Author's Note: Hello again! Welcome to the 21st installment in A True Fellowship! I hope you enjoy your stay, and you're welcome to pick up any refreshments to keep you going before you begin your reading. Hehe. This college thing is pretty cool - little stressful at times, both Jen and myself are finding out, but it's all good. Plus I'm going home this weekend! Woo-hoo! It's been almost a month since I've been home, and I cannot wait to see my family and my dog and my cat again, lol. I had a lot of fun with the beginning of this chapter, along with a quirky idea from Jen *wink*. Thank Jen for the rousing house number we'll be doing around page four, lol. It was so funny, cause as soon as I got done writing that part, we had a big storm over here and every one had to cram in the hall because the tornado sirens went off, and a ton of girls started singing it. Fun times. The later the chapter gets the more...not so fun times it gets. Let me warn you now, I was listening to a lot of depressing Blessid Union of Souls, Counting Crows, and the song that the lyrics are for right here. And I was tired, so keep that in mind. And I'm rambling. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your reviews, and *please* keep reviewing so we can keep writing knowing people are reading it! Have fun!

Come to me now

And lay your hands over me

Even if it's a lie

Say it will be all right

And I shall believe

~'I Shall Believe' by Sheryl Crow

Chapter 21

Haldir led the Fellowship along paths that he had known his entire life, twisting and turning through the trails of the golden wood of Lothlorien. He knew exactly where they were, how far they were from Caras Galadhon, and where each path that branched off of the main one led to. The path to his left led to a clearing where he knew a herd of deer fed, and the clear, dirt path to his right led to a cluster of tarans used for his men. Each trail they passed, Haldir held a fond memory for, something which should have cheered him up.

However, it did not.

" I still don't understand why we have to be blindfolded."

Haldir felt his back molars grind together in an effort to keep his face expressionless. The raven haired Faerie had not shut up since they begun this little trip, and she could not simply fathom that this was the way it was supposed to be. In the beginning, it was only supposed to be for the dwarf, but the Dunedain had insisted they all be blindfolded, so he did not know why she continued to blame him. Or complain about it.

" It wasn't my idea to blindfold all of you," Haldir explained as patiently as he could manage.

" No, it was Aragorn's," she hissed, turning her head in the direction she thought Aragorn was in." Thanks."

" It was only fair," he replied back calmly.

" Whatever. Haldir, you could have told him no," she continued irritably."I don't get the big deal behind this blindfolding thing. What are you people trying to hide, anyway?"

There was more than one reason why he did not like Faeries, Haldir thought with exasperation, and their persistent natures was one of the many. Whatever possessed Lord Elrond to include those two in the Fellowship, he would never know, but it made him wonder what on Middle Earth the Elven lord could have been thinking. The dark blonde did not say much, but he got the distinct impression that she did not want to be here; her angry looks from before did not help. He didn't perceive any problems from her, but he knew the black haired one was a problem from the moment she began talking back to Golradir. Her injury (one of the many) made her a liability, but to her credit she kept up fair enough with Amras aiding her. He would be able to tolerate her presence better, however, if she did not insist upon talking to makeup for her loss of eyesight. Not to mention when that talking included purposefully trying to get a rise out of him.

" Some hospitality," the Faerie muttered, but Haldir's sharp hearing picked it up. The marchwarden turned his head back to briefly glare at her form, walking as lightly as her knee would allow along the path. Everyone behind him was blindfolded except for Amras, next to Nevada, and Golradir bringing up the rear, for which he was thankful for. He really did not want to explain the dark looks he was periodically sending in the Faeries' and the dwarf's direction.

Amras caught his marchwarden's glare, and fought back a small smile. Haldir really had no patience for anyone other than that of Elven blood, and it was amusing to see him deal with the likes of dwarves and Faeries. The young soldier himself could not believe he was aiding a Faerie; he had never even seen one before. Now that he looked at her, he realized that they were not that physically different from elves at all. In fact, the only difference Amras could find was in their skin; it was tan, whereas Elven skin was pale. The way the two women dressed was certainly different, and Amras had never seen a woman so...beaten before in his life. This one, Nevada was her name, had multiple bruises and cuts, a healing black eye, of all things, and a busted knee. He had heard that women Faeries fought just as extremely as the men, but he wasn't sure if he believed it until now. After seeing these two and the weapons they carried, he believed it.

" Are we there yet?" a feminine voice asked near his ear. Amras looked over at the Faerie, who had turned her head as if to look at him.

He stared at the gray cloth covering her eyes and shook his head as he spoke." Nay, it will be another few hours. Does your knee pain you?"

Yes, it hurts like holy hell, you dense Elfling, she thought in irritation. Nevada was fully prepared to deliver a smarting insult, then decided against it. She was too tired to bother, and besides; she couldn't see a damn thing. She didn't put it past him to let go of her waist and let her fend for herself. Nevada only sighed at him and let her head drop slightly." I'm fine."

Amras looked at her, bemused. He knew she was in pain; it was so like Faeries to deny the obvious." Do you always deny the truth?"

Her head snapped up, and she turned her blind face to him. Her eyebrows were drawn together, so he knew she was glaring." No, I do not, Amdir." So much for not bothering.

" Amras."

" Whatever."

" Remember, I am the one supporting you."

" I bet you'd get a real laugh out of seeing me trip and fall on my face, wouldn't you?" she asked sightlessly.

Amras frowned at the slight bitter edge in her tone." No, I would not." When she didn't say anything, he continued on hesitantly." Why do you think I would?"

She made a sound of disbelief." No matter what I may feel about you, I know you haven't been living under a rock your whole life. Your people hate us, and the feeling is just about mutual."

" I have no reason to hate you," Amras replied, surprising himself. He never considered it a hate between the two races, although he was sure some felt that way. While he did not harbor any serious prejudices towards Faeries himself, he certainly did not trust them. She didn't trust him, either. Amras hesitated for a moment, then asked the question that had been plaguing his mind since they started talking." How...how do you view us? In general. I am curious, for it must not be with much joy."

Nevada was quiet for a moment, lips pursed in thought as she mulled over his question." We dislike you because you dislike us."

Amras shook his head." That was not the answer I was looking for."

" Then answer me: what do elves think of us?" Nevada shifted the arm she had around his shoulders slightly." Why do you hate us so much?"

" 'Tis not hate, as I said before," Amras answered uncomfortably." And not all of us feel the same way. A lot of how we feel as has been passed down from generations. Most of us have never come in contact with you, like me."

