As always, please forgive any inaccuracies. Some are the result of honest mistakes and others are just what I like to call 'personal licenses' that I took to create a believable storyline. I like constructive criticism, but only if it doesn't involve the reviewer constantly correcting me on tiny little facts of the book which I honestly don't care to memorize. (I know I haven't received any of those reviews yet, but I say this only to warn potential readers.) Besides, what makes fanfiction so fun to read is the fact that the author makes the characters and story their own. Reading others interpretation of the same book or movie is a fun insight into others minds, which flamers should learn from. (Just wanted to say this one piece of advice, since so much fanfiction I have been reading lately seems to have those types of reviews...geez, some people seem to follow certain things closer than they do their own religion. When you think about it, it's kinda crazy...)

Anyhow, so, hi! Sorry for the long wait for this chapter. Internet is finally up, so I figured I would give the latest for you to read just to see what you guys think! I'm really liking this rewrite better, and love the way my character is being written. I only hope you guys are thinking the same thing. (I know how hard it is to find sympathy and likable traits in original characters, so I'm not expecting all out love for my character.)

There's more development of Legolas. And also some 'begging' for forgiveness on the part of Nuriathiel. After speaking so roughly with the prince, she is, of course, worried about her job. Don't need much explanation about that.

As for the character of Legolas, I'm not very good at writing his character, as his personality is not well known before he joins the fellowship. I want to show a bit of character progression for him, so I've created a bit more of a quite prince, regal, forgiving, and somewhat (I mean somewhat) naïve as to the whole situation regarding the ring. Joining the fellowship, of course, should further his experiences and mature him as a character. So, please forgive me if he is not exactly as he should be.

Chapter 4

Conversation had been somewhat subdued during the meal, but fervent none-the-less. The topic of discussion one might ask? The creature of course. It had become rather popular since it's appearance, the gaunt appearance and eery blue eyes embedding itself unknowingly into all who it saw and spoke to. The more the council spoke, the more she understood that it had not only been her...it had not only been her which had been strangely struck by the tiny animal. All had thought greatly of the creature since it's appearance, and all had each formed their own ideas on what to do with the it.

Gollum, as it was called, was a matter unto itself, aside from the simple fact of the one and only apology she was due to the prince, an apology which Nuriathiel had been hoping to avoid. It had been clawing at her mind for the hours she spent during the meal, a constant hum at the back of her head which never ceased to annoy. In the end, she found herself forced to listen to any topic which had come upon the table, in the hopes of averting her own uneasy mind. And that topic had been Gollum, bringing with it thoughts of the prince.

Unpleasant thoughts, to say the least.

But Urial, however, had kept the placid facade which he had marked upon his countenance since both King Thranduil and Prince Legolas had entered. His face downcast as he ate, he only looked up every so often to observe those around him, much like what Nuriathiel had been doing. His blond hair fell gleaming just below his shoulders, as he turned slightly to receive a dish which had been handed to him. Of high elven descent he was (as was apparent in his gait and features), and so he had been seated close to the prince himself. The silver of his collar brightening the blue of his eyes, and the green of his robes contrasting the silver of his undershirts, he created a strange glow about him, brighter than the council, Prince Legolas the only rival. Both she found equally regal, and yet neither of them knew of it themselves. They only spoke to each other, unaware of any pair of eyes on them. She looked away.

"Nuriathiel." someone called out. It had been Urial. Looking towards him, she found the elven council member observing her with a curious smile on his face. He had noticed her curiosity. She felt her body flush with a pang of cold then, the cold of embarrassment and hesitation. Never betraying the feeling she had just felt, she smiled to herself, swallowing down anything she might have been feeling.

And in response, Urial placed his cup of wine carefully upon the table as he looked to the prince, who in turn observed her with a serenely observant eye. "A suggestion? What do think on the matter of this Gollum?" he asked simply.

Her eyes turned up in a questioning way. A suggestion?

"What on earth do you mean?" Nuriathiel asked in turn, turning her gaze away only briefly to take a sip of her wine. Cleaning her lips with a small white cloth, she looked up to meet their gaze bravely, her own eyes cold as she continued, careful to betray a bit of coldness in her voice and mannerism. "A suggestion for what?"

"I was just speaking to the prince, and he has asked me what you think on the matter." Urial answered, his blue eyes interested and his lips in a smile. "The creature, what do you think he should do?"

Nuriathiel, glancing briefly in the direction of the elf prince. He returned her gaze with one of his own, expressionless and blank. Hands clasped upon the table, his shoulders straight, silver crown upon his head, he waited for her answer with patience. Urial, oblivious to the whole matter between them, looked over towards the door with a smile before turning back to her.

