For Disclaimer please view chapter 1. Thanks and Enjoy!

Stay close young hobbits! They say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf-witch of terrible power. And All who look upon her fall under her spell! Gimli said to Boromir and the hobbits. Well here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. He huffed. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!

All of a sudden they were surrounded,The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark, said a voice, it was Haldir, March Warden of Lothlorien. Bows readied and aimed at all in the fellowship.

Aragorn! These woods are perilous! Boromir's voice shouted out. We should go back!

You have entered the Realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back, Haldir said, coming out of the shadows, his voice sterner than before staring at Gimli.

We seek the lady of the wood. said Aragorn.

Haldir looked at him, She has been expecting you. A Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen. (Aragorn of the Dunedain, you are known to us)

whispered Aragorn.

So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves. Speak words we can all understand. Gimli growled.

We have not had dealings with Dwarves since the Dark Days Haldir said slowly turning his head to look at Gimli in disgust.

And you know what this dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul Gimli smiled in triumph.

That was not so courteous, Mind your tongue. said Aragorn raising his eyebrows.

Haldir eyes moved to look at the young hobbit that looked the most weary. You bring great evil with you. You can go no further. Before he said any more to Frodo, his eyes were diverted to the Elf he had not see standing there.

He looked at Legolas and noticed he was carrying another elf Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion. (Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil). A female? asked Haldir, looking at the small hand that hung loosely at her side.

Legolas's head snapped up to look at Haldir.

What ails her?

She fades. said Legolas.

She is bleeding, yet you say what ails her is fading? asked Haldir. Those wounds look new.

They are not. said Legolas.

Aurel raised her head up and Haldir immediately recognized her, bowing to the ground. Hiril Nin!
The two other Galahdrim that stood behind Haldir suddenly came out of the shadows and put their weapons down, looking as alarmed as Haldir had. The elf to the right of Haldir went to rush towards her, but Haldir commanded him to stop. Rumil! Get back to where you were. The elf named Rumil looked as if we was to disobey the command, but he only slipped the cloak of his hood back on and hid in the shadows once more. The elf to the left of Haldir, looked distressed, and Haldir also scolded him, The command goes for you as well brother. Haldir then went to her and she raised her hand to him. He put his hand to her cheek and noticed they were cold. Give her to me. said Haldir to Legolas with his arm outstretched.

said Legolas he took a step back.

You are also hurt Legolas of Mirkwood. said Haldir, You cannot possibly carry her the rest of the way, she and yourself need to be moving at full speed. These woods are plagued with Orc. Now hand her to me.

You will not take her from me. said Legolas.

Legolas do not be stubborn. said Aragorn.

You must do what is best for both of you. said Boromir.

Just then Legolas winced as the wound in his chest became deeper. The blood slowly stained his tunic. Please, I am only hurting you. thought Aurel.

Legolas looked at Aurel in his arms, she was suffering, she pressed her face into his shoulder and then Legolas looked at Haldir and placed her in his arms, Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien. (Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lorien), muttered Legolas. He looked as if he was about to fall from exhaustion when Aragorn helped him continue walking.

The fellowship was led into Lothlorien. When they reached Lothlorien they stopped at a hill. Proudly Haldir recounted. Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel. Lady of Light. , it was more beautiful than thought possible. It was a bright city amongst trees. Legolas would have truly enjoyed it if it was not for the pain he was enduring. Aurel had been taken to healers right away, but what could healers do for fading, for that was an ailment of the soul. They were taken to Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn straight away. There they waited and amongst the steps they appeared. Their light was captivating, Legolas was reminded of Aurel, she too possessed such a light at times, he winced in pain of remembrance.

Lord Celeborn spoke first, The enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. He looked over the fellowship. Nine there are here, yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf?, for I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar.

Almost all bowed their heads is grief.

Galadriel looked to Aragorn before she spoke. Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow, her voice solemn.

Sorrow passed over Celeborn's face as he took in her words.

He was taken by both Shadow and Flame. A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria. Legolas said, straining to speak as he felt the pain consume him over the grief.

Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose. She said to Legolas noting his pained state, as her glance passed on to Gimli. Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-Dûm fill your heart, Gimli son of Gloin. For the world has grown full of peril and in all lands love is now mingled with grief.

What now becomes of the Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost. Celeborn said.

The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail to the ruin of all. Galadriel said while looking at Boromir. Yet hope remains while the company is true She smiled past her grief. Do not let your hearts be troubled; go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep......
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What made you think you could act that way when escorting the fellowship? said Haldir to Rumil.

Rumil was leaned up against the tree, his golden hair, tied back, unusual for that time of the day, he only seemed to stare at his feet, but then looked back up at his oldest brother, crossing his arms. She was injured, it was instinct to go to her.

You are a marchwarden of Lorien, your instinct is to guard the woods.

But Haldir, surely you must see that she was not just any ordinary elf, she is... said Orophin, trying to help Rumil out.

I know who she is, I was her guardian for a great while. said Haldir.

Orophin looked at Rumil and then back at Haldir. We were distressed. It was only natural for us to want to go to her, she is like kin to us.

Haldir sighed and looked at Orophin, Both your actions showed weakness, we do not know these travellers, be cautious for the enemy is all around us, do you not feel it?

Orophin was wearing all cream colored clothing, his tunic was ivory, and his breeches were of a light tan color, his hair was not tied back, but only had two braids to pull it back, his eyes, unlike Haldir's and Rumil's brown ones, were green, his spirit was gentler and noted in his speech. We will be more cautious. But I know you worry for her as well, and had you not the years of experience that we do not have, your first instinct would have been to go to her.

Rumil spoke no more, and kept himself at distance of Haldir and Orophin. Haldir nodded his head in agreement and then looked over to Rumil, it was then he spoke only to Orophin. He cannot stay here, I have assigned him to a scouting mission, his feelings for the Lady will interfere with what needs to be done.

Assign me to go as well, he will need companionship if he is to be away.

You wish to go?

For the sake of Rumil...and you will need someone to watch over him.

Haldir smirked. Very well, you may go, return safely and do not be rash.

Of course not. Orophin responded with a smile.

Haldir walked up to Rumil, who all at once looked saddened. It is not wise for you to be here Rumil. I am assigning both you and Orophin to go on a scouting mission.

I wish to stay. countered Rumil.

No, you are going. No arguments, this is an order, you leave in the morn. I suggest you take your leave and rest.
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While Legolas slowly recovered, news of Aurel was hardly heard. He was worried, for he could feel her ebbing inside of him. He needed to be near her, like he needed air, he only understood that to the full extent now. He tried to forget his worry, by exploring the woods of Lothlorien with Gimli, but at the end of the day, his thoughts trailed to her and he caught no rest or sleep.

A lament for Gandalf, Legolas whispered, as he heard the Elven singing.

What are they saying? Pippin asked, curiously.

I haven't the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near. Legolas bowing his head in heartache. He began to walk away.

Don't worry master elf, you will see her soon! said Gimli while he walked away.

Legolas caught Haldir one day, hoping that he would have heard news of Aurel.

I am sorry Híren. I have heard nothing. I too, am worried about her. He said walking along with Legolas at the city's edge, looking out at the horizon.

I do not understand, she is a part of this fellowship, her companions should know of what her condition is. said Legolas frustrated.

Haldir smiled, I see that your wounds have healed, but now, you carry the same marks as hers, those have not faded fully. Haldir's smile faded. I feared for the lady's state when I first found her all those long years ago, and now, after such a long time has passed, it brings me sorrow to have encountered her in the same manner.

You know Aurel? asked Legolas.

Haldir noticed how Legolas used her first name, he wondered if they were more than just companions. Naturally, she is Lady Galadriel's youngest grandchild, gifted as the lady is. I have served the Lady of the woods for most of my life, I know all her family well, Lady Aurel had spent much of her childhood here learning the old ways and getting into trouble. Haldir chuckled to himself.

Legolas smiled and then curiously asked, You say you found her?

said Haldir sitting down, still staring out into the horizon.

Legolas sat as well. How so? Will you tell me?

You seem close to her Legolas. I am surprised you do not know. said Haldir.

Legolas did not respond and frowned..