" You've never met a Faerie?" she asked in surprise.

" No," he admitted." I know you have met elves."

" Yes," she answered with a slight smirk." And nearly every elf I've met has looked down his or her nose at me; cold, distant and emotionless. You don't give us a reason to like you, anyhow."

Amras was silent as he thought about her response." Elves are not entirely at fault," he said at length." Although I must admit that we can be just as stubborn."

Nevada snorted." Wow, finally an Elf who admits it."

He shot her a slightly annoyed glance." Your sarcastic remarks certainly do not help the stereotype."

" And what's our stereotype?" Nevada asked back.

" Loud, emotional, brash, and extremely hardheaded."

Nevada grimaced. She couldn't exactly disagree with that." Not all of us are like that."

" Not all elves are cold, distant and emotionless."

" I...guess that's true," she grudgingly admitted. After seeing Legolas around Liana, her view on the Elf had certainly changed somewhat." But us realizing that doesn't change the feeling of thousands of Faeries and elves who might have more reasons to hate."

" I agree," Amras said quietly. He gave her a sidelong look, studying her quietly. Then shifted his gaze to the other Faerie, walking quietly behind Aragorn. She held herself almost royally, and had a quiet, grieving air around her. The feelings coming off of Nevada were not exactly happy ones, either. He was coming to realize that they were not all that different than elves, not only physically, but mentally. Yes, they were more emotional, but now that he had spoken with Nevada, it put a lot of views in perspective.

" You are not at all what I expected you to be," the blonde Elf continued." Neither of you are that different from us."

" That surprises you?" Nevada asked, snorting slightly." Exactly how old are you?"

" I am not going to answer that," Amras replied, stiffening.

" Why not?" she taunted, a funny sight to behold since half of her face was covered with a gray cloth." Frightened that I might prove to be older? Which I think I am."

" What makes you think that?" Amras asked, bemused.

Nevada took a deep breath and let it out." You're not afraid to speak to me," she answered." You're not letting your pride get in the way of your curiosity, which is something elves much older than you have done many times in the past. Your tone of voice isn't demeaning, but truthful. Moreover, you're treating me like an equal."

The Elf stared at her for a long moment, abruptly surprised at her in depth response. The implication of her speech should have insulted him, but he saw the sad truth in it. He had heard soldiers of Lorien speak of Faeries in the same tone she spoke of, and while he never participated in their impertinent remarks, he never stopped them, either.

" I take it I'm right?" she asked when he didn't respond immediately.

Amras blinked." About what, my age?

Nevada made an exasperated sound." Yes, about your age."

" Yes," he nodded slowly." How old are you?"

" You never told me exactly how old you were, so I won't tell you," she retorted back." Besides, you're not supposed to ask a woman her age."

Amras raised an eyebrow." That's a silly concept-"

" Drop it, Amras."

The Elf opened his mouth to speak, his face indignant, but he caught a look from Haldir, and stayed silent.

Frodo has been listening to their conversation attentively, fascinated at the discussion of hatred between the two races. He had heard it addressed at the council, rather vehemently, and it had startled him. He never knew their dislike of each other went that deep, like that of elves and dwarves. It was sad, really; he didn't understand why the two didn't get along. Nevada and Amras spoke of personality differences between the two that the other didn't care for, but that wouldn't explain the deep resentment. After all, some hobbits didn't like the way other hobbits acted, but that didn't constitute for open hostility. Frodo vowed silently to ask either Nevada or Liana, or even Legolas, what this strife came about from. He liked the three, and they seemed to get along fine. Perhaps their civility towards one another was due to circumstance, but he didn't think it was that way between Legolas and Liana. He knew they were attracted to one another, although Liana was a little more hesitant to admit it. He liked her, especially after she was willing to run back to her friend to save her from falling. He thought that was really brave; plus, she was nice, and approachable. He had never met Faeries before these two, but he grew fond of them both, not to mention Legolas, as well. The Elf had a merry laugh and a cool head about him.

The hobbit mused to himself about all of this as he walked silently with Sam behind him and Merry in front. The cloth over his eyes pitched his whole world in darkness, but he found that his other senses had sharpened considerably. He could hear every little sound around him; the footsteps of those around him, the murmur of conversation between Nevada and Amras and Aragorn and Haldir in Elvish, the rustling of the leaves through the wind, and the song of dozens of birds in the forest around them. Frodo could feel the leaves of nearby plants and trees brush against his arms and face, and the wind felt gloriously cool. Although he could not see his surroundings, he imagined it to be gorgeous, full of green plants and golden leaves. The air smelled clean and fragrant, and Frodo wished with all his heart they could get there and he could see all that he envisioned.

The hobbit could almost convince himself to forget the pain that he bore on a necklace around his neck, but when he went too far in his dreams of sight, a twinge of pain in his chest ever reminded him of its presence. Surrounded by all the beautiful sounds and feeling of tranquility in his mind, he hated the intrusion. Now, more than ever, he wanted to be left at peace so when he was unblindfolded, he could enjoy it while it lasted. The grief of Gandalf's passing had hit him hard, but he found a certain measure of ease in this wood, only tempered by the strange thoughts he had when they first entered. Was it the Lady Galadriel that had spoken to him in his mind? It had to have been, for he knew no one else could have known what it was that he carried. It alarmed him that she knew, but Gimli had said that she was a powerful sorceress.

Frodo's thoughts grew heavier until he felt a headache brewing in the back of his skull. Wincing, he reached up and rubbed at his temple rhythmically to ease the growing pain. His feet found the path quite easily, for which he as thankful. It was a wonder he hadn't tripped and fell over something sooner.

The hobbit brought his attention to the voices in front of him again, moreover to the odd melody coming out of Nevada. Frowning to himself, he listened to her half sing a tune that he knew. He had heard it at the Green Dragon before, so how did she know it?

" Ninety-six pints of beer on the wall, ninety-six pints of beer!" Nevada sang to herself, bobbing her head in tune with the words." Take one down, pass it around, ninety-five pints of beer on the wall!"

Amras stared in disbelief at the female Faerie; or rather, at the raunchy song she was singing. He exchanged a look with Golradir in the back, who raised his eyebrows back at him and slowly shook his head with ire.

Liana was shaking her head in much the same way, although a small smile of amusement grazed her face. Gimli snorted at the singing Faerie from his part of the line, and shouted," You're a terrible singer, lass!"

