Author's note: Hello! I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving break, and to those who don't do the Thanksgiving thing :) I hope you had a good weekend. It's December, woo! Christmas break is coming up, and also the end of finals, yay! Jen and I have to start worrying about that, since finals are just around the corner for both of us. Okay, on with other things - welcome to 24! Let me just say that although Liana is leaving, she will not be absent from the story - we will follow her journey, as well, so she will have a part in the story, don't worry! Another thing that we did a while back that I haven't announced yet *sheepish smile* is revisions to chapter 1. We reread it, decided it sucked, and revised the whole chapter. It is now longer, more politically correct, and we think you'll enjoy the tidbits we added. One more thing that xoxo brought up in her last review (thank you for it, by the way *grins*) was Aragorn's age. Yes, he's 87. Why does he look so freaking handsome still? Because of his bloodline - Aragorn is a descendent of the Numonereans. This line of men and women were started with Elros, Elrond's twin brother who chose mortality over immortality, so yes, Aragorn does have a faint brush of elven blood in him, as do all Numonereans. Because of this, they age a lot slower than normal humans, and they don't show their age until much later in life. These people can live up into their 200's, so Aragorn is relatively a man in the prime of his life, looking only around his mid thirties. So that should explain why he can look so young and be so old compared to us. Well! I think that's enough gabble for now - and thank you all so much for your reviews, we love you guys! And remember - keep those reviews comin'!

I knew that this moment would come in time

That I'd have to let go and watch you fly

I know you're coming back so why am I dying inside

Are you searching for words that you can't find

Trying to hide your emotions but eyes don't lie

Guess there's no easy way to say goodbye

So I'll be standing at the edge of the earth

Hoping that someday you'll come back again

I'll be standing at the edge of the earth hoping for someday

Don't misunderstand what I'm trying to say

I don't want to let you leave this way

I want you to know that I stand right by your side - Standing At the Edge of the Earth, by Blessid Union of Souls

Chapter 24

The dawn came swift and merciless for Liana, and she stared at its glory with a baleful, solemn eye. Normally she took pleasure in watching the sun rise and the colors it brought with it, but at that moment, she hated it. If only she could have a few more hours of darkness, time that she could spend being amongst the fellowship...she shook her head and buried the side of her face against the pillow, inhaling its sweet, clean scent. She felt someone stir next to her, and her eyes opened again. Her vision registered black hair first, and it was so close to her face she had to blink a few times to get it into focus. Her gaze shifted up and over, and she found a pair of vibrant violet eyes watching her calmly. Liana sighed imperceptibly and smiled tiredly at her friend, who smiled a little back.

" Morning," Nevada greeted her, and her tone was so dismal Liana had to laugh.

" Not good, is it."

" No." Nevada rubbed her left eye with the palm of her hand before letting it drop. Her eyes went from Liana to the 'ceiling' of their makeshift home, which was really the underside of large tree roots, and stayed there for a few seconds before shifting back." Liana..."

The lighter haired girl reached up with her arms and stretched, feeling her muscles pull briefly before she relaxed and laid her head back again, staring into her friend's eyes for a moment." Yes?" Nevada's mouth opened, but she couldn't seem to find the words to say. Liana nodded in understanding." I know what you're thinking about. That was a really bad scene last night, and I'm sorry for some of the things I said." Her face turned melancholy and she bit her lip." I feel pretty bad for getting angry with you when you didn't deserve it. If I was in your position, I would have been just as upset."

Nevada stayed quiet for long minutes, feeling a rush of grief that in less than a few hours, Liana would be gone." Don't worry about it," she told her, smiling sadly." I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have...goaded you like I did. But let's put it behind us, all right? It would be pretty stupid if we didn't." Liana smiled, and nodded.

" I'm still glad we did this," Liana whispered to Nev." Despite everything, even Gandalf's death...I'm glad we decided to come."

Nevada smiled shakily and blinked back a few unwanted tears." Me, too."

Aragorn watched the two contrasting colored heads lean in as the girls talked quietly to themselves. He regarded both with affection; one with a glad heart, the other with morose. Liana's departure today would be a sad one, but he knew in his heart that they would be seeing her again. He was not overly worried about her, just looking forward when it would be they would meet next. He also knew that she would be able to fix whatever problems there were in Ciel; from the time he knew her, Liana proved to be strong willed and attentive to her duties, as well as a good friend and an overall charming person. He had faith that she would do well in her country.

Motion to the man's left alerted him to visitors, and not too far off he could see Elven servants coming their way bearing breakfast. Feeling his stomach respond to the sight, Aragorn looked over and nudged at the nearest body.

Gimli snorted in his sleep and started awake at the push, and was grabbing for his axe when a calloused hand stopped him." It's all right, Gimli," he heard Aragorn chuckle." I was waking you for breakfast."

Gimli sighed in aggravation and sat up slowly." You could've warned me first," he growled." You know better than to startle a warrior out of sleep, as you are one yourself, lad."

" My apologies," Aragorn grinned. Gimli balked at the sight of the man's cheery smile, and looked towards the direction of the food instead. The hobbits were beginning to stir under the faint, tangible smells of the food, as well. Frodo gave forth a large yawn, and Sam accidentally elbowed Pippin in the side, who in turn hit Merry.

" What was that for?" Merry inquires sleepily, rubbing at his side.

" S' for hitting me," Pippin mumbled into his pillow.

" What?" Merry blinked and struggled to become more awake." I never hit you!"

" Sure you did," Pippin argued back, his tone becoming vaguely puzzled." I saw you, or someone..."

" Well you weren't lookin' at me, cousin, because I didn't hit you," Merry told him, and drove his point home with a smack of his pillow against Pippin's back. The young hobbit yelped and made a grab for his pillow in defense.

" I believe it was Master Gamgee that hit Pippin," Liana declared, her head tilted up and back from her pillow to look at them.

Pippin paused in mid throw, then set his pillow down and frowned down at Sam." But he's still asleep."

" He probably nudged you in his sleep without knowing it, Pip," Frodo told the hobbit languidly, still in the process of waking up.

" I told you it wasn't me!" Merry crowed, holding up his pillow in triumph.

" Gentlemen! Let's settle down," Aragorn called to the two standing hobbits, just as Sam blinked a few times and sat up. He didn't see the pillow swing behind him, but Aragorn did. He shook his head severely at Pippin, who stopped the pillow in midswing and sighed gloomily. Sam, oblivious to it all, perked up at the sight of the Elven servants coming up with food." Oh wonderful, just in time for breakfast."

Nevada laughed softly at him, then sat up in bed to face Liana. Her expression sobered when she continued their previous conversation." So what are you going to do now?" she inquired in a low, quiet voice.