I am sorry, I do not mean to offend you, you seemed very protective of her when you first arrived here and by the way you speak of her, I thought perhaps there was something between the two of you. Forgive me for my assumption.

No apologies necessary Haldir, your assumptions were correct, but I do not know much about that part of her life. explained Legolas, I know only little, I wish to know more. I need to know more..

Haldir was taken back by the desperate tone in his voice. Her pain afflicts you deeply Prince Legolas, I have never seen such a connection before, I have only heard of it, but only with elves that had been bound to one another. I heard no such announcement from Imladris of such a binding.

Legolas kept his eyes on him. There was no ceremony, there was no binding between us.

No ceremony? Then how can you possibly have that strong of a bond?

Legolas changed the subject, Please Haldir, Estel told me that she had not been found, when I asked him before, he told me that she found them, what did that mean?

When Lady Galadriel heard of the disappearance of Lady Celebrian and Lady Aurel, she immediately sent help to Lord Elrond. Along with Elrohir and Elladan, we found the sight where they had been attacked and we lost much hope. The scene was devastating. There were many dead, but the ladies were not there. We knew what orcs did to Elves, and if they would discover they were of noble blood, it would worsen things, we had to move quickly. After much scouting, we noticed a trail of blood leaving the attack site and tracking through the woods, we knew it was elf blood, we followed it and we did find those orcs. But our help was not needed.

Legolas raised his eyebrows, Your help was not needed?

Nay. And we found Lady Celebrian, she had been ravaged by those filthy beasts, but she was still alive. She kept repeating her daughter's name over and over again.

Where were the orcs? asked Legolas.

Dead. All of them, dead. We did find Lady Aurel as well, she was worse than her mother, though, she had not been ravaged, it looked as if she had been meant to die. One orc had slit her throat, and another one pierced her heart, yet she was still breathing, her body was slumped over one of the orcs, she had killed them. Killed them all with one elven dagger. She still held the dagger in her hand. We do not know how she managed to take on all those orcs, or how she survived those wounds, not only were they deadly on their own, but the blade used to slit her throat was poisoned. I do not know how much you want to know Legolas.

When Haldir had mentioned Aurel had been slumped over all Legolas thought of us was of how she looked when they had escaped the caves of Moria, but now Haldir held his attention once more and Legolas responded with, All of it.

Haldir sighed, Her brothers were overcome with grief at the sight of their mother and sister. When I approached her, and held her in my arms, she looked at me, she recognized me, she did not speak, she did not cry, she just lay there looking at me, holding on to her dagger. She was prepared to die. Such a young elf she was then, to have to have endure such misery. We brought her back to Imladris along with her mother. Lord Elrond was beside himself, for he knew not if he could help either of his beloved. Lady Aurel because she had lost so much blood, and was poisoned. Lady Celebrian because her soul was dying, she never did recover from what those beasts did to her and you know what happened.

She sailed to the undying lands. Yes. I had heard. said Legolas sadly.

Lord Elrond was able to save his child. After much work, he managed to close those wounds, and remove the poison, her voice should have returned with time.. But Lady Aurel was never the same after that. Ah, Legolas! If only you had met her before then. Lady Celebrian left while her daughter was still healing, she knew it would not do Aurel well to see her leave. I miss Lady Celebrian so. We grew up together, it brings me much sadness still to realize she has left us. Lady Aurel was brought here when she woke, to be close to her grandmother as she was when but a mere child, she spent many years here before returning to Imladris. Her eyes were clouded, she was fading from the moment she woke. After that, I do not know much more, except that she is a skilled fighter now, though that was evident even before she learned. I had heard that there was some hope for Aurel when Aragorn came to Rivendell, but I realize now that was only temporary, raising Aragorn did her well for a little while and for that I am happy. I hope to speak to her as soon as she is well.

I understand why she suffers so. said Legolas sadly, then cocked his head in confusion as the words sank in. She raised Estel?

Yes of course.

She does not act so, she acts more like a sister would. said Legolas.

You have known Aragorn for quite some time now Legolas. said Haldir, He does treat her with a different respect than Elrohir or Elladan. When his human mother died. Aurel was there. He clung to her for a while. But as he grew and his lineage revealed..he denied it and his life as her charge ended, he fled Imladris and became the ranger he is now.

