and followed behind to make sure none of the kids wondered off. By the time we reached the gate there was already a large crowd.

Several mounted soldiers shouted directions, though most people barely heard them over the din of the people.

Èowyn looked anxiously about, searching for someone.

"Aragorn's over there," I said, pointing behind us.

A blush stained her cheeks, "Thank you," She mumbled. "How did you know?"

"Intuition," I said, then covered the ears of the boy I was carrying "Besides, I saw the way you looked at him in the Golden Hall." I winked.

She paled, "Is it that obvious?"

"Only to me, and maybe Aragorn," I said reassuringly.

Èowyn grimaced, "Lovely, now I suppose I will seem like some lovesick-"

"No, he won't and quit thinking like that! I may not know him as well as I would like to, but I know him well enough to say that," I said sharply, cutting her off.

Although unconvinced, Èowyn merely nodded.

Soon the small caravan began to move, I felt uneasiness began to grow in me. Was I going to die today?

Probably… Jade replied, apparently she was near.

"You are so kind," I said sarcastically.

I try.

Èowyn looked up, "Beg pardon?"

I moaned, "When am I ever going to learn to not think out loud?"

"What?"

I lowered my voice, "Can I let you in on a secret?"

Èowyn's expression changed to one of curiosity, almost owlish. "Of course!" She whispered.

I looked around before saying, "I have a pet dragon, well not a pet but a companion. Her name is Jade."

Èowyn's eyes widened, "A dragon!" She yelped.

"Shh!" I hissed, "Not so loud!"

Èowyn blushed, "Sorry, but do you realize how useful a dragon-"

"Her name is Jade."

"Excuse me, Jade, could be in battle? She could wipe out fifty Orcs with a flick of her tail!" A fierce glint appeared in her eyes.

"Yes, I realize that. Partially why once we get to Helm's Deep, I really need to get you to talk to Théoden," I replied.

Èowyn nodded, "I will, don't worry, but knowing my uncle he will have a plan; how will Jade understand it?"

I grinned wickedly, "Because I will be riding her."

Èowyn looked at me dubiously, "Théoden will not allow a woman to fight." At this, her face flashed angrily.

Ooh, resentment! Jade said, sounding way to happy.

Sadist.

Hell yes, she snapped.

God forgive me, I've created a monster!

I felt her laughter rumbling in my chest.

Coming back to the present I replied quickly, "There will be no other way! Jade will not allow anyone else beside me and…" I faltered at the thought of Anna, "…And my little sister." I said quietly.

Seeing my gloom, Èowyn put a hand on my shoulder, "Are you alright?"

I looked up, forcing a smile, "Bloody lovely. But anyway, I'll make it look like Jade is some wild beast whom I can only tame and he'll have to put me on the battle field."

Èowyn looked at me, slightly envious, "I suppose that would work, I do wish I could come with you…"

I smiled, truly this time; "I wish you could but Jade can only carry one rider at a time and still maintain balance and swiftness."
She nodded, "I know, but you must tell me what it is like!"

I nodded, "Of course!"

The little girl I was carrying, who had been resting quietly on my shoulder began to squirm; I let her down gladly.

I felt a pair of arms around my waist and before I could resist I was swung into the saddle of a horse behind my captor, "WHAT IN THE NAME OF CHRIST ALMIGHTY-" I stopped myself short when I realized it was Legolas who had grabbed me and was currently laughing his head off.

"Quiet, my lady; or else you will cause a riot!" He choked as soon as he could speak again.

I tried to look angry but I failed horribly, "You, you, you…" I was at a loss for stinging names.

He smiled and kissed me on my cheek, "For once, Nicolette, don't say anything."

I smacked him lightly on the arm and rested my head against his shoulder.

Aww! Kodak moment!

Jade, shut up.

××Ø××

A/N: Sorry guys 'n' gals about the shortness of the chapter but I needed a bit of tenderness before the big bloody battle (for all of you battle lovers there will be lots of gore!)