" Shut up, Gimli! Ninety-four pints of beer on the wall, ninety-four pints of beer!" Nevada continued indignantly." Take one down, pass it around, ninety-three pints of beer on the wall!" She sung one more, paused, then added," Everybody, now! Ninety-three pints of beer on the wall, ninety-three pints of beer!" To the Elves' horror, Merry and Pippin joined in, and then Frodo, who coaxed a reluctant Sam into singing with him." Take one down, pass it around, ninety-two pints of beer on the wall!" The five sung off-key to the drunken bar song until the rest of the Fellowship were either glaring beneath their blindfolds or singing along.

Haldir's breath hissed out as the obstinate Faerie kept singing the terrible tune. He turned his head back to give a fierce glare at Nevada, although she couldn't see it. The song was horrifying; what respectable female would sing about pints of beer for fun? The again, she was a Faerie; they weren't exactly known for their feminine qualities.

" Eighty-nine pints of beer on the wall, eighty-nine pints of beer!..."

She's already half dead, Haldir thought malevolently, his mood growing darker and more malicious by the second. It would be a shame not to finish the job...

Amras looked up from Nevada and caught Haldir's gaze again, and nearly blanched. He looked ready to maim. He tapped Nevada on the shoulder to get her attention, then tapped harder when she didn't respond.

" Eighty-seven pints of beer on the wall, eighty-seven pints of beer-"

" Nevada!"

" What, Amras? I'm singing a song," Nevada stopped irritably. The other hobbits continued singing merrily from down the line.

" Haldir is giving you very nasty looks, and if you keep quiet now you might live later," Amras stressed softly.

Nevada's eyebrows shot up." Oh. Shutting up now."

" Good," Amras breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't want to deal with keeping her from getting killed by his commander.

" Are we there yet, Elf?" Gimli asked, frustration mounting on his gruff, deep voice.

" Almost, Master Dwarf," Haldir replied, fighting to keep the irritation out of his voice and miserably failing. His ears caught the hint of a chuckle coming from Aragorn, which only served to blacken his mood even further. At least Amras got the Faerie to be quiet.

Haldir's heart lightened as he spotted a familiar hill up ahead, and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Caras Galadhon was just over that hill, and he would be freed of this dreadful journey with the One Ring present, not to mention the Faeries and dwarves. They didn't make him as uneasy as the Ringbearer did, however. He could feel the shroud of thick darkness surrounding the small object on the hobbit's person, and it made him uneasy. He didn't like the fact that he would be bringing something as evil as the One Ring in the presence of his Lady, but she insisted that they be brought in.

The marchwarden led the line of companions over the hill, and when the view of his home came into his vision, he smiled." We have arrived," he announced, and listened to the various sighs of relief and happiness." Amras, Golradir, unbind their eyes. Let them look upon the beauty of the home of the Lady of Light and Lord of Lothlorien."

" He has to be so dramatic about it," Nevada grumbled, causing Amras to chuckle.

" I heard that, Faerie," Haldir replied tightly without turning around.

" Damn your Elven ears," Nevada complained under her breath.

" It would be within your best interests to stay quiet," Amras advised with mirth as he unwrapped the cloth around her head.

" Do you think he even knows my name?" she asked him as she felt the cloth unraveling across her eyes and hair. The bind was removed, and Nevada sucked in a breath and blinked rapidly against the flare of the setting sun. All she could make out was a lot of trees and talans in the near distance and, blinking, she looked around slowly.

" I'm sure he knows your name, he just chooses not to use it to spite you," a voice pointed out helpfully. Nevada found herself looking into a friendly, attractive Elven face. Opaque green eyes studied her thoughtfully, and the pale face was framed by long, light golden hair pulled back in the traditional Elven braid.

" Nice to put a face to the name," Nevada commented, cocking her own head to take in Amras's young features.

He nodded, smiling slightly." I could say the same."

Frodo squinted his eyes as the light flooded his vision, then reached up to rub them until he could see comfortably. The young hobbit craned is neck to take in all the gorgeous trees, just as he had envisioned them, and smiled slightly. He felt more at peace here than any other point or place during their journey, save Rivendell.

" Wow," Pippin exclaimed once his vision has been returned." Those are big treehouses!"

" Talans," Amras, Legolas and Aragorn immediately corrected.

" Same difference," the young hobbit shrugged. Merry gave him a look." What?" Pippin asked defensively.

" We're not going to have to climb up to those things, are we?" Sam asked, worry in his tone. They had walked so far already, and Frodo looked a bit pale to him. More walking would only make it worse.

" Nay, Master Gamgee, we have stairs," Haldir informed him as they began their walk again to the city of Caras Galadhon.

" Stairs?!" Nevada protested.

Haldir took a deep breath and faced her with a calm face." Yes, stairs. Is there a problem with that?"

" Her knee isn't particularly at its best," Liana responded for her friend, pinning Haldir with a cool stare of her own." Stairs will be difficult to maneuver without some help. Since we are all weary from our previous turmoils, I am sure she will be able to receive aide from Lothlorien's finest?"

The Elf and the Faerie stared at each other for a moment, gazes unreadable, until Haldir nodded curtly." Of course." He turned on his heel and spoke to Amras and Golradir in elvish. Nevada looked at Liana, not sure how to respond to her friend's words.

Before she could, however, Haldir was in her face. Rearing back, Nevada blurted out," Jeez, pop out of nowhere would you?"

His eyes were a frosty blue as he spoke." Amras and Golradir will assist you up the stairs to meet with the Lady Galadriel." He walked away before she could respond, and found herself between the two blonde Elven warriors.

" How many stairs?" she asked Amras in a low voice. He smiled slightly and shook his head.

" It's going to be a long walk, Nevada."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It was dark by the time they started their ascend of the grand Elven staircases of Caras Galadhon. Unearthly glows came from hanging lanterns strategically placed to make them seem like fireflies, beautiful eerie yellow smudges in the darkness. The blonde heads of elves could be seen present in other talons close by the staircase they were going up, heads that would turn and watch them go curiously as they made their way up.

The stairs wound themselves around the enormously thick trunks of the trees of the city, and they were encased on each side with long, spindly metal that made designs such as leaves and flowers. Their beauteous surroundings made each fellowship member aware of their aching for comfort and sleep, which made for heavy eyelids and eyes sparked with quiet awe.