Liana's amusement died, and her eyes briefly shifted over to where Legolas stood, talking down to Aragorn who was still seated. Her throat constricted as she watched the sunlight filter through his hair, a halo of glinting blonde that made her want to dive her fingers into it. He looked so exquisitely gorgeous it made her heart ache, and the thought of leaving him felt incredibly wrong. She already felt guilty for unintentionally hurting him the night before, and she knew she couldn't leave until she fixed what she had done.

" Liana?"

Reluctantly, she tore her eyes away from the vision a few feet away into Nevada's concerned, deep violet eyes." What are you going to do?"

" I have to tell him," she said in a low voice." I can't leave until I do. It wouldn't be fair if I didn't just because I was nervous."

Nevada smiled." Butterflies?"

Liana cracked a weak smile of her own." A tornado of butterflies is what it feels like. Who would have thought this would be so difficult?"

" I wouldn't know." Nev looked down for a moment, then up again and tucked a few stray strands of dark hair behind a pointed ear. She met Liana's golden gaze for a few silent moments, aware of the growing commotion behind them over the breakfast plates, and spoke over the din but quiet enough so it was between the two of them." I just want you to know that...it makes me happy to see you happy. I know he makes you happy, because when you're around him, you're...radiant. More than I have seen you like in, well...centuries." She shook her head fondly and smiled." I've seen the way he is around you, and...to me, it's like he's not even an Elf anymore. Just a man in love. I'm glad you have him," she ended affectionately, and Liana couldn't contain the elated grin on her face. She hugged Nevada tightly, grateful for her friend's approval because she was one of the few people who meant more than the world to her. Liana pulled back after a few more seconds, still smiling delightedly and looking much younger than her twenty-one thousand years.

" That means a lot, especially coming from you," Liana ended playfully, and Nev swatted at her. She looked up, as if first smelling the delicious aromas coming from the breakfast trays, and said," I wonder what's for breakfast. Shall we eat?"

" Can you see what's on the trays?" Pippin asked to anyone listening, straining his neck to see what was steaming from the silver platters the Elves were holding.



" It smells like sausage," Merry supplied, and then inhaled deeply some more." And...those leaf pancakes we had the other day."

" Ohh, those were delicious!" Pippin exclaimed happily." I don't suppose you know what the drinks would be in the cups, would you?"

Merry leveled him a long look before replying." No, Pip. Could be river water, for all I know."

The Elves brought down the platters for the fellowship, and the hobbits scooted closer as their food appeared. Their eyes widened as more of the trays came down, laden with pancakes, sausages, fruits and muffins that made their stomachs growl.

Their hands began to reach for the food when Gimli's voice cut in." Don't be eating all the good food, young lads," the dwarf growled. He pushed Merry to the side and made room for himself." Others have to eat, you know."

" They have apple juice!" Pippin fawned, and made a grab for the pitcher before another hand grabbed it.

" I haven't had apple juice in years," Nevada lifted it and poured herself a glass. She turned to Liana and held it out." Would you like some?"

" Of course," Liana responded politely, grinning to herself at the look on Pippin's face." Thank you." She poured herself some, then set it down and watched hobbit sized hands grab for it again.

Nevada took a drink of the apple juice and closed her eyes." That is some tasty shit," she marveled with a smile. The retreating Elves who heard her turned slightly with horrified expressions, causing Liana to choke on her drink and Nev's smile to turn smug.

Aragorn shook his head, his fork still held up to his mouth." I have never heard a fouler mouth than yours, Nevada."

" Got a problem with that?" Nev asked, an eyebrow raised.

" If you keep that language up, they will never invite us to stay here again," Legolas put in smoothly as he sat gracefully down.

" What is the big ass deal?" Nevada asked, becoming angry." It was just one damn swear word!"

" That was two, Miss Nevada," Pippin supplied.

She blinked." I did not mean to do that. When did this become such a problem?"

" The beginning of the Second Age, I believe," Liana told her.

" Why the hell hasn't anybody told me about this before?!" Nevada demanded." How long have you known, Liana?"

" Since the beginning of the Second Age," Liana confirmed with a nod." I thought you knew."

" How would I know?!" Nevada cried.

" You're the one doing the cursing, I figured you would have realized what was coming out of your mouth," Liana told her dryly.

Before Nevada could reply, Aragorn reached down, grabbed a muffin, and held up her hand. He slapped the muffin into it and told her in a serious tone," Here. Eat this."

Nevada stared at it for a moment, then slowly brought it up to her mouth. Giving the human a strange look, she started to eat the muffin slowly.

" Maybe that will shut the lass up," Gimli grumbled.

" Hey!" Nevada retorted through a mouthful of muffin. She swallowed before finishing," This is none of your business, dwarf."

" I have to listen to it, so it is my business!" Gimli said with a dark tone.

Nevada narrowed her eyes dangerously, hand still upraised and holding the muffin." Listen up, Gimli-"

Liana reached over and grabbed hold of Nevada's hand and the muffin. She brought it up to the girl's mouth and fairly shoved it in her face." Eat the muffin," she ordered." Chew it. Chew it slowly, and chew it carefully. See? It's tasty." Liana nodded Nevada's head as she chewed." Tasty muffin."

That garnered a laugh out of Aragorn, Legolas, and Frodo, and Nevada gave them an odd look as she shook her head and chewed. The meal continued quite pleasantly, with conversation flowing smoothly as they relished their breakfast. The food began to gradually disappear, until there were only a few morsels left to the mercy of the hobbits and the taller companions.

A lone sausage steamed in the middle of the silver platter, and two pairs of eyes stared it down during the latter half of a current conversation. All of a sudden, two sets of fingers reached out for either end of the sausage and grabbed hold.

" I saw it first!" Nev exclaimed.

" I believe my fingers grabbed it first," Aragorn told her matter of factly.

" Okay!" Nevada told him insultingly." I'm the injured party here, I need the protein!"

" My stomach is far bigger than yours, my lady," Aragorn retorted with a raised eyebrow.

" What's your point?" Nevada tugged on the sausage, and felt him tug back." Ladies first!"

" I do not see how that statement applies to you," Aragorn cut in calmly with a straight face.

The look on Nevada's face was priceless as she gasped at the insult, then her eyes narrowed." You're right, Aragorn. That statement fits you so much better," she crooned.

Aragorn made a growling sound deep in his throat, and the two stared each other down for long seconds. A fork came out of nowhere and stabbed down on the sausage between them, and it was ripped out of their grasp before either could do anything but follow its destination with their eyes. Gimli brought the sausage in and popped the entire thing in his mouth in one bite, and began chewing smugly.