"It is not my place to say, my prince." Nuriathiel answered humbly as she received a slight raising of his eyebrows in answer. As he opened his mouth to speak, she continued, hoping to stay his reply, if only by a few moments. "I should think it more proper, Prince Legolas if you ask your senior councilor first. I am sure Lord Elrohim has his own ideas. He is well versed in situations of this type." Looking down, she waited for Elrohim's response, which no doubt would come within seconds.

"I suppose we should keep him in irons." came Elrohim's voice soon after. Nuriathiel turned towards the chief councilor, who was just then shifting some food in his plate. Looking towards Nuriathiel, he nodded slightly in her direction as a sign of respect. "That is my suggestion, if Nuriathiel would not mind me saying." she smiled as he looked away briefly, towards the prince, who was just then observing the both of them with a curious grin.

"I should like to say a few words on the matter, if the prince will hear it." said Hithwen, her gray eyes brightened carefully with interest. She looked towards the elven king briefly for approval before continuing. "I should like to suggest...or recommend, that we observe the creature's habits before we make any sort of decision regarding his future happiness or freedom."

Hithwen waited patiently for an answer. Her voice soft but bold, her blond hair parted and falling loose down her back in waves, she was the opposite of everything Nuriathiel seemed to be. Her pale neck exposed carrying a silver heirloom of the Sindarin blood she carried, Hithwen seemed a queen in appearance. Such a sweet creature she was. Urial observed her briefly before responding.

"A well formed answer." said Urial in answer as he looked to King Thranduil, who nodded in approval. "A good idea. Any others?" he ventured further. Legolas, who sat close by, waited patiently for further suggestion. None came.

"And you?" said the elf prince, who folded his arms on the table as he leaned slightly in. "Councilor, I should like to hear your suggestion." Legolas pursued looking towards Nuriathiel. "We have not heard from you. I dare say you have some rather strong feelings on the subject. You are our chief council, Nuriathiel. "

He was stabbing her with words, knowingly stirring in the minds of every councilor the events of the early evening. An image of the creature passed through her mind then as she looked up to meet the eyes of the prince, who watched her with a curious expression on his face.

"Is that so?" King Thranduil voice suddenly from across the table. Everyone turned then, surprised to hear him speak. So quite he usually was, forever observant and listening to what others said. It was a habit he had always had, which just now he had broken to speak.

His blue eyes sparkling with interest, he looked towards his son, who returned his gaze with a smile. "Has something been said?" the elven king ventured, turning his attentions in her direction. Nuriathiel returned his gaze with a smile as she opened her mouth to speak.

"I have said nothing on the subject." Nuriathiel answered. "But none the less, I will give my answer, if the prince will hear it."

Legolas nodded as she spoke, waiting for an answer.

"You do what you think is fit with the creature." Nuriathiel answered simply. She drank the last bit of wine in her glass, setting the finished drink upon the table as she turned to look in the prince's direction. Her eyes cold, her face hard to prevent any thought of hesitation, she continued. "I trust you judgment, as I do your father's. I am sure you will do what is right and proper."

A strange but fleeting expression crossed the prince's features as he heard her reply and saw her face. To Nuriathiel, it appeared to be one of challenge, of threat. To him, she still seemed angry and unfeeling. He hid his anger well, masking it behind a mask of pure indifference, silent as the grave as he pondered what she had said, the words no doubt turning over and over in his mind.

Urial looked to the prince, a quiet observer to the whole situation. Though he did not say a word, his expression said everything that needed to be known. He was surprised with the whole situation, his eyes hurrying between everyone, even resting on the king before turning to her in a questioning manner.

Then another spoke.

"Such blind trust." Elrohim said following her concise reply. He looked towards Nuriathiel, his lips curled slightly in a smile. "What in the world do you mean to do or say? Is this some form of disrespect you are rendering to our prince?"

It was a comment filled with sarcasm, in his eyes she saw his sneer, his memory of what had happened only hours before. More meaning he had hidden behind those words than what was simply found on the surface. Nuriathiel turned away from Elrohim, smiling as best she could in the direction of King Thranduil, nodding slightly to him as a sign of apology.

"No, I meant no disrespect to either you or your son." Nuriathiel responded. "I only meant to say you have been wiser as to the movements and history of the creature. Aragorn has neither explained why it was captured, or why it has been such a creature of interest to so many. Why did he search it out and bring it here? Why is it so grossly deformed, resembling nothing on this land? What is it capable of? And why keep it under such close observation as you have kept it? Can one honestly form good judgment on so little information given?"

Legolas remained silent, not speaking a word, not even betraying an ounce of emotion as she explained herself. So calm he was, sitting in his customary seat with his arms folded as she spoke. Elrohim, however, seemed quite the opposite. Shifting slightly in his own place, he spoke once again.

"Than you belittle your fellow councilors in giving their own ideas?" Elrohim responded somewhat angrily. Nuriathiel took a deep breath, slightly annoyed with his constant badgering. Was this some sort of trial he had set out for her? What in the world did he mean by all this?