Not until he was fully grown did I begin a friendship. Elrohir and Elladan often brought him along on hunting trips. I have grown to respect him much for a human, he has a good soul.

That he does. Though I have known him little time compared to you. He carries the grace of an elf. Haldir chuckled. Legolas joined him.

I do? asked Aragorn. Surprising both Haldir and Legolas in the joviality.

How else would you have been able to hear what we were speaking about and come upon us in surprise? said a chuckling Legolas.

Aragorn sat down beside them. It is good to see you smile friend. he said looking at Legolas.

Being amongst the trees once more is sending calm to my spirit. he said in response.

Any news of Aurel? asked Aragorn.

Nothing yet. The lady has not summoned me to give news. said Haldir.

Aragorn frowned for a moment before smiling again.

You did not tell me that Aurel was your foster mother. said Legolas smiling.

You never asked, besides that was a while ago, she is more of a sister now.

Not so long ago Aragorn from what I remember. said Haldir with a smirk.

Aragorn raised his eyebrows at first confused, then he blushed. Perhaps not in your old age Haldir, but for a human like me, my infant years are far behind me.

If Lady Aurel was here, she would agree with me! said Haldir laughing. Although it was partially her influence how reckless---

Aragorn began to laugh and pointed his finger at Haldir, interrupting him. Speak no more Haldir. he said in a playful tone.

Haldir stopped, looking as if in a trance he got up, excused himself and left, in a hurry.

Legolas and Aragorn looked at one another, both hoping that upon his return he would have some news of Aurel.
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Rumil was angered at his brother's orders. What possible interference could he be to Aurel? He had to leave in the morning on the scout, but before he did, he was determined to go and see for himself if she was well. Slowly he climbed to where he had been told she was. There were guards at her door, but they did not question his motive for being there, they only stepped aside and let him enter. He closed the door behind him.

She was lying in bed, not sleeping, just resting, staring up at the ceiling of the room she was in, the presence in her room was a familiar one and she sat up, and looked at the Elf standing at the foot of her bed.

Hiril Nin. He said bowing his head. I came to see how you fared.

Still surprised that he was there she did not move or let any expression escape her. She followed him with her eyes and he stepped around the bed and knelt on the floor. He gently held her hand, she pulled it back. His expression a hurt one as he spoke, I was worried about you. The tale of your company has been told. You travelled alone? And is it true about Mithrandir? A great lament is being sung for him. I cannot believe it. A balrog? What kind of quest did you involve yourself in?

The array of questions confused her.

You think that I should not care. said Rumil staring at her blank eyes. But I do. I care deeply about your safety, about you. Why do you deny me in your heart?

She turned her head away. Why did you leave Lothlorien without telling me? Without a word? He took his hand and gently turned it back to face him. I mean not to upset you. I came here as I stated before, to see that you are well, and also to tell you that you will not see me after this night I presume. I have been assigned to a scouting mission away from here and will not return for a great while. He stood up and looked down at her, she did not look up, just forward. His shoulders slumped forward as if in defeat. I am glad at your apparent recovery.....will you not look at me for one last time before I go?

She looked up at him. Her blue-grey eyes now filled with something other than blankness. She put her hand up to her heart to signify goodbye, and only kept staring for a few moments more before she turned her gaze to the door.

Namarie Lady Aurel, may our paths cross again in good fortune. And with that he was gone out the door. Frowning, she laid back down and continued her stare of the stars. She clutched at her blanket thinking.

Rumil had exited quickly and climbed down from where he had been at an incredible speed, hoping that no one had seen him. What are you doing? asked Haldir, who had seen him come out of Aurel's room.

Walking. Am I allowed to do that? He asked.

Of course. He crossed his arms. Why did you go to her?

That is not of your concern.

You will answer none the less, you will tell me what you said to her.

But you know what I said, because you know what it is that I feel.

Then you know it could never be.

And why not? He asked sharply.