" Pig!" Nevada burst out." That was supposed to be mine," her tone ended with a whine.

" You mean mine," Aragorn interjected, pinning her with gleaming eyes. He paused for a moment, then began chuckling to himself and shook his head." That was the silliest argument I have had in months."

Nevada laughed with him, then raised her glass in a toast." Here is to the sausage that we will never have." Aragorn laughed and raised his glass, and they clanked their glasses before drinking deeply.

" And they thought we were bad," Pippin remarked to Merry, who smiled in amusement.

Boromir shook his head at their act of childishness, and stabbed down at his pancake before resuming the rest of his breakfast, earning odd looks from a few of the hobbits.

" He doesn't seem too bright this morning," Sam muttered to Merry, who shook his head in agreement.

The meal was finished quickly after that, and more servants came back to clear the empty plates and trays from the area. The moment they had left, three other figures came from around a bend, and Liana's face darkened.

Diana, Gabriella, and Eolis walked towards the companions, who stood at their coming arrival, and every member's face dropped in some way as they came closer. Liana's heart began to pound in panic, and she looked over to Legolas nervously. I can't leave yet, I haven't told him! She thought frantically.

" It is about time to leave, princess," Diana said apologetically once they were upon them.

Liana nodded quickly." May I have another..." she shook her head for a moment, then continued," a few more minutes to say goodbye?"

The three Faeries nodded." Of course, princess," Gabriella agreed.

Liana fidgeted with her hands for a moment as they turned to leave, and she looked over to the other members with uncertain eyes. She focused on Legolas, whose eyes seemed to drill holes in hers, and she swallowed." Legolas, may I speak to you in private?"

He nodded, and the two walked off to the same small clearing they were in the last time they spoke. She watched his expectant face for a moment, and her heart pounded so loud she was sure he was able to hear it." There were some things I wanted to say last night," she began, cursing herself for the unsure tone of her voice," that I wasn't able to. I stood there for a long time thinking about what we talked about, and I realized..." She trailed off, not sure how to continue, and he spoke in her silence.

" Forgive me," Legolas shook his head. The regret in his eyes made Liana blink, and she wondered with a sinking heart whether he was going to take back his words." I did not mean to burden you with my feelings as suddenly as I did. I understand you are under a lot of pressure now, and my words did not exactly help matters. You don't have to make up your mind now," he told her, but the look in his eyes told her that he did," I just wanted to tell you how I feel. I could not let you leave not knowing."

Liana held her breath for a moment, and for a frightening instant she almost backed away and couldn't say it. Gathering her courage, she opened her mouth and prepared to just blurt it out -

" I understand that this must be terribly difficult for you." Legolas nearly rushed out, inwardly trying to keep her there as long as he could." I truly hope everything is all right in Ciel, and I know you will do a fine job in rebuilding your country. I know you will come back to us someday, and I will count the days until you do - "

" I love you!" Liana blurted out. She didn't know who was more surprised at her outburst, but it stopped Legolas dead in his words. Liana panicked at the frozen look on his face, and took in a shaky breath to explain." Legolas...I'm really sorry I couldn't say it last night. You took me by surprise, and I had to be sure that I really did before I said anything, but...I do. I have for a long time, I just didn't realize it until it was almost too late." Liana blinked back tears at the impending doom of her leaving, and her voice shook with repressed emotions as she continued." I wish so much that I was not leaving, especially now that we have sort of come out like this, but I am, and it kills me."

Legolas's heart ached with joy so great he thought it would burst, and a full smile came unhibited to his lips. Liana's look of uncertainty at his reaction made him laugh and he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her slim form. The Elf lowered his face down to hers until their noses were almost touching, and he whispered," I love you, too."

She grinned happily, and felt her heart stutter and jump when his lips came down softly against hers. Unlike the kiss the night before, this one was heartbreakingly sweet, and Legolas slid a hand into her hair and relished in its softness while he could. He froze these few minutes in his mind to remember when she was gone, and savored it until it was over.

They broke away when the sound of horse's hooves came to their ears, and Liana stared into Legolas's eyes." I will come back," she confirmed.

He gave her another brief, tender kiss on the lips and forehead, before pulling away and smiling sadly." I know. And we will be waiting. I will be waiting."

They walked back to the others, hands entwined, and the Elf felt his heart drop lower at the sight of the horses lined up near a wide path with the Faeries already on theirs. An entourage of Elves was clustered on the side, and they both recognized the royal garbs of the guards.

Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn stepped away from their guards and towards the smaller Faerie. The Lady of the Wood smiled kindly down at the melancholy woman.

" It was a pleasure to have you in our home, princess Liana," Galadriel told her in her low, soothing voice.

Liana smiled." The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for everything - you have been truly kind, and I enjoyed myself while I was here. I am sorry I have to leave so soon."

Galadriel waved it away with a shake of her head." These things cannot be helped, child. I wish you a safe journey to your home. I believe your trip will be worthwhile." Her blue eyes turned deeply sad for a moment, but then the motion disappeared before Liana could wonder why it was there in the first place.

" Thank you, my Lady," Liana nodded graciously.

Galadriel smiled suddenly, and beckoned forth an Elven maiden." I have decided against replacing the cloak you have with one of our own, since Fae cloaks are just as beneficial as ours. However, we have an Elven broach for you as a token of Caras Galadhon to bring with you to your home." The maiden holding the broach stepped forward, and proceeded to replace Liana's old broach with the new one at her neck. Liana stared down at the green and silver leaf broach, and touched it lightly, smiling a little.

" I have one other thing to give you, Liana," she told her seriously. Galadriel lifted one of her hands, hidden by the sleeves of her white gown." This is from myself, as a gift to you in honor of your integrity and virility in trials to come." Eyes blinked in confusion at her words, but she unheeded them as she lifted the sleeve of her gown and opened her hand. She gathered two ends of a silver chain in her fingers, and held them out as she stepped closer to Liana. A pendant hung in the air, and Liana didn't get a view of it until it came to rest on her upper chest. It was an oval shaped white stone entrapped within two bands of pale gold that coiled like golden curls at each end of the stone.

Galadriel clasped the hooks together behind the Faerie's neck, and while she was close to her ear, she whispered so her words could only be heard by the Faerie's ears." While there is good in the world, Liana, hope will live on. As long as you believe in that, you will see that hope is all you need sometimes." The Lady stepped back, and smiled reassuringly into the Faerie's slightly puzzled gaze, the sad light back in her eyes again." Take care, my dear. For you and Nevada are one of the few and undoubtedly one of the last Faeries to rest within the borders of Lothlorien, as our time here draws to a close. It was a treasure having you here."