She turned her attentions in the direction of the senior councilor, observing his erect posture and agitated state. Then, she spoke.

"I believe you read much more into my words than I should like you to, councilor." Nuriathiel answered. "You have as much right as any other at this table to speak. I only say I need more information regarding this Gollum before I will give any sort of answer regarding its future. You are my senior, I would never take anything you say with such light concern."

"Of course she meant no disrespect, Elrohim." Legolas continued, finishing the conversation before it became any more heated. "I am sure Nuriathiel would be the first to apologize if she had done anything wrong."

"Yes, of course." Nuriathiel seconded, lowering her head slightly in deference. She shifted her eyes quickly in the direction of the prince, who watched the whole of the situation with slight interest. "I truly am sorry, senior councilor, if I have offended you in any way."

Elrohim remained silent and after moments of thought before considering what he would say. It was with a mix of annoyance and hesitation that he quickly gestured for her hand to clasp it. She reached out slowly, allowing him to take her hand. And so the apology was accepted.

The senior councilor had always been the hardest to keep happy, Nuriathiel thought as he relinquished her hand. At one moment or another, he always took offense for something a younger member would say. Elrohim, it could be said, was stuck in an older time, forever seeing golden halls of ages past.

"Well, it has been a pleasant meal. Excellent preparation, if I do say so myself." Urial said as he looked to the king. King Thranduil smiled in answer.

"I am glad you liked it." the king replied. He looked about the table, receiving some uncomfortable glances and tired looks. Seeing his son's observant but agitated look, he decided then to put an end to the meal. He spoke once again, this time his voice firm and resolved. "My son is tired, as am I. And since it appears most of you have emptied your plates, then might I suggest you retire early tonight?" The relief on the faces of the council was apparent as he spoke. "What your chief councilor said earlier has provoked my thoughts. I should like to think on the matter she put forth before I make any further decisions regarding the creature."

-

-

-

-

-

-

The night was bright, the silver shine of the moon casting eery shadows through the branches of the trees. A breeze blew from the north, cool as it carried with it the smell of the mountain top snow. The soft rustle of the leaves as they danced upon the trees seemed like music to her ears, though she strained to hear the sound of his steps in front of her. They were faint, but she heard them none the less. Wrapping her arms about her for warmth, she searched out the prince, hoping to find him where she had expected to find him. In the stables.

The prince had departed with his father before she had, disappearing down the underground halls of his father's home not to his chambers, but outside, to the stables where his horse was being kept. He had been accustomed to spending several hours with his animal, feeding and brushing it before retiring himself to bed. A well known fact which most had observed on many an occasion. And that fact proved to be reliable.

Slowing her steps, she approached carefully as she saw the main door ajar. Peering in she found the prince exactly where she had expected him to be, most certainly oblivious to her presence. He still wore his crown and shirt of silver, robes of green, and heavy cloak. His hair was still braided perfectly and falling gently down his back. As the moon struck the strands, it appeared to shine silver, a rare occurrence among the elves.

His back to her, she watched as he reached towards a shelf, taking a brush. "A beautiful night, isn't it?" she heard him say as he turned to face her. Nuriathiel blinked rapidly, entering the stables and closing the door quietly behind her. So he had known she was there all along. "Is there something wrong, councilor?" he asked. "Or have you come to finish the conversation we began earlier?"

"In a manner, yes." Nuriathiel answered as he turned away and began to make his way down the small walkway towards the stall where his horse had been kept. Nuriathiel followed behind him, careful to keep her breath even as she spoke. He was an observant elf, he had always been. "I've come to apologize for the way in which I treated you. It was ill done, and rude of me to treat you in such a manner." she said as she followed.

"Was it?" the prince answered simply, not looking back as he found the stall. In it sat his horse, white and gleaming in an unearthly glow. It had always been so well taken care of, an animal worthy of a prince.

"I didn't seem to notice that it was." he said with a hint of sarcasm. "Anyhow, I am not angry with you." Legolas continued, opening the door and stepping inside. Nuriathiel stopped at the threshold as he stepped aside to allow her entry as well. Though it was dark, she could see the slight upturn of his lips. A sign of amusement. He left the door slightly ajar as he waited for her answer. "I hope that is not to disappointing a thing to hear?" he asked.

Involuntarily allowing a sigh of relief to escape her lips, she flushed slightly, receiving a slight chuckle from the prince. "So you are not angry?" Nuriathiel ventured further. He shook his head as he turned away, reaching up to brush his animal. A snort of happiness he received from the horse as he began to brush it, a sign of the animal's contentment.

"I was, for a bit. You can be rather angering at times." Legolas answered as he continued brushing. "But, to stay angry so long for so trivial a thing as a fight? It does not seem so important when one thinks upon it."