Haldir walked away in frustration and left Rumil standing there clenching his fists. Both brothers went in separate directions and did not speak to one another before the scouts were to depart.
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Haldir went up to meet Aurel as the Lady had instructed him to do. Facing the Elven guards he dismissed them and told them they were needed no longer. He knocked on the door and it slowly opened, Aurel smiled at the sight of Haldir, and opened the door fully. He walked in.

Tirn She smiled at the thought of her secret name for him.

His hands behind his back he inspected the room and found it to be quite messy as usual.

I have been asked to take you to your friends. They worry for you and it would not be wise to keep them waiting any longer.

Aurel nodded her head and followed him out the door. I am happy to see your condition is better than when you first arrived. They began to descend down the spiral stairs. You are still healing though and I ask that you restrain yourself from any rigorous activity.

She smirked. You smirk at my comment?

Haldir, you old fool! If you do not ride faster we are never going to catch her! shouted Elrohir, telling his horse to go faster. In fact they were playing a game of chase, all five of them, Elrohir, Elladan, Arwen, and Aurel, one of the only times all four had traveled to Lothlorien together. Aurel was still young, no older than 400 still an elfling in the eyes of most, but she was proving to be a fast rider in comparison to her brothers and sister, and even the march warden who was asked to over them as they went out exploring the beautiful woods. That is when their game had begun, Arwen not caring for it only followed, but Aurel, she wanted to ride fast, and she told her brothers and Haldir that she could ride faster than any of them, and that she would prove it to them by making it back to the city before any of them could.

Said Haldir smirking. Ancient to you, young one, and I know exactly which way your sister has gone! And she will not be making it back to the city before us, I can assure you that!

After a while of riding and making it back to the city, there was no sign of Aurel. All four were beginning to get worried. They went in search of the stables to see if her horse was there, but it was not, and they searched the city to see if anyone had seen her, but they had not.

She was under my charge, I will go back and look for her, you three will stay here. said Haldir seriously.

She is not hurt Haldir, let her come back on her own. said Arwen in tiredness. I am tired and my little sister's games will not keep me worried this night. She said smiling and taking her horse to the stables.

There is something very suspicious about that. said Elladan looking at Arwen's retreating figure and then back at Elrohir.

Never mind. I will go after Lady Aurel. said Haldir.

We want to go with you. said Elladan.

Nay, stay here if you will not go back to the city. I know these woods, it is my home. If she comes back to the city you will see her. I will go alone, do not try and follow me elflings. said Haldir.

He did find her, sitting on the tallest branch of an ancient tree, just staring up the sky, singing to the stars.

said Haldir climbing up the tree.

She stopped her singing and smiled at him. Ah, Tirn, you found me, I was beginning to think that no one was worried about me.

You knew we would worry about you, why did you not return? He asked sitting next to her.

She turned to face him, and with her arm passionately described what happened. I was very much ahead of you dear Haldir of mine...you thought perhaps I did not know my way? But this is my mother's realm and I know it very well. This tree and I crossed paths and it beckoned me to come and climb it, it's very essence was lonely and longed for company. I did what I had to do, what you would have done I am sure if placed in the same position. So I sat here with my tree friend and sang for him, and stayed here until night came upon us and you found me, and that is all there is to my story, the tree needed company.

I see. said Haldir trying to suppress his laughter, he could hold it no longer when she began to laugh.

It is the truth. I am terribly sorry if I worried you. she said in her laughter.

He pinched her little nose. Of course you are not.

And they both began to laugh again.

Are you happy to be returning to your company of strange folk? asked Haldir, tearing her from her memory.

Aurel shrugged her shoulders.

Prince Legolas would not stop asking for you. He was insistent.

He can be that.

In fact, a little too insistent. said Haldir peering back at her with a smirk of his own.

How ever did you cope with those halflings? They were worse than the prince. Yet clever they are. And the Dwarf. Gimli. He is rude in speech. He did not cause you trouble did he? He seems distrusting of the Elves, but less now that he has spent more time here.

Haldir left her alone as she entered their place of stay without a sound and it took several minutes of her standing there for them to notice her. Boromir and Aragorn stood from where they were, Gimli did not stand, but he did turn to look at her. She walked closer to them and the hobbits became very excited, running towards her in glee. You are well again! said Pippin. He hugged her leg.