" Your words mean a lot, my Lady," Liana replied. She touched the pendant laying on its flat side on her shirt briefly." Thank you very much for the gift, I will cherish it in memory of you." They smiled at each other, and Liana nodded in recognition to the beautiful Lady of the Wood before turning to the fellowship.

Seeing their faces brought unwanted feelings up again, and she fought a losing battle with the lump in her throat. Liana went to the hobbits first, kneeling down to their height and staring into their eyes. She turned to Pippin first, and her smile was sad and shaky." I am honored to have gone on this trip with you, Master Took," she told him in as steady of a voice as she could muster." Never before have I met such a curiously wonderful group of hobbits, and you made this somber trip feel more lighthearted. I enjoyed your company, Pippin." She hugged him, and the hobbit hugged her tightly back, curling his little fingers in her cloak and holding on for an extra moment or two.

" You're coming back, right?" Pippin asked, his misted green eyes filled with worry.

Liana nodded." You got it, Pippin. Even if it was just to see to your face again." He smiled, and she moved on to Merry. He regarded her more seriously, his gaze gloomy, but she knew he understood her position." I don't have to tell you to watch out for young Pip there," she told him solemnly, quietly." You're already doing a wonderful job of that. As for you, Meriadoc, I have faith in you. You put most of the people I've ever met to shame when it comes to bravery and loyalty." Merry blinked back tears, and hugged her just as tightly as Pippin had.

" You did more for us and Frodo than be an aide in battle," he told her just as somberly, in reference to their brief conversation the night before." You were a friend to him and us. That was worth more than anything."

Liana coughed lightly to cover her hitching breath, and looked over at Sam." The same thing goes for you, little gardener," she told him in a light voice." Frodo doesn't need a bodyguard, he's got you." She smiled to let him know she was kidding, and he visibly relaxed and smiled back. She hugged the chubby hobbit tight, then came to Frodo.

They regarded each other quietly for a moment, blue eyes watching gold, and Frodo nodded. No words needed to be said, for he knew what she was going through, and she knew that anything she said wouldn't change things. She hugged the little hobbit to her, and whispered to him," You don't need to hear a good luck. You have all the luck you need here." He smiled, and she wiped her eyes and stood up.

Liana hugged Boromir briefly, and patted him on the shoulder a few times, garnering a small smile from him." It is always a pleasure to travel with a Gondorian, especially with one of your prestige, Boromir. You're doing your country and your father proud."

He nodded." I have not had much dealings with Faeries, but my experiences with you and Nevada have been invaluable. I wish you the best of luck upon your return to Ciel."

" Thank you," she told him. Liana smiled as her gaze drifted down to Gimli, and she stooped to peer into his face." Master Gimli," she said, and he nodded." My opinion of Dwarves has always been on good terms, but you have certainly made them rise. Despite a few choice memories I have of you and a certain other Faerie in this group." Gimli snickered, and Liana shook her head at him." Believe it or not, I'm going to miss that."

" Prime entertainment there," Gimli confirmed with a nod, and Liana chuckled. The dwarf hesitated for a moment, then clasped arms with the female warrior." I hope your country is well," he told her gruffly, his thoughts straying into the memory of Moria and how he felt finding the destruction of his relatives." And your people."

Her lightened mood turned dark again, and she sighed." Me, too." Liana stood upright again, and found herself looking up into the silver blue eyes of Aragorn.

He had enough time to take a deep breath and let it out before speaking." We will miss you," he told her simply." It was an honor to have you on this journey. I believe Frodo picked well, and I would have no other Faerie accompany him." He watched Liana's eyes darken with tears, and he smiled gently." You will stay in our thoughts, Liana, never forget that, and we will wait for you."

She sniffed and hugged him. This ranger was such a good friend, it hurt even more to leave him than it did the others. He understood that, as he felt the same way, and briefly stroked her hair like a child's before letting go." Thank you," she told him sincerely. She hesitated before leaning in and whispering in his ear," Take good care of Nev. I know you'll watch out for her, and she'll need it." Aragorn nodded and smiled, and she smiled back brilliantly before moving on to the last and most painful goodbye she would have to make.

Nevada held her shaking hands behind her as she stared into the terribly sad eyes of her best friend, knowing her eyes were the same. She bit her lip to stop the damn trembling, and tightened her jaw against the inevitable tears." Ciel will be okay once you get there," she told her as calmly as possible.

Liana nodded wordlessly, and they watched each other for another long minute as both were engrossed in memories from the journey and beyond that. One of the horses danced restlessly in place behind them, and the soft beckoning of one of the Faeries brought both back to reality. Liana's facade broke, and she had to cover her mouth and look away for a moment as her eyes filled." Nevada..." They both hugged at the same time, and held on tightly as they rocked back and forth for long, silent moments.

A few sniffles broke the silence, and Nev was stroking Liana's hair while Liana rubbed her back.

" You're going to be just fine over there," Nev said haltingly, her voice muffled by Liana's shoulder.

She nodded, and they pulled away, both wiping at their eyes and now wet cheeks." If I could write, I would," she joked, earning a watery laugh from Nev.

" Yeah, who knows where we'll end up in a few weeks," Nevada answered." South of the Shire, for all I know with Aragorn leading us." Liana half snorted, half sniffled in appreciation, and all Aragorn did was look on with compassion.

" I better go," Liana informed her, and reached over and squeezed Nevada's hand before letting it drop. They couldn't resist another hug, and then let go shortly after with shaky smiles and the quick dashing of a few more tears. Liana was almost to her horse, when a certain blonde archer stepped in the way. She bit her lip, not wanting to say goodbye to him again and deal with that pain again, but he wouldn't budge.

He reached over and cupped her cheek with his hand, tracing his fingers over the line of her jaw. She hitched in a breath, and with a sudden movement, wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged tightly. He pulled back, ran a hand lightly over hair, and smiled before stepping back and allowing her to get to her horse.

Liana walked with heavy steps up to Sterling, and briefly patted the horse's snout before lifting herself up and onto the horse's back. She swallowed and looked at all of them one last time, mustering up the courage to smile." You will all be in my thoughts while I am away, and take care!" With a slight tug on the reigns, Sterling shifted directions and began slowly trotting after the other horses down the wooded path.

Nevada watched bleakly as the horse and its rider became smaller down the path, and as the path and Liana began to veer off to the right, she took a few steps to her right and craned her neck to get a last glimpse of Liana before she disappeared within the trees. A sudden feeling of loss gripped her, and she fought the urge to cry at the cold emptiness Liana's departure left her with. She lost, and another tear rolled down her cheek, than another. Valar, she missed her terribly already.

A large, warm hand closed around her shoulder and rubbed reassuringly, and she sniffed and looked up at Aragorn." She will be back," he told her comfortingly. She nodded, and briefly leaned her head into his shoulder as she collected herself.