Aragorn felt the slight ache in his calf muscles from the tremendous amount of stairs they had already passed. It had been a long while since he had cause for taking these stairways, and each time was worse and seemed longer than the last. He also knew that if he was tired, he could only imagine how the hobbits must feel. Frodo seemed to be holding out okay, and Merry and Pippin were busy taking in the lights and elegance of Galadriel's home, but Sam seemed to be having some difficult. Frowning, Aragorn realized the little hobbit was still carrying a great deal of weight on his back. Not only his pack, but Frodo's, as well. Giving the hard little worker an exasperated look behind his back, Aragorn jumped up a step and reached down to Sam.

The hobbit felt someone pulling at his pack and, startled, he looked over." Strider!" he exclaimed." Did you need something?"

" Your pack," Aragorn explained. When Sam looked at him in confusion, Aragorn shook his head and gently took both loads off of the hobbit's back.

Sam blushed and tried to pull one back." It's fine, really Strider, I'm all right with them-"

" Walk, Sam," the human chided gently, then fell back into place and continued walking with both packs. Legolas took one of them, and the two carried them the rest of the way.

Nevada watched the human, eyebrows furrowed deep in thought. That was awfully nice of him, she thought to herself, then abruptly forgot her train of thought when her knee gave another twinge. Baring her teeth silently, she continued to labor along with her helpers to get her up the confounded staircase.

" Is it much further?" she asked with gritted teeth. The stairs had been horrendous from the get-go, even with the aide of Amras and Golradir. It was a little more bearable, she supposed, with Amras chatting happily away in her ear. She didn't mind the Elf that much, in fact, found him quite amusing. He was as young as she presumed, even looked young, but she had yet to get an actual number from him. She had no doubt he was skilled in battle, but the way she saw it, he was harmless as a puppy and just as friendly as one.

" Only a little further, than we will arrive," Amras assured her." There will be healers there, as well."

" Just what I need, an elvish healer," she responded sarcastically.

Golradir looked insulted and Amras frowned." They will not treat you any differently because of your race, if that is what you're thinking," Amras told her, still frowning slightly." I am sure your healers are the same way."

Nevada half shrugged and kept quiet, not willing to create any more ripples in the pool of prejudice. She just wanted to see the end to this bloody staircase.

The end did come, and the fellowship welcome the sight of the broad, flat talan in front of them. The surface seemed to glow a faint silver, and a few of the fellowship felt hesitant to dirty the pretty floor with their mud-ridden shoes, but they were led on nonetheless.

Haldir stopped them in front of a short staircase and told them to wait for the Lady and Lord to come out. Golradir left with him, but Amras stayed to help Nevada, much to her chagrin. She insisted she was fine, but the Elf knew fatigue and pain when he saw it, and felt that if he let her go, she would be on the floor in less than a minute.

The wait amounted to a held breath of excitement and apprehension for them; the hobbits shifted their feet and their gazes, and the immortals kept their steady gaze towards the front. An Elf came up to announce the arrival of the Lord and Lady, and eleven pairs of eyes swiveled to the top of the staircase.

A blinding light appeared at the top, then dimmed to obtain the form of an Elven man and woman slowly descending the staircase. The ethereal, blue-silver light basked the fellowship in its warm glow, bringing with it feelings of comfort and soothe that lightened the hearts of most present.

As the angelic beings made their way down the staircase, their features became more apparent. Merry felt his eyes widen as he and Pippin stared mutely at the two beautiful Elves before them. Legolas and Aragorn bowed their heads respectively, and Nevada and Liana stared openly at them, unable to take their gazes away from their royal hosts.

Gimli felt his guard dissolve as she came closer. The Dwarf stared in unabashed awe at the beautiful, elegant creature stopped mere feet away. She held the hand of her husband, both pale, bright and regal in the night. He suddenly felt dirty in their presence; unwashed and heathen-like in front of their awesome beauty. Of hers. The Elven man stared at them with dark, thoughtful eyes, yet she kept her lids down. Impossibly long, wavy, pale blonde hair made its way down her shoulders and back, giving color to the bright white dress she wore to match her husband's robes. The hair was tucked behind delicately pointed ears by a silver and gold circlet crown, wrought to look like the fairest of leaves around her golden head.

Gimli had never seen anything so beautiful as the Lady Galadriel that night.

Celeborn studied each member of the Fellowship; each tired, dirty and hurting member. They looked as if they had been to Mordor and back already. He looked them over again, and realized a key person was missing. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he spoke to them." Ten that are here, but eleven there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me; where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him."

Liana looked down from her rapt gaze on the two, a gesture repeated by many members of the fellowship. She exchanged a quiet, somber look with Nevada. Old hurts opened, and each heart felt grief weigh it down heavily. No one, however, was willing to speak of it first.

It was done for them. The Lady Galadriel lifted her gaze to the Fellowship, and they couldn't help but look up. Those who had never met the queen before were struck by her eyes; blue pools of eternal wisdom and memory that caught their absolute attention, entrancing them with the power behind those eyes. The knowledge.

Stars, Liana thought suddenly. It looked like there were stars in her eyes.

The Lady finally spoke, and her voice was low and almost wondering." He has fallen into Shadow." Celeborn turned his head and looked at his wife, face passive but eyes surprised.

Aragorn nodded slowly to confirm it, and Legolas looked down. Galadriel's gaze began to search the members, reaching Boromir first. His breath came quicker, and he found it hard to meet her eternal gaze for very long. Looking away, his brow furrowed in thought and his eyes were troubled. He looked around uncomfortably, eyes darting anywhere but the Lady of the Wood before him. Legolas looked up and at the legendary Elf for a brief moment, eyes slightly wide and marveling, and Merry and Pippin mirrored his look. Liana could not bring herself to look away from the Lady's gaze, but was rather thrust deeper in their azure depths. She tilted her head slightly, as if hearing something, then blinked and stared in confusion and awe. Nevada held the same look, as did Sam and Gimli, before Galadriel spoke again.

" The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife," she continued, her voice holding a slight edge to it." Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all." Galadriel's gaze met Aragorn's, and for one silent moment, they stared at each other. She gave him a meaningful look, then turned her eyes upon the man of Gondor." Yet hope remains as long as the Company is true." Boromir held her gaze for the barest of seconds, then looked away. Galadriel wisely held in a smile and looked away.

" Do not let your hearts be troubled." Her voice became soothing and smooth, a balm to their souls like one that would heal a wound." Go now, and rest, for you are weary with toil and much sorrow."

Frodo listened to her voice raptly, looking forward to everything she spoke of. He wanted a bed and sleep so badly it made him want to weep, and her offer to rest sounded so tempting. He listened attentively, however, until another one came into his head.