She only looked down on him. Her recovery showed nothing about her well-being. Sam and Frodo stood back away from Merry and Pippin. Their faces more serious, more saddened. We are glad that you are back. said Frodo, and Aurel nodded her head. She looked over to Aragorn, but he only looked at her for a moment and then went walking off. She frowned.

I am not much for compliments Lady. I am happy to see you well, we missed you. said Gimli.

Boromir went to her grabbed her hand, knelt and kissed it. We worried many days for you Lady. Aurel placed her hand on his head and soothed his aching mind. He stood and smiled. She looked past him to find Legolas, but he was not there, and she wondered why. The master Elf is not here, he has not been here for days, perhaps Aragorn went to fetch him. She nodded her head and went to go sit down by the hobbits.

When Legolas did arrive, he had been anxious, Aragorn had indeed gone to find him and tell him that Aurel had returned. He ran to where she was, but found himself slowing down and fearful of how she was. He walked in slowly as Aurel had done earlier and she felt his presence there at once, standing up and turning around to face him. They just stared at one another for a while before Aurel walked to him and embraced him. He had never held her in this way before but he welcomed it and returned the embrace, squeezing hard. He felt the frame of her body against his, she was so small, how could such a small thing have done all the things it had done?

My soul was yearning for yours thought Aurel.

Legolas buried his face in her hair and took in the smell. They held on to one another for quite a while. I have been lost without you He thought closing his eyes.

Such free thoughts coming from those two was quite unusual, for never in their two thousand years or so had they yearned for another quite like they did with each other. Boromir looked at the two, while he was joyous that Aurel had recovered, the jealousy he felt overwhelmed him. The hobbits looked on in thrill and Gimli just gave out a loud huff.

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Legolas and Aurel decided to go for a walk, it was much overdo. Aurel walked barefoot which Legolas found most confusing.

My grandmother does as well, we like the feeling of the earth beneath our feet. said Aurel holding on to his hand, Why do you not try it? Perhaps you will like it as much as I do.

No, I would prefer not to.
He smiled.

Silly elf
thought Aurel. Then she looked at him, What thoughts are you keeping hidden from me?

None.

You seem to be somewhere else s
aid Aurel as she stopped walking, and climbed the tree next to them.

It was as if someone had taken Legolas and placed him back in that moment five hundred years ago, when she had asked him to join her up in the tree to watch the sunset, how she had grumbled about not being able to climb a tree properly.

No gîl e-dû
Sílatha dad na gen
No ir môr dhanna
I úreg thenid
Eglan padag i ven
A! Ce hae ui mbar gîn

Mornië utúlië
Garo vronwe a radathag
Mornië alantië
I estel si cuiva na gen

No i ganed e-dúath
Palan-reviatha
No ledhiag lim
Caliad i aur
Ir i dhû gwannen
Eriathag tírad Anor

Mornië utúlië
Garo vronwe a radathag
Mornië alantië
I estel si cuiva na gen
I estel si cuiva na gen ... si

(May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home

Mornië utúlië (Quenya: Darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornië alantië (Quenya: Darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now

May it be the shadow's call
Will fly away
May it be you journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun

Mornië utúlië (Quenya: Darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way

Mornië alantië (Quenya: Darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now

A promise lives within you now).

The song she had sung still sounded in his head as if it was only yesterday that he had heard her singing it in Mirkwood, in that tree, on that fateful day. Legolas thoughts were interrupted when Aurel touched his arm, but instead of feeling pain this time, he felt love, an ever-flowing love.

Legolas followed her and watched as she did not sit but leaned on her legs, she looked like a scout. What thoughts are you keeping hidden from me Lady?

Estel, he will not speak to me still. When we saw each other today, he denied me.

That surprises you? asked Legolas.

Yes it does.

Why? He clearly told you he did not want to watch you fade, and you are still a fading Elf, your scars are proof.

Your scars.
She said facing him, I believed they would fade.

Not until yours do.said Legolas.

I am better.

Yes and No. said Legolas. It would have been better if you would have fully recovered because you wanted to, and not because you feared for me.