" I'll be all right," she said quietly, more to herself than him." Tomorrow. Or maybe the day after." He smiled, and led her away from the path and towards their encampment, beckoning the others to follow.

Legolas briefly looked back to the empty path, and his eyes caught the receding royal couple and their servants before turning back to the silent pathway. He already felt her absence keenly, and while it made his heart ache painfully, he also felt the joy of having her love. That was enough for now.

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

The companions stayed in Lothlorien for another four days, relishing in its peacefulness and rarely thinking of the task ahead once they left its borders. Legolas spent a lot of time within Lothlorien and away from the encampment, sometimes even bringing Gimli with him to explore the paths of the Golden Wood. Frodo's dreams went untroubled during those days, and Nevada and Aragorn spent most of it conversing, while the other hobbits basked in the food and hospitality supplied by the Lorien Elves.

The day to leave Lothlorien came quicker than they had hoped, and the nine companions gathered all their possessions and abandoned the place where they stayed for Lorien's docks. There were three sleek, gray Elven boats waiting for them, and Elves were stocking them with food and supplies they would need with the journey.

" This is going to be lovely," Nevada muttered darkly." And who am I boating with?"

" Well, Aragorn is with Frodo and Sam in the first boat," Gimli walked over and informed her." Boromir has Merry and Pippin in the other."

Nevada groaned, and she felt her own personal hell come crashing down on her." No..."

" There is only one boat left, lass," Gimli emphasized, a self satisfied smirk on his face." For you, myself, and the Elf."

" Shoot me now..."

" Legolas has the bow," he told her cheerfully.

Nevada's lower lip trembled, and she stared forlornly down at the dwarf." But I don't *like* you," she told him matter of factly.

Gimli shrugged." I don't like you, either." He stopped, narrowed his eyes, then asked," This is all about that sausage, isn't it?"

Nevada blinked, then laughed, breaking the depressing mood she had gotten herself into over sharing a boat with her worst enemy." Yes," she informed him seriously." And you cannot run fast enough or far enough from me once I decide it's time for you to pay."

Gimli stepped closer, and said in a conspiring tone," I just wanted to let you know that it was a good sausage. I enjoyed every bite."

Nevada glared at him." First off, you ate it all in one bite, and second - I hope you can swim." She turned her nose up at him, and turned around and walked off.

" I'd like to see you carry out that threat, Faerie!" Gimli shouted after her, and she made a rude gesture with her finger at him.

" I'll shut you up in your sleep," Nevada mumbled darkly to herself as she walked." Roll your fat ass overboard and watch you drown, you damn hairy piece of shit."

Aragorn and Legolas, who were standing a few feet away, heard every word and turned to stare after her incredulously." This is going to be an interesting boat trip," Legolas remarked, his eyes following her and then going to the dwarf.

Aragorn shook his head." Just try not to let them kill each other."

Nevada walked past a few Elves, heading towards the table of food they had set out for anyone who was hungry, noting that Sam and Pippin were already there, filling small plates with food.

" Good morning, Miss Nevada," Pippin said around a mouthful of bread and cheese.

" Morning," Nevada replied as she plucked a piece of black bread from the table and proceeded to eat it.

" You really must try the cheese, it's delicious." Nevada stopped chewing and turned around to pinpoint the voice. A tall, blonde Elf with amused green eyes watched her, and immediately she recognized him.

" Amras," she said.

He nodded and smiled." Nevada. Glad to see you can walk on your own."

She smirked." Yeah. Still a little sore, but the bandage came off the other day."

" Excellent," he remarked." Looking forward to leaving this Elf ridden place?"

She tilted her head in contemplation, then took another bite of her bread before responding." Not as much as I thought I would. But then again, I probably don't want to leave because I don't want to get into that damn boat with that stupid dwarf."

Amras laughed." I am sorry you have to endure that."

Nevada gave a long suffering sigh, then turned big, puppy violet eyes at him." Do you want to go for me?"

He shook his head." I would, my lady, but alas - I belong here, and you belong in the boat."

The Faerie sighed again." I figured as much."

Legolas moved over to the boats and began helping fellow Elves move supplies for him and the other members to use on their journey down the river. The busy work helped him take his mind off of the absence of someone important who, if she were here, would probably be either with Nevada or next to him, working and speaking cheerfully about the oncoming trip. His heart felt that absence keenly, and before the ache could settle in, Legolas forced himself to think of the task at hand, focusing on moving one package after the next into the sleek, gray boats.

" How in the hell do you get into one of these contraptions?" a familiar voice growled to his right, and Legolas sighed inwardly.

" Step into it, Gimli," he explained dryly.

The Dwarf snorted at the blonde being, more tolerant of the Elf's comments now than he had been mere days before. He would never admit it out loud, but he was becoming more tolerant of the Elf himself, probably due to the touring they had done together of Lothlorien. Gimli suspected the trips were to take the edge off of the Elf's loneliness, but Gimli couldn't be totally emotionless to Legolas's situation. So he went, and found that when they were not arguing over their heritage, the two actually got along.

" If the damn thing would stop swaying at every movement, I would get on, but seeing as it sways, I'm not going to risk anything undignified around the likes of you," Gimli shot back.

Legolas's smile was hidden in the curtain of his blonde hair, and he stood up to his full height and walked over to Gimli, who stood with his feet planted on the shore and his fists on his hips, looking ready for battle with the little boat. The Elf looked down at the boat, than the Dwarf, and said in an appeasing tone," Now, Gimli - nothing you could do here would be undignified, even if it was slipping out of the boat and falling face first in the water."

Gimli's eyes narrowed at the sarcasm, and he watched suspiciously as Legolas walked to the boat and clasped a hand around its rim to hold it steady. He reached out an arm to Gimli, who stood for a moment, than took it firmly and the Elf pulled him onto the boat. Gimli nodded his thanks, and Legolas smiled to himself before moving on to the next boat.

Merry and Pippin had already made themselves comfortable in it, Legolas noted wryly, and he turned to the other Elves and spoke to them about what would be placed in first. He learned it was food, and he nodded and grabbed packs of food. He stepped into the boat to set them down in the corner, and Merry and Pippin greeted him cheerily. He smiled, and began quickly placing the packs in the boat while Merry and Pippin watched. One of the leafed packs opened slightly under being moved, and Legolas spotted the lembas inside.

" Ah, lembas," he remarked brightly, almost to himself at the sight of the food.

" Lembas?" Pippin asked, peeking his head curiously to see. Legolas lifted it up for them.

" Elvish waybread," he explained, and they nodded. Seeing the food reminded him of how hungry he was, and Legolas took a small bite and let it do its work to sustain him for a while longer." One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man."