*Welcome, Frodo of the Shire.*

The hobbit jumped slightly and stared at the Lady in disbelief. Looking around, Frodo realized no one else heard her say it. As she spoke to the others out loud, her eyes found his and held them for what seemed an eternity.

" Tonight, you shall sleep in peace," Galadriel concluded to the weary fellowship.

It was she that spoke to me in the forest, Frodo thought wildly, still watching her as surely as she watched him. What did she want from him? What was she trying to gain by speaking to him in his head?

*One who has seen the Eye!*

Frodo gasped and unconsciously clutched at the Ring.

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Nevada sat quietly, watching as the healer work on her uplifted knee. Every once and a while the emotionless mask of her face broke with a twinge of pain, before vanishing as soon as the pain left. She didn't feel up to giving them a fight; they were working silently, efficiently, and she was just too tired and weary to care about anything but curling up in a bed.

" How did you come about this wound, miss?" one of the healer's asked distantly while she finished cleaning away the blood around the scraped and raw skin.

" Slipped on a rocky ledge," she answered just as remotely." Went down hard on that knee."

" You sure did," one of the other healer's remarked, younger looking than the one currently tending her." It looks awful."

" Tar¡!" the older healer scolded. Tar¡ looked down, and the healer softened the rebuke with," It only looks that way because I'm not finished cleaning it. Could you get me some fresh bandages, please?" She nodded and got up to fetch them, and the healer gave Nevada an apologetic look." Forgive Tar¡. She is quite new here."

" It's fine," Nevada shrugged. The other healer came back and handed her elder the bandages. Her brown eyes lit with morbid curiosity over the strange Faerie, but Nevada didn't feel like compensating her interest. Her good mood from before had waned considerably, mostly due to the agonizing walk up the stairs and the equally dismal moods of her companions. She wondered how Aragorn and Liana were doing.

" Miss?"

" Yes?" Nevada asked. She wasn't used to being around so many Elves, or rather, so many people. They had been alone for so long, and now among all this civilization...It was such a foreign feeling." Did you say something?"

The healer gave her a small smile." We have a change of clothes for you here. 'Tis only for the night, but you will receive another gown for the day while we wash the clothes you came in."

" Oh." Nevada blinked and looked down at the nightgown the Elven woman held. She reached out and touched the soft fabric, marveling at how soft the light gray material was compared to her traveling clothes.

" We have a warm bath ready for you, as well. Come, we'll help you get there." The healer held out her arm, and Nevada took it, allowing the woman to lead her across the room and into a different now, where a steaming bath awaited her. Nevada felt a wave of gratification and happiness at the prospect of a bath.

" Thank you," she told the woman before she left, and meant it. Their kindness towards her was dumbfounding, yet a sweet relief from the long traveling they had endured. She walked towards the bath, and found the gown still in her hands. Nevada was suddenly struck by the gray color; gray, like Gandalf. Overwhelmed by the sudden lump of emotion in her throat, she swallowed it back and the stinging in her eyes. Gripping the fabric tightly, she fought over her own emotions for long seconds, then finally released the fabric and set it down on a chair. A bath was what she needed; a long one, and she would be fine.

Aragorn stepped out of the healer's room next to Nevada's, more clean than he had been since Rivendell. His dark, curling hair still dripped, the top of his head shiny from its dark, clean wetness. He walked down to Nevada's doorway, curious at her condition, and nearly walked into one of the younger healer's.

" Oh!" the healer flushed and stepped back." I am sorry, I did not see you!"

" It is all right," he nodded reassuringly." Is Nevada still in there?" Aragorn leaned his head back to catch a glimpse of the inside of the room, frowning when he found it empty.

" She is taking a bath right now, Sir," the healer responded.

" Do you know if she will be all right?" he asked." Her wound, I mean."

Tar¡ winced." My healing instructor did not say, but it looked to be a very bad wound."

Aragorn nodded." How long will it take to heal?"

" From the way it looked, it could take as long as two weeks, maybe more," she looked at him regretfully.

The Man's eyes widened slightly, but he thanked her and let her walk away. Two weeks, he thought with dismay. That was more time than they had; they could not tarry here for that long. What are you going to do, his mind whispered to him, when the time comes to leave and she's not any better? The thought of leaving her here did not settle well with him at all. It felt wrong to leave her behind. It struck him as wrong to leave any of them behind, but leaving Nevada behind felt even worse. He could not do that to her, but if she did not become better in time, she would be a liability. Her injury would slow them down, and should they ever come under attack...Aragorn swallowed hard at the thought. He did not know if he had the heart to deny Nevada continuance with the Fellowship, not after everything that had happened.

So deep was Aragorn in his discouraging thoughts that he did not notice the appearance of a rather stout dwarf with a fierce scowl on his face.

" Aragorn, son of Arathorn, if you do not answer me this moment-"

" Yes, Gimli? I was just thinking, I apologize," Aragorn replied, trying to quell the mass of bad feelings swirling around in his head concerning Nevada.

" Too busy with your head in the clouds," Gimli snorted, shaking his head." Are you coming with?"

" Coming with where?" the Man asked, face clouding with puzzlement.

The Dwarf spent a long moment giving an irritated stare at the human, who could not help the quirk of his lips into a smile." The Elves are taking us to the place where we are sleeping, and the others have already left. Are you coming with me to catch up to the blasted fellowship?"

Aragorn turned his head and looked in the half open doorway where Nevada was regretfully." Perhaps we should wait for Nevada-"

" She will be awhile, lad, the healers are still with her," Gimli replied." Now I am tired and famished, ranger, so let us move."

The Man reluctantly nodded and followed the short Dwarf down the hall. They only had to walk a short distance before reaching the piece of land and shelter reserved strictly for them. Merry, Pippin, Sam and Frodo were pulling out blankets and pillows given by the Elves, and making beds for themselves under the soft glow of the hanging lanterns above their heads. They passed by Liana, who recently looked as if she, too, had bathed. Her golden brown head gleamed like his and her hair hung down her back in fine, wet ropes. She was speaking to an Elf, who was handing her pale yellow fabric, and when Aragorn and Gimli passed by she looked up. Aragorn nodded to her, then stopped walking when she made her way over.

She looked up at the human, then asked in a vaguely puzzled tone," Where is Nevada?"

" She is still at the healers," Aragorn responded. He didn't have the heart to speak of Nevada's condition and worry Liana with the prospect of leaving her here; the Faerie's eyes were clouded with enough turmoil.

Liana nodded her thanks, hesitated, then added," How are you doing?"