Aurel's mouth dropped open and she looked away, I would not have my suffering affect you so

If you suffer, I suffer Aurel.

Then do you imply that I should have let you fade and die with me? I could not, I would not dare.

Legolas did not say anything.

Why do you act as if it upsets you so? asked Aurel.

It does.

You should be grateful that I live
scorned Aurel.

For whom? asked Legolas.

I cannot let your fate be mine, it would be unfair to let one as young as you fade for no reason

As young as me? Do not act as if you are my elder. Do not tell me what is fair and unfair. I am bound to someone who wants to die. now Legolas was angry.

But you do not believe that we are bound, though, yes. That is a terrible fate. But you live because I cannot bare to see you hurt, I live for you Legolas, is that not good enough?



Why not? Most male Elves would be at my knees if I confessed such a thing to them!

I am not most male elves! said Legolas standing on the branch. Aurel got up as well.

Why are you angry with me? asked Aurel.

Why am I angry?! You insult me with those questions! shouted Legolas.

Aurel noticed how angry he was and calmed down. She reached her hand out to him, but he quickly pushed her hand away. He jumped down from the tree they were in and she quickly followed.

She began trembling. Suddenly she flung her arms around his neck and pushed him onto the ground, now she was on top of him. She placed her ear onto his chest to hear his heart beat. Fast she thought.

Then she placed the entire side of her face on his chest, and let the rest of her body lean up against him. I misused my words Prince...I greatly misused them. I do not live for you. I live because of you. You have been what has kept me here. You are my hope. She closed her eyes and sighed.forgive me, for I do not mean to offend you, kindred spirit.

I do not understand you. said Legolas wrapping his arms around her and closing his eyes.

Aurel suddenly felt something painful, lying like that on top of Legolas reminded of her of a memory she had tried to run away from, images of orcs flooded her mind and she immediately pulled herself away with tears in her eyes. She sat on her legs wiping the tears away with the back of her hand. Legolas sat up and looked at her. What was that?

You saw it as well? thought Aurel surprised.

Yes and I felt it, why did your thinking change without reason?asked Legolas.

The memories. I cannot control them.
said Aurel.

How did you do it?
asked Legolas.

Aurel looked down to the ground, as if shameful. She knew what Legolas meant by the question, but how would she answer such a question. I do not remember what ever possessed me to rise after the orc cut my throat. I thought I was dead from that moment on. I witnessed black and then a calmness I have never felt before, but then, it felt as if I was pulled back, pulled back to my senses, and everything hurt, everything. I was weak, when I opened my mouth to speak, all that came was blood. The last thing I remember hearing before that orc pulled me by the hair was naneth screaming out my name. I had to find her, I had to, my only thought was of her, and somehow I knew in which direction they were headed. I was still bleeding, I myself did not understand how I could possibly still walk, but as before, my only thoughts were of my mother and what they may do to her. Tears began to flow from her eyes once more, and she clasped her hands together. She then looked at Legolas.

They had already done their worst to her by the time I arrived there, Legolas. When you see one you love so much in that condition, your heart breaks, and mine did. I believed my wounds had caused me great pain, but no, my heart breaking has been the greatest pain in my two thousand, three hundred and five years. I felt anger and fury, the greatest thing I felt was hatred. I wanted them all dead, every single orc that breathed close to my mother, I wanted their blood to spill
said Aurel.

Legolas noted the way her eyes became clouded.

I saw nothing but death, nothing but hatred. I was prepared to die killing those disgusting beasts. Their numbers were great that day, at least twenty orcs, when they had first attacked. My elven guards had managed to kill some before going to their deaths, but not enough. The orcs were too busy with my mother to smell my blood in the air, and one by one, I killed them. I slit their throats. It was easy at first when I could catch them by surprise, others threw themselves at me, but I had no fear, I had nothing to lose, I fought my way to the last orc. It looked pleased to see me, he had a blade, and I foolishly ran to him thinking I could distract it, but to no avail, for it pierced my chest. The orc was close enough to smell me, and that is when I used my position to kill it. But with this orc it was different. I pierced it's heart and when it fell to the ground I pierced it again and again and again. Naneth was calling out to me, but all I could think of was this orc laying next to me, eventually all my strength left me, and noises became distant sounds to my ears, visions became blurry. I waited. I wanted to die, because of what happened to my mother and because of what happened to me, mostly because I no longer could feel anything but hate in my soul.