Merry and Pippin nodded in acknowledgement, and Legolas returned to his work. Merry looked over at Pippin, frowning slightly." How many did you eat?"

Pippin's eyes turned thoughtful as he mentally counted." Four." The hobbit took a breath in, and then burped contentedly.

Nevada took another bite of her bread, and spent a few moments watching the Elf. He looked like he wanted to ask something, but wasn't quite sure how to say it." Something you wanted to know?" she prodded.

Amras nodded, and his eyes told her he had tons of questions in store for her." How did you end up in the Fellowship?"

She chewed, swallowed, and leaned against the table before responding." My friend and I had traveled with a group to Rivendell during the Council of the Ring," she explained." We wanted to take part in it, and it just so happened that Frodo chose Liana and myself to go with him. If you want to know why, I couldn't tell you, because I don't really know myself."

He nodded." Where is your friend? I didn't see her when all of you arrived."

Nevada felt a quick, deep stab of grief, then fought to push it out of her mind." She had to leave for her country a few days back. It was under attack, and since she was their princess, she had to go back and do what she could for them."

Amras's eyes rounded, and he asked," Are you a princess too, then?"

Nevada laughed at him." Oh, no. I couldn't deal with that."

He paused, confused." Then what...what do you do?"

" I trained soldiers," she told him." And, of course, fight."

" I see. You have had much fighting experience, then."

Nevada smirked." You could say that. I've been a commander for almost eight hundred years." His eyes widened again, and she laughed." It's not that uncommon, is it?"

He shook his head." More than you would think. Who did you command under? Was it Liana?"

Nevada shook her head in turn." No, she rules an entirely different country. I was under princess Rees, while Deimos was still.intact, you could say."

" Intact?" Amras asked.

" My country was also attacked. Unfortunately.we weren't so lucky with that. Everyone died, and apparently a lot of people think I died, too," Nevada finished, recalling Gabriella and Eolis's reaction to her being alive.

" Oh." Amras's face turned sad at the news." I am sorry to hear that."

Nevada shrugged." There's nothing to be done about that now. How long have you been fighting?" she turned the tables on him, and he blinked.

" Around four hundred years," he admitted.

Nevada grinned." So, let me guess...you're not a day over five hundred, are you? Give or take a few years?" Amras nodded, and she laughed delightedly." Do you know how that would figure in Faerie years?" He shook his head." To us, you would look around the age of five."

" Really?" Amras blurted out." That rumor is true?" She nodded." So how old are you? Wait, let me guess." He watched her for a few minutes, trying to gouge her age by her appearance before coming to a conclusion." You are around eighteen or nineteen hundred, because you look about eighteen or nineteen."

Nevada's eyebrows raised." Do I look that young?"

He nodded affirmatively." To me, anyway."

" I'm a lot closer to twenty-one hundred," she admitted." About twenty-two years short of it, actually."

" I was close," he said triumphantly, and she smiled. This Elf wasn't that bad. He was actually fun to talk to, come to think of it. His face turned somber, however, at his next question." Since you do truly age that way...is it true that you send what look like children off to war?"



Nevada's expression sobered, as well." You have to remember, Amras, that they are not truly children. We do begin fighting when our appearance is still young," she told him carefully," but those who do know fully what they are doing, and are skilled fighters. The typical youngest that have been sent out to actual battle have been around twelve hundred."

" Amras looked startled." Barely over four feet tall-"

Nevada waved it away with a hand." Also the quickest young warriors I have seen, and have more strength in their arms then meets the eye. Do not judge our people by our looks, Amras," she told him seriously." Dwarves are shorter creatures, yet." she sighed as she realized she was just about to give the dwarf a compliment." They are lethal with axes, and in battle, as well. Most of it has to do with skill level, not how tall they are or how old they look. Do you understand?"

Amras nodded slowly." I see where you are coming from. I would like to one day see that, though." Nevada smiled." It would certainly be odd to behold, but interesting, nonetheless."

" I'm sure it would," she replied, greatly amused." And when you do meet the younger Faeries, remember that you are not talking to children, or else they will make you remember it through what I'm sure will be methods that are not fun for you." They shared a chuckle, and Nevada faintly heard her name being called. She turned her head at the voice, saw Aragorn beckoning her, and then turned back to Amras apologetically." I must be going. It was a surprising pleasure to speak with you."

Amras bowed, then smiled charmingly." I must say the same. I enjoyed your company. Perhaps we will meet again one day."

Nevada nodded, thinking it not likely, but she wasn't going to tell him that." One day in the future. Goodbye, Amras."

" Maara mesta, Nevada," Amras grinned cheekily back.

She stared back at him dumbly for a moment." What?"

He laughed, bringing a smile to her face. She had to admit that most Elves knew how to make a laugh sounds beautiful." It means goodbye in Quenya."

She nodded slowly." Right. I'll have to remember that."

" Say it back."

" What? No."

" You're going to have to learn the Elvish language sometime, Nevada."

" If you learn mine," she shot back.

Amras folded his arms across his chest." Deal."

" Da'ri aeziyaet mikoni," Nevada told him sweetly.

Amras shook his head over the foreign language. It did not flow as smoothly as his own - in fact, most languages did not. The few words she spoke were not sharp, but neither did they roll of the tongue; to Amras, it was a mixture of both." Is that goodbye?"

" I said 'you are bothering me,'" Nevada grinned.

Amras laughed." I will have to remember that one, as well. It should come in handy." They heard Nevada's name called again, and wrapped up their conversation." Have the Mirkwood archer teach you more Elvish, and the next time we meet, we will see how far your vocabulary has gotten."

Nevada rolled her eyes." The 'Mirkwood archer' would sooner throw himself off a boat than teach me Elvish, I'm sure. We'll see." She gave him a smile before walking in the other direction with a wave, leaving him with his Elven companions. She would remember him. If she didn't remember their conversation, than she would remember him as the cheeky young Elf from Lothlorien that asked way too many questions for his own good. Shaking her head fondly, Nev reached Aragorn, who was standing there with one hand on his hip and his lips pursed in irritation.

" What?" Nevada blinked innocently.

" I know you heard me the first time," Aragorn chided in a barely tolerant tone.

Nev snorted." You're just as upset about being stuck in a boat on a river for days like me, aren't you?"

Aragorn sighed, the growing stress of their departure and getting everything together wearing on him." Give us a hand with the food, we're almost finished packing it in the boats. Come along - if we have room, we can fit in the blankets with them." Nevada's eyes widened slightly at his curt, no-nonsense attitude, and she followed behind him, her good mood now doused.

