For Disclaimer view Chapter One.

Note to my Readers: I am trying to follow the book as closely as possible, but for entertainment purposes, I will stick to the movie's idea of having the Elves help out in Helm's Deep, I have not entirely decided if I will go more with the Eowyn from the Movie or from the book. We will see. :o) In all cases, this is a fun story to write and I hope you are enjoying it. I must apologize for the shortness of this, and if I do not post for a week or so after this. I am moving to another country and it is getting a little hectic. Enjoy! -Kersi-

Aurel followed Aragorn in haste, questioning what he had just told her. Earlier, it had been decided that all able bodied men were to go to Helm's Deep to face Sauron's forces. But who was to stay in keep and watch until the King of Rohan returned? The people had cried out Eowyn's name in response, and so she was asked to watch over the people of Rohan until the men returned. Aragorn, thinking it wise, suggested that Aurel stay behind to accompany Eowyn. He had suggested but he what he really meant was for Aurel to do as he bidded, so it was in this haste that Aurel chased after Aragorn, furious for commanding her to stay alone in a kingdom of Man.

The Men here will not understand why you fight, your wisdom and talents are not needed with the company headed for Helm's Deep, they are needed here, with the Lady Eowyn.

Aurel stomped her feet and crossed her arms, her eyes dark in fury. Legolas came rushing up behind Aurel, looking towards Aragorn, he had been looking for them both. Surprised to see the two bickering, well mostly Aragorn demanding things of Aurel, and Aurel acting as an elfling, as she often did around Aragorn.

I will not stay here, left behind! I have proved my worth!

Aragorn looked towards Legolas. Perhaps you can speak to her, friend, she is relentless, and I fear she will not listen to another word I have to say.

Then you should not have commanded her to do something you very well knew would be against her wishes. You should have asked. What did you expect, for her to stay behind? And now you ask me to speak for you when I do not agree with what you did? I rather she be with us than to separate our company any further. said Legolas.

exclaimed Aragorn throwing his arms up in the air. As if one stubborn Elf was not enough! He looked at Aurel. Try to understand. The Lady will need you. He took a hold of her hands, but she pulled them away. Theoden-king now expects it.

He is not my king. thought Aurel, I could care less what he expects.

Of course, none save Legolas could hear what she had said. Then do what you will! I have no time for this. said Aragorn walking around Aurel and Legolas and down the stairs.

Aurel hung her head low and let her arms fall down to her sides. He leaves me with no choice and once more ignores that I am more trained than he is. She turned around to look at Legolas. What is it that I must do to convince him?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legolas and Aurel both walked back into the main entrance where Theoden and Eomer stood side by side. And most were present that she knew, including Eowyn. Lady Aurel, it is