Aragorn blinked at her, then smiled." My body aches something fierce, and my head feels as if it is being split apart by ten thousand Dwarven hammers, but other than that, I will live." She laughed quietly and swiftly, to his gratification." And you, Liana?"

Her laughter died and she just smiled, but it was a sad one." I, too, have seen better days." She paused, then spoke again, her voice sober." I want to thank you for leading us thus far, Aragorn." Her eyes met his and held them, and he was once again aware of just how old these Faeries were. The look of approval and affection in her tawny depths humbled him and made him shift a bit." You're an excellent companion, and I admired your courage in Moria. I want to thank you for saving Nevada's life, as well. That, also, was enough to convince me that you won't do too bad at all upon the throne," a twinkle came in her eye and she smiled slightly.

He smiled in return and placed a hand on her thin but strong shoulder." And I admired your tenacity and willingness to lay your life down for every one of us. I look forward to continuing the journey with you, as well, and am honored to fight alongside you in this war." Liana nodded and squeezed the hand on her shoulder affectionately, before excusing herself in the other direction.

" Where are you going, lass?" Gimli called behind her.

She lifted the yellow fabric in one of her hands as she kept walking." Changing, Master Gimli. Unless you were hoping for a show."

Aragorn laughed out loud as Gimli turned red and sputtered incoherently. The Man decided that if the day came for him to be King, he would most definitely want the Faerie leader as an ally and a close friend.

Liana smiled to herself as Gimli's protests came to her ears, becoming more far away as she stepped into the darkened woods to change. Her opinion for the Man who would become king had grown considerably, as did her awareness of what was between him and her best friend. She felt heartened that Nevada was becoming closer someone with as much valor and moral strength as Aragorn did. Aye, he had the makings of a great king.

The Faerie found a small clearing, far enough away for some privacy, yet close enough to still be able to hear their voices faintly. The moonlight was enough for her to be able to see the tall, dark trees around her, giving them and the grass at her feet an eerie glow. Giving a deep sigh, she pulled her shoes off and relished in the feeling of the soft grass beneath her toes. Her muscles ached dully, and added to the general fatigue slowing down her movements and making her mind sluggish with thoughts of sleep.

Liana removed her dirty, mud and dust ridden clothing and placed them unceremoniously in a pile on the grass, and changed into the soft, sheer fabric of the nightgown they gave her. She sighed in pleasure at the feel of the fabric against her skin, and wrapped her fingers in the sleeves of it. It hugged her form just fine, and had enough layers to keep the sheerness from being a problem. She moved to gather her dirty ones together to bring back to the Elf who offered to wash them, but stopped herself short at the sound of voices, closer than those of her companions.

Curious, she stood upright and caught a flash of a gown quite a few yards to her left. There must be a pathway there, she suddenly realized. Two Elves were walking together, and as they passed her by, she couldn't help but hear snatches of their conversation.

"...Hear about the arrival of the Fellowship? Celoth¡n says there are *Faeries* accompanying the Ringbearer. And a *Dwarf*."

Liana's back stiffened, and her eyes narrowed.

"...Do not know why they would allow those ruffians to participate. One of them would be liable to take the Ring and use it for her own devices..."

" Savages would do it, too. Thank the Valar they're not staying long. It'll be a blessing to have them out of the Lady's realm."

"...They think they'll find peace here, they're mistaken. No matter what they do, they will never be welcome, along with the blasted Dwarf."

" Not after the death of Gandalf. 'Tis a wonder they're not happy with his demise..."

Liana gaped after the couple, her body rigid with fury. Tears of helpless anger and unwanted shame stung her eyes, and her fists were clenched painfully. How *dare* they say things like that? What gave them the right? She wanted to snarl with contempt at them, find them and confront them, insult them just as much as they insulted her.

She was used to the humiliating remarks. She had been the object of them many times in her childhood and in her dealings with other countries. She was used to being ignored and thought of as ignorant or useless as a leader because she was a Faerie, by Elves, even Men. She also knew that they were not just at fault; Faeries delivered their own harsh and degrading remarks in turn. But she would never get used to them. Every time was just as degrading as the last; and every remark hurt, no matter how much it was heard. She knew it was true for anyone subjected to prejudice.

But for them to even *consider* that her or Nevada would by happy at Gandalf's death made her sick. Liana sat down heavily on a large, rough rock, and could do nothing but stare at the ground and struggle with her emotions. She gritted her teeth and her breath quickened with the effort. She hated them for their degrading words; hated how much each race couldn't stand each other. Legolas flashed through her mind, and she sucked in a breath painfully. She knew he cared, and it hurt. He cared a lot, and it frightened her. She was growing attached to him, and that scared her even more. Was she willing to care back and face all that hatred?

Her mind raced with doubt, confusion, and frustration, and she bit her lip to keep them all back. She thought back to Gandalf, and made a sound of misery. She wanted him here; she wanted to see his kind blue eyes, that absurdly comforting pointed hat of his. A harsh sob escaped from her, the only sound in the lonely woods, and it horrified her. Anger clashing with the blinding grief of the loss of Gandalf left her shaking and fighting tears, and she knew it would be a long while before she would return to the Fellowship.

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Pippin stretched himself out on the soft blanket the kind Elven woman had given him, and munched happily on his late supper. He hadn't tasted food this good since...since home. A brief pang of longing for the Shire filled him, and his face became a bit desolate before brightening again. He would see it again, but until then he would be fine with company of his cousin, Sam, and Frodo.

The young hobbit heard the slight snoring of Gimli a few feet away, and watched as Aragorn set himself down and brought out his sword. Pippin watched him as he began to clean it, his concentration on the weapon absolute.

" Hey, Pippin," Merry sat down on his pillow and peered down at his cousin." Can you hear them?"

Pippin took another bite of pastry and asked through his mouthful," Hear vhat?"

" The Elves, Pip," Merry responded. The young hobbit swallowed and sat up. He cocked his head to the side and strained his hearing until, faintly, he could hear beautiful female voices singing what sounded like a very sad song.

" I hear them!" Pippin gasped.

Legolas found the two listening to the song with rapture, and smiled slightly to himself. He slowed down with his pitcher and water, and informed them," A lament for Gandalf."

Merry looked up, his expression more sober than before." What do they say about him?"

The Elf felt grief slowly roll through him, and he stared down at the hobbit with regret." I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near." Merry nodded in understanding.