" Someone's got a royal stick up his-"



" Nevada," Aragorn warned her, and her eyes narrowed in true irritation. His tone told her he was speaking to her like a child, and she found it very insulting.

" What is your problem?" she asked him, her own tone turning defensive and angry." One minute you are fine, and the next I'm suddenly the bad guy over speaking too long with someone. What is it with you humans and your mood changes -"

" My only problem, Nevada," Aragorn turned to face her, his eyes now shining with mild indignation," is getting everyone into the boats so we can leave and make good time before the sun sets. Sadly, we are on a time schedule, and cannot afford to have someone ignoring a request to come when time is of the essence."

Nevada took in a breath and looked up at him in astonishment and anger." For your information, Aragorn, we were saying goodbye and got caught up speaking of our languages. I was not 'ignoring a request' and I will not stand here while you treat me like I am a child, which you have no cause to do in the first place!"

Aragorn sighed, and rethought his argument with what she said. Running a hand through his wavy locks, his tired eyes met Nev's." I am sorry. I did not mean to come across that way, Nevada."

She took a minute to calm down, then nodded back." It's all right. Just a misunderstanding."

" Yes," Aragorn agreed." Shall we see to the packs?"

The corner of her mouth lifted, and she said," Why not." They took off together and proceeded to help fill the three boats to what capacity they could, before it became too much and they needed to stop for fear of weighing down the boats in the water. Once they were finished packing, the members were called over by the Elves and told to stand in a line. Three Elves carrying many gray cloaks in their arms came forward, and began passing them out to individual Elves, who each stepped in front of a fellowship member. They proceeded to drape the cloaks about the back of the companions, and clasped them with the same silver and green leaf broach Liana had been given days before, all except for Nevada, who received only the broach for her already existing cloak.

Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn stood just to the side, and both watched the ceremony with pleased eyes. Celeborn held the hand of his lady as he spoke to the fellowship members." Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes." Choruses of thank yous came from the little ones, and they couldn't help but smile fondly. The hobbits were a rare treasure to have as guests.

Once the cloaks had been given out, Lady Galadriel departed from her husband with a smile and lead another group of Elves to them, bearing gifts for the departing companions. She walked gracefully to the beginning of the line, and stood face to face with Legolas, the young prince of Mirkwood. She smiled fondly at him, and he replied with a glimmer of a smile and a nod. The Elven maiden next to her brought up his gift, and she watched the prince's eyes light up at the sight of the long Lorien bow. He took it reverently, and Galadriel's smile widened.

" My gift to you, Legolas," she informed the stunned Elf," is a bow of the Galadhrim. Worthy of the skill of our woodland kin." He brought the string back tightly to test its strength, and let it fall back slowly with a satisfied look on his face. Galadriel could think of no other deserving Elf than he of the gift - Legolas proved to be one of the most talented archers Middle Earth had seen in a long, long time. He would also prove to be the most liberal Elf she had the privilege of meeting, if future held to what she saw in her mind.

Galadriel moved on to Merry and Pippin, who stared up at her with trepidation and awe. She had to bend her head to get a good look at them, and watched their faces as they were handed shining daggers." These are the daggers of the Noldorin," she explained to them, but only Merry looked up at her as she spoke." They have already seen service in war." His eyes gleamed at that, and Pippin was still looking down at his with uncertainty. He handled the knife as if he wasn't sure he could use it, or would know how to." Do not fear, Peregrin Took," she told him soothingly, seeing the emotions clear on his face. He looked up at her, innocent green eyes doubtful, and her heart ached for him." You will find your courage."

He gave her a shaky smile, and she stepped onto the next hobbit, Sam. An Elven maiden handed the gardener a rope, and he took it, staring down at it in dismay." And for you, Samwise Gamgee, Elven rope, made of hithlain."

Sam gathered the courage to speak, his eyes darting from the ground to her." Thank you, my lady." He hesitated, looking from his rope to Merry and Pippin's daggers, and frowned to himself. He would've liked to gotten one of them - not for himself, but to protect Frodo, if he ever needed to." Have you run out of those nice, shiny daggers?" he asked hopefully. Galadriel smiled, her eyes telling him that he wouldn't be needing it.

Frodo watched the lady solemnly approach him, and his heart beat faster as she came closer. He didn't need or want a gift, but he was almost afraid as to what its nature would be. Would it be something to aide him in Mordor? The thought of Mordor sent chilling shivers up his spine, as did the thought of leaving Lorien.

Galadriel's golden hair spilled over her shoulder as she once again looked down at the young hobbit, taking in his cherub appearance - the soft lines of his face made him seem so childlike, as well as the bright shade of blue in his eyes. She grieved for this one, but she knew she could not tell him so.

" Farewell, Frodo Baggins," she said softly to him, and he looked up and held her gaze. Galadriel retrieved the gift she had for him from her pocket, and extended out her hand as Frodo did. She placed an ivory and silver phial in his hand, and he closed his fingers around its cool surface, feeling something pulsate from within it." I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places when all other lights go out," she finished sincerely and gently. Frodo looked at her gratefully, and to his surprise, she gracefully leaned over and kissed the top of his curly head.

The lady came upon Gimli next, and tried as he might to compose himself, his feet still shuffled uncomfortable in her presence. She radiated calm and wisdom, and Gimli had never felt so awe stricken with anyone else before. The lady glowed, and he felt almost unworthy to look upon her beauty, but he could not take his eyes away.

" And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?" Galadrial asked, her bright, deep blue eyes staring into his brown ones.

" Nothing," he shook his head, and she turned her head slightly, the only reaction he saw of her surprise. He looked at the ground for a moment, then looked up again at her, memorizing the lady's features and sheer tranquility. He knew that he would never see beauty such as hers again when they left Lorien's shores, and the thought saddened him greatly.

" Except to look upon the lady of the Galadhrim one last time," he said, his voice getting raspy with emotion." For she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth." Galadriel's smile widened, and she laughed joyfully, much to Gimli's delight and slight embarrassment." Well...there is one thing." His face burned slightly as he tried to find the courage to ask her." No, no, I couldn't...it is quite impossible...stupid to ask."

" Nothing you can ask of me will be impossible, Gimli," the lady smiled, a dimple appearing in one of her cheeks." What is it you wish?"

Gimli was quiet for a moment, then he said," If I may, I would ask for one hair from your golden head, my lady. That would be enough for me."

Thoroughly charmed by this Dwarf, Galadriel could not say no to his simple request. She requested a pair of scissors, and when they were fetched for her, she took it and held up locks of her hair. Instead of snipping one wavy lock, she snipped three, and placed them in a small box to give to Gimli. He took it graciously, and bowed and said his thanks. Let it not be said that Dwarves are simple minded people, Galadriel thought kindly, giving him one last smile before moving on.