Nuriathiel waited for him to continue, folding her arms in front of her as he continued.

"You are my chief council, to stay angry at you would be imprudent and irresponsible to my people." he finished. He continued to brush his horse, untangling several strands of hair on the main.

"Imprudent...of course." Nuriathiel answered. She opened her mouth to speak further, but said nothing. The words danced at the tip of her tongue. Imprudent was a valid description. But a more accurate word could be found. And she knew what it was.

It had been insubordination. Pure and simple. The prince was being far more than far in his treating of her. After all, a situation like this could have called for her immediate dismissal. "I promise you, it will not happen again." she finished.

"I know it will not." Legolas responded. "My father has faith in you, and I do as well. I should not like to see a friend lose a position for which she has been tailor made. You are quite an asset, do you know that?" he asked. Shifting his eyes slightly to look in her direction, the prince laughed softly. "I should like to say, Nuriathiel, that you are most certainly not the same maiden I knew when we were young. Headstrong you remain, but only wiser to the ways of the world."

Nuriathiel could not help but smile as she heard those words. "Time and experience, my prince, time and experience." she answered. "One cannot always stay as he or she is. Time is the enemy of all who live, experience the hard lesson of mistakes. It is something my father taught me long ago." Legolas looked away, patting his horse gently upon its neck.

"A prudent thing to learn at so young an age." Legolas answered in a more serious tone than before. Bending down, he reached for a leg of the horse, lifting it slightly to observe the hoof. He seemed deeper in thought, his mind consumed with a piece of information which he had kept rather well hidden before this moment. It appeared as though he were to speak some more, but did not, silencing himself before anything else could be said. She smiled.

"I have arrived to this point rather unscathed remembering all that he has taught me." Nuriathiel answered after some thought. "Perhaps he was not so wrong after all."

Nothing else was said for several long minutes. Nuriathiel remained standing where she was, observing the prince before looking out a high window to find the silver moon looking back at her, an immense bright orb in the sky only somewhat obscured by nighttime clouds. Behind her the prince remained, seemingly engrossed in his task, his object of interest clear.

"Well, I suppose we shall leave our conversation at that, Prince Legolas." Nuriathiel said, turning to look in his direction once again. "It is very dark, and I should like to suggest we rest for the night. Your father will want to speak to the council early."

She waited for his answer, but he said not a word. Never did he even look up from his task to acknowledge she had spoken. It appeared as though he had forgotten she was there, that is until he spoke once again.

"Tell me," Prince Legolas said quietly, as he fixed his eyes upon his task. His tone had grown soft, reflective. "Did your father leave you with any other useful peaces of information before he sailed to Valinor? Because I sorely think we will be in need of it."

Nuriathiel hesitated for some seconds in surprise, watching as the prince placed the hoof back upon the ground. Whispering in their native Sindarin, Legolas petted the animal gently and turned once again to face her.

"My prince?" Nuriathiel asked, feeling her heart begin to pound once again. He had taken a serious tone, one which only she ever seemed to hear. "What do you mean?"

The prince blinked, looking past her distantly in thought. Bringing his hand up to his forehead, he rubbed it gently, walking out of the stall and closing the gate behind him. Observing her for several moments as if in a silent debate with himself he finally continued.

"I am glad you sought me out." Legolas said. So far in thought he seemed, his voice carrying in it a weight which he had only recently begun to carry. "I was just recalling what you had said earlier in the evening, as I walked here. I would have heard you following, had it not been for that." he continued with a slight laugh. Nuriathiel, silent as a mouse, listened as patiently as she could. He quieted for seconds before continuing.

"I remember it being mentioned that more information would be required of me before you could form a proper course of action regarding the creature. You are right to say so, and I believe I may have the information which you may need. Would you hear it, if I were to confide in you?" he finished.

Nuriathiel furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. What on earth did he mean by speaking in this manner? She nodded slowly, gesturing for him to continue. "If it will help ease both our minds, then I do not see what is wrong." she said. Seating herself on a small bench which had been placed against a beam, Nuriathiel took a deep breath, anticipating an answer which would not be favorable. Looking up to meet his eyes, she waited for him to continue.

"It must be kept between us, at least for now." the prince said. "The information, I confess, is rather scarce at the moment, and Aragorn has suggested we remain silent on the matter until more knowledge is gathered. There is no need to worry more minds than is necessary." Legolas continued. He grew silent, waiting for her answer. "Will you promise me this will not leave your confidence?"

"If that is what you wish." Nuriathiel responded simply. "Please," she said, setting her hands upon her lap. "Continue."

He nodded. And with one final breath, he spoke.

"It appears this Gollum is far more important than he seems." Legolas said. "Not much is known, mind you, but it has been heard through rather reliable sources that the someone of great power is in search of him."

Great power, what on earth did that mean?