Sam shook his head mournfully as he listened to the song, talking as he continued to fix his blankets and pillow." I bet they don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them," he said, remembering Bilbo's birthday party and how awesome the fireworks display was that night, all because of Gandalf. As though suddenly inspired, Sam stood up and recited:" The finest rockets ever seen. They burst in stars of blue and green."

Aragorn looked up from his sword and at Sam to hear the rest of his poem, but found the last verse to be unintelligible. Gimli's snoring was in his right ear, and made it hard to hear. Looking over in irritation, Aragorn reached over and hit the Dwarf smartly on the chest. Gimli started and opened his eyes in shock.

" Or after thunder, silver showers," Sam continued." Came falling like a...rain of flowers. Oh, that does not do them justice by a long road," he finished in frustration.

" You'll think of something good later, Sam, I'm sure of it," Frodo assured him with a sad little smile.

Pippin continued to tilt his head and listen to the Elven women sing with a smile." Liana should be here to listen to this. She'd like it."

Legolas looked over sharply." She has not yet come back from changing?"

Merry shook his head." No, but I'm sure she'll come back when she's ready. She might've even gone to check on Nevada." The hobbit wasn't particularly worried because he knew she could take care of herself, and besides; there was no danger here.

The Elf had not seen her, for he had been coming from that direction to get water. Frowning to himself, he set the pitcher down and walked towards the woods.

Pippin looked over at Merry with interested green eyes." I think he's gone after her."

Merry allowed himself a small smile, and snatched one of the carrots from Pippin's plate, ignoring his cry of protest." She'll be fine, then."

Aragorn watched Legolas go and stood up himself, satisfied that he'd bring Liana back. He had a feeling he knew why she was away so long, anyhow. The Man sheathed his sword before stepping out of their area of shelter, and stretched his limbs. His eye caught a lone figure sitting on a broad log and, frowning, Aragorn walked up to it.

" Take some rest, Boromir," Aragorn suggested. His uneasiness with the Man had abated since their fight in Moria, and he harbored much of nothing for him, at least for now.

Boromir shook his head slowly. "I shall find no rest here." His eyes found Aragorn's, and they were troubled and dark." I heard a voice, inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, even now, there is hope left, but I cannot see it." Boromir shook his head again, and his voice became grave." It is long since we had any hope. My father is a noble man, but Izual is failing, and the people lose faith. My father looks to me to set it right, and I would do it," he nodded vehemently, as if trying to make Aragorn understand." I would see the glory of Gondor restored." The Man's eyes grew distant; warm with the fondness of memories. His tone became wistful and soft." Have you seen it, Aragorn? The white tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze." He turned to look at the ranger, whose eyes were guarded and face solemn." Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

Aragorn looked at spot on the grass, a feeling of bitterness welling up inside him. Gondor." I have seen the White City," he finally replied." Long ago."

Boromir watched Aragorn for a moment, then added with a slight smile," One day our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard will take up the call, the lords of Gondor have returned!"

For some reason, the thought left Aragorn sickened.

Boromir would have added more, but voices to their immediate left caught their attention. Two females turned the corner, one a brunette, and the other...looked like Nevada. *Was* that Nevada? Aragorn stared, recognized the long, wavy black hair, and decided that it was her but...she was wearing a dress. A nightgown to be exact.

Stunned, the two Men watched her limp slowly by with the help of the Elven woman. They stopped a few feet away, and the healer handed Nevada two small vials of liquid and cream and spoke to her about them. Aragorn sat back and took in the sight of seeing Nevada in a dress. The material looked light and soft, the color a shimmering gray that brought out the vibrant purple of her eyes. Her hair spilled down her back and was in the process of drying, giving a slight curl to the ends. But the most noticeable feature was the sheerness of the material she was clothed in. It was layered, but nonetheless showing the faint outlines of her arms, legs, and her stomach. He was struck with how slender she was; how delicate looking, but he knew how fierce her spirit was, as well as her fighting ability. Aragorn was also struck with how enchanting this woman was.

" Have you ever seen a more beautiful creature?" Boromir murmured next to him, and Aragorn gave him a sharp look. The man didn't see him, however, as he was staring at her just as surely as he had been. No matter how much Aragorn agreed with him, it still made him uncomfortable to catch him staring. But why should it? a voice whispered to him. You were staring, as well. What was so unsettling about having someone else look at her? Why did that bother him?

The Elven healer left Nevada, and she stood, frowning down at the vials in her right hand. She evidently spotted the men, because she looked up and smiled slightly." Miss me?"

Aragorn stood up with Boromir and both walked swiftly to her. Scowling to himself, Aragorn said aloud," Boromir, could you set up a bed for Nevada so it's ready when she gets there?"

The Man stiffened slightly and cast an unreadable look towards Aragorn. He thought the man of Gondor would refuse him for a moment, but Boromir relented and walked away with a nod towards Nevada.

" I'm not bedridden," Nevada immediately told Aragorn." I don't need-"

" I know," Aragorn chuckled." I just thought you would appreciate some sleep later on." She nodded her thanks. Aragorn's eyes sweeped lightly over the gown again." Nice-"

" Don't say it," Nevada interrupted, a warning flashing through her eyes.

Aragorn held up his hands in defense." I was just going to remark that it looks very lovely on you."

Nevada blinked and stared at him for a long moment, until his face became amused and she in turn made a face at him." Thanks. It feels really nice, too. I think it's silk."

" Is that your medicine?" Aragorn asked, pointing to the vials in her hand.

She nodded and grimaced." Yeah. I'm supposed to apply the cream to my knee three times a day, and take the liquid for the pain. I took some before, and it doesn't hurt as much as it did, but I'm going to take some more before I go to sleep. Can't let this stuff go to waste." She caught Aragorn's worried look, and tilted her head." What?"

Aragorn opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. How did he approach her with this? He sighed, figuring she'd appreciate the straight-forward way." One of the younger healers said it might take you as long as two weeks to heal," he said quietly, his mood darkening with every word.

Nevada gave him a confused look." Two weeks? What makes you think that?" she half laughed." You must have been speaking with Tar¡."

" Tar¡?" Aragorn asked in puzzlement. His heart started to thud hopefully, that maybe he was wrong and it wouldn't take that long. They wouldn't have to leave her behind.

" A new healer," Nevada waved her hand in a distracted way." No, it won't take two weeks for this to heal," she chuckled." No more than four days is what the healer told me. I should be good as new before we have to leave."

Aragorn let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Relief flooded him, and he smiled." That is good news. Are you hungry?"

She shook her head." They fed me while I was there."

" Wonderful." In an explicitly better mood than before, Aragorn straightened up and offered her his arm. When she raised a cynical eyebrow at him, he smiled smugly." Allow me to show you to your sleeping quarters, my lady."

Nevada laughed at him and took his arm. He helped her walk to the shelter, then set her down on a blanket a few feet away from the hobbits.

" Nevada's back!" Pippin cried, and she found herself no the receiving end of a bear-sized hug from the little man.

" Okay Pippin, that's enough," Nevada said to him, her tone friendly. Looking around, she noticed the absence of someone important." Is Liana here?"

" She was changing, but she took too long and Legolas went after her," Pippin explained, much to Nevada's amusement.

" How's your knee?" Merry asked.

" Better," she told him.

" Do you need anything else?" Aragorn asked her, his forehead creasing in worry. She shook her head, and he continued," Are you comfortable?"

" Yes I am," she told him as patiently as she could. She was touched that he was so worried, but he was starting to hover." You sound like a mother hen," she smirked.

Aragorn leaned in until their noses were almost touching, and Nevada couldn't break her gaze away from his light blue eyes. His face had never been *this* close before, and his nearness made it hard to breathe." Better to be a mother hen," he started in a low, silky voice that made Nevada swallow," then a crippled, old Faerie wearing a dress."

It had been years since Aragorn had had a pillow flung at him that hard.

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Legolas moved silently through the trees, his narrowed gaze scanning the immediate dark area for traces of Liana. She wasn't making any noise, so it was more difficult to locate her. When Faeries wished to disappear, they were just as elusive as Elves. His worry started to deepen, until his silver-blue eyes spotted the pale gleam of a head. Quickly and quietly he made his way to the small clearing, and found her sitting on a rock, head bowed.

His heart thudded in his chest at the sight of her, and he couldn't take his gaze away. Her long, straight hair fell around her shoulders and obscured his view of her face, and she wore a pale yellow nightdress that wrapped around her body beautifully. The faint outline of her limbs accentuated her small frame, and the bow of her proud head made his heart ache. Her hands were hidden in the sleeves of her gown, and her position was almost defensive. Concern flooded him as it occurred to him that this was probably over Gandalf. He came closer and purposefully let his foot fall on a twig to alert her of his presence.

She jumped slightly, and her head went up and over sharply at him. She was about to rise when recognition crossed her face, and Legolas walked over before she could fully stand up. He sat down next to her and took in her guarded expression and wary golden eyes. Something had happened, and he intended to find out what. To ease her, and to appease himself, he stroked her cheek with his thumb, which only succeeded in darkening her expression with something he couldn't quite discern." What is wrong?" he asked softly.

She stared at him for a long time, then to her mortification her lip quivered and she had to look away. Legolas reached over to grasp her chin lightly and force her to look at him. A flash of defiance went through her eyes, and he smiled slightly." What do you want from me?" she asked then, and his worry returned at the roughness of her voice. She had been crying, as well, and that tugged terribly on his heart.

" What happened?" he asked, just now noticing the dry tear tracks on her cheeks. He kept his fingers under her chin and matched her stare, giving her his quiet support for her to speak. She looked away for a moment and lifted her left hand to tuck her hair behind her ear. The Elf caught a flash of red, and quick enough to startle the Faerie, he let go of her chin and grabbed her hand. Instinctively, she pulled it away, but he held on.

" Legolas, it's not-" she shook her head, and stopped when he pried her fingers open. The Elf's expression darkened considerably at the four bloody crescent shaped lines on her palm. He reached down for her right hand and found the same thing on her right palm." What happened to make you do this?" his voice was quiet, deadly, and for a brief moment it frightened Liana.

She couldn't lie to him, so she reluctantly spoke the truth." I overheard two Elves speaking about the Fellowship, namely Nevada and myself, and Gimli. They said some cruel things, and it angered me. I didn't want to come back upset, so I stayed until it passed."

" What sort of things did they say?" he asked, his head still bowed. He refused to let go of her hand, and was now stroking the bloody marks, a soothing touch that made her shiver slightly. He could've asked anything at that moment and she would've told him. No matter how she felt, just being near him was intoxicating sometimes.

Legolas closed his eyes and clenched his jaw as she relayed to him what was said between the two Elves. A wave of anger coursed through him at their callous words, and how much he knew it hurt her to hear them. When she finished, he stayed still for long, rigid seconds." I am sorry that their words hurt you," he finally said, and truly meant it." If I could take them back-"

" But you can't!" Liana told him forcefully. He looked up and at her as she spoke." They meant every word, both you and I know it. They despise without even knowing us, and I know we are at fault for the same!"

" They have not met you, or Nevada," Legolas shook his head and put a hand behind her head, feeling the smoothness of her hair." Once they meet you-"

" It will not matter," Liana cut him off fiercely, matter of factly." Elves and Faeries have met before and still hated. Just as it is with you and Dwarves. It's something that would take centuries to change."

He was silent for long minutes, before he spoke again." What is this really about, Liana?" Legolas asked gently, although he already had a good idea.

She reached up and wrapped her fingers around his wrist, pulling his hand back from her head. She went to push his hand away, but found that she couldn't do it. Her heart aching, she watched his hand moved to engulf her own. Her mouth opened, than closed, than opened again." Us. You. I-this is so...confusing, and frustrating. I didn't ask to feel this way," she gritted out painfully." I don't even know how I feel. But this, confronted with that hate, made me think..."

" You are afraid," he told her quietly, and she froze." I am an Elf, of the same race that just told you that you would use the Ring against Frodo. That you would never be welcome here. I cannot imagine the position this put you in, but I want you to know this, Liana." He kept his eyes on hers and brought her hand up to his lips. Legolas kissed each crescent shaped cut on her palm, and watched her eyes go wide and dark in the moonlight." You will never have to face that alone. I promise."

Liana's breath shuddered in her lungs and her heart constricted. She felt wild relief that he understood, and another emotion completely foreign to her mind. Liana freed her hand and reached up to cradle his cheek and stroke the soft skin of his jaw. She gave him a tentative smile." You're beautiful among them, you know that?" she told him, and he watched her, his gaze unreadable." They all pale in comparison to who you are. Thank you." Liana stood up and pulled him up with her. Before they left, Legolas pulled her in and gathered her in his arms.

His heart raced at what he had discovered, but he knew it was too soon to tell her. For now, he'd relish in the feeling of her arms going around his waist to return the hug, and having her lithe body close to his." You're most welcome," he whispered in her ear, feeling her smile.

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