The lady faced Nevada, who met her gaze thoughtfully and gave her a nod. Galadriel beckoned for another Elven maiden, who brought forth Nevada's gift. Galadriel took it in her hand, and held each separate end of the necklace." My gift to you, Nevada of the late Deimos, is a token of our gratitude for all that you will do and have done, not only for your country, but for the rest of Middle Earth, as well." Oddly enough, tears stung in Nevada's eyes at the heartfelt words and the mention of her country, and she could only nod and watch as Galadriel reached around with slim, pale arms and clasped the necklace together. She fixed the silver chain so it was under the cloak, and the pendant laid against her chest between the cloak and her shirt. She touched the pendant: a beautiful snowflake wrought in silver and black with marcasite gems to make it sparkle.

" Thank you, my lady, this is gorgeous," Nevada said with a smile.

" May it be a reminder of your home," Galadriel told her warmly. Nev's confused gaze followed her as the fair lady walked to Aragorn in a whisper of white and pale gold.

My home? Nevada mouthed to herself, clearly puzzled. It never snowed in Deimos - hell, it hardly snowed in any of the Fae countries, except for maybe two.

As she dwelled in her own thoughts, Galadriel walked up to Aragorn solemnly. He gave her a gracious nod, and she smiled. She spoke on Elvish to keep their conversation to themselves." I have no greater gift to give you than your companions, Aragorn, son of Arathorn." Aragorn stiffened at the name, and Galadriel took note of it." Your companions are all you will need from here on out."

" They are more than enough for me," he told her, sharing the same mutual understanding that he needed no other weapons or gifts to know that Galadriel meant him the best of wishes and luck on the journey.

Galadriel turned solemn." As you know, you have your own choice to make, Aragorn. To rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil...or to fall into the darkness with all that is left of your kin." Aragorn's eyes clouded with inner turmoil at the reminder of his fate, and the weight of those responsibilities came back to him full force, even though they had never left. Galadriel took sympathy at the plight in his gaze, but she had one more thing to say.

" Do not wait, Aragorn."

His blue eyes turned puzzled." For what, my lady?"

Instead of answering, she merely smiled." Most people never realize how much they care about something until it is no longer in their grasp. Do not be the same," she told him softly. Galadriel looked kindly at his still faintly confused expression, and rested a hand briefly on the man's rough cheek." Farewell. There is much you have yet to do. We shall not meet again, Elessar."

Aragorn looked at her solemnly and said his own heartfelt farewell, and she departed with a sad smile. The man was aware of Lord Celeborn stepping towards him, and he turned.

" Aragorn, may I speak with you in private?" he asked cordially, his voice fair and wise.

The ranger nodded." Of course, my lord."

" Walk with me, if you will," Celeborn invited with a sweep of his hand, and Aragorn fell in step with the silver haired Elven lord. They walked silently until they were far enough in the wood to keep the conversation private, with the Elven lord's hands clasped behind his back and Aragorn's clasped in the front.

The wise Elf spoke suddenly." Every league you travel south, the danger will increase." He cast a knowing blue eye at Aragorn, who nodded at the affirmed knowledge." Mordor Orcs now hold the eastern shore of Anduin...nor will you find safety on the western banks." Aragorn's face darkened at the news."

Celeborn unclasped his hands and reached into the pocket of his robe. He pulled out a wickedly curved hunting knife, and handed the gleaming blade to Aragorn. His voice became matter of fact, and his Elven gaze held Aragorn's in the seriousness of their conversation.

" Strange creatures bearing the White Hand have been seen on our borders. Seldom to Orcs journey in the open under the sun, yet these have done so," the Elven lord stressed. Celeborn paused for a moment, then his voice turning swift and full of warning as it switched to Elvish." You are being tracked." Just as quickly, he switched back to Westron, and continued his speech." By the river you have the chance of outrunning the enemy to the falls of Rauros."

Aragorn took in the news with dread, and nodded." Thank you, my lord. We will be ever watchful."

The time to leave drew very near, and it was not long before all the boats were packed, including the people in it. Aragorn took a boat with Frodo and Sam; Boromir was in another with Merry and Pippin, and Legolas, Gimli, and Nevada were in the last boat.

The Elves waved farewell to them and called out in fair voices, and a few of the hobbits waves enthusiastically back until they were out of sight. Frodo saw one last glimpse of Lady Galadriel in the wood, and she raised a hand in farewell to him. His heart warmed, and he waved back and turned back around to the face the river that would become their home for many days.

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

Orthanc stood tall and dark against the horizon, a forbidding presence that sent all who looked upon it into shudders. A large ring around it that used to be filled with trees was now bare and black for the purpose of Orcs and the making of war, and Saruman was proud of it.

The tainted white wizard stepped away from the survey of his lands, and turned at the snarling sound of a beast standing next to him. He was met face to face with his own creation, a disgusting, sickeningly powerful monster with eerily pale yellow eyes, long hair and a sinewy, well-muscled form. Its breath steamed out of its nostrils, and it scared directly at its twisted creator with inbred malice.

" Do you know how Orcs first came into being?" Saruman asked quietly, but powerfully." They were Elves once."

The beast snarled again, and Saruman smiled slightly at the responding hate. It filled him with black, malicious glee."" Taken by the dark powers, tortured, mutilated. A ruined and terrible fall of life. And now perfected." A dark smile graced the wizard's face, and his eyes swept over the powerful, evil being with the appreciation of a master over his work." My Fighting Uruk-hai. Whom do you serve?"

The Uruk-hai bared his wicked teeth and growled out in a guttural voice," Saruman!"

Saruman felt that hateful glee return, and he swept down to the bowels of Orthanc with the Uruk-hai to witness the preparation of his men. Uruk-hai were being branded with the white hand of Saruman on their faces, and after each branding followed a scream of hatred and hostility.

All around him, the beasts were being fitted into armor, weapons slapped into their hands, and more bellows of rage echoed in the deep cavern. Saruman summoned them all when they were finished, and stood tall staring down at his army. They all held torches against the dark of the night, and stared up at their master. Saruman felt a swell of power, and his voice boomed out to greet them.

" Hunt them down! Do not stop until you have found them. You do not know pain, you do not know fear. You will taste man-flesh!" A roar went through the cavern, and the bloodthirsty Uruk-hai pumped their torches and weapons up and down. Saruman surveyed them once before turning and facing Lurtz, his chosen captain for the Uruk-hai.

" One of the halflings carries something of great value," he told the beast." Bring them to me alive, and unspoiled." His voice dropped to a chilling low.

" Kill the others."

*Santa puts people on his nice list when they review!*