Legolas had tears welling up in his eyes.

I am afraid, that I will lose myself in hatred again. Because that is what I feel when I see them...I feel nothing but that. I too thought that with time my sorrow would pass, but it has been five hundred years Legolas. What hope can I possibly hold after so long? My mother leaving, and my visions, my memories, they all remind me of what I did and did not do. The valar saved me, but for what purpose?

You cannot question that. said Legolas.

I can and I must. For I do not remember what or who I was before the attack, I am not the same Elf I used to be. It is you who has brought back the old feelings. I always understood there was a connection between the woods and myself, and that was you. You are a Wood elf. I never felt at peace anywhere else. Like I do when I am near you, or when I am sitting on the tallest branch of the tallest tree. That aching I felt in my heart around you, it was not because of the memories of the attack, it was because my heart was trying to remind my mind of who I was before then, I have you to thank for that. Tears still flowed from her eyes, and she held on tight her hands.

What are we to one another? asked Legolas breaking the silence.

Do not fret Legolas, I do not push for us to be mates, I understand that you need time to understand.

And you do not? asked Legolas.

I know you are mine
said Aurel looking at him.What more is there to understand?

It was only one day.said Legolas.

Why does it matter so? If it was meant for any other way it would have happened that way. We know of each other now and we feel our bond. There is no other I have shared so much with in all my life, not even Arwen. Surely that means something to you?
said Aurel. Then she felt it, his doubt...Why do you doubt? She asked.

I have told you before that I do not doubt our bond.

But I felt it come from you Legolas. You cannot hide it from me.

It was not doubt you felt, it was fear. said Legolas standing up. Aurel stood as well.

Fear?

You are right Aurel, I do need time. said Legolas beginning to walk away.

Wait!
Aurel grabbed his arm. Do not leave it like this. I cannot bear for you to distance yourself away from me, we have only just seen one another after such a long time.

Legolas looked into her eyes and gently took her hand off his arm.Aurel. I thank you greatly for sharing your life with me, for telling me of your sorrows and pains, and know that you can always come to me when you need someone to speak to. I leave us with friendship if you will accept it, for I do understand our bond is strong, but I can offer nothing more than that, I do not know if I ever will, and I do not expect you to wait for my decision.

Aurel's eyes dulled. I never expected you to speak to me in such a cold manner.

I apologize. said Legolas.

I should have known better than to speak to you Prince. Your kind are too distrustful and weary of strangers. I open my heart to you and this is what you do? You distance yourself from me and treat me like some common Elleth, you dishonor me and our bond. If you would only be honest with me once more, as when we were in Moria, but you are fearful. You are a coward.

I am no coward.

I cannot do this. It hurts to speak to you. I told you that I would give you time, I do not understand why you feel as if I am forcing you, there is no other for me.

Time to understand that I am bound to you for eternity and that you are my mate, not time to make the decision of whether or not I accept that fate.

You can do nothing but accept it, there is no other way. Why do you look for it?

It is not that I do not accept it, it is that I do not accept you!

What a miserable thing to say!

Why? I am bound to your fate, to your death, do you think that is so easy to accept? I fear losing you, I fear being with you, I fear of getting close to you, for what? Only to watch you fade? And then to lose everything else. And while being with you is the most powerful feeling I have ever known, it does frighten me! I cannot control my emotions around you, you cause me anger and pain, joy and happiness, I am torn and yet I love you more than life itself, but I cannot offer more than friendship, not now..

Aurel's anger passed, You love me?

Legolas clenched his fists and walked past Aurel. He was going to leave but then he just stood there, he leaned his hands against a tree, lowered his head, closed his eyes and sighed. Aurel looked at his back for a while, then walked over to him. She got in between him and the tree, his hands inches away from her shoulders. As long as I have your love, friend, I will not fade. said Aurel.

Legolas kept his eyes closed as he leaned into her and whispered in her ear, Then you have my love for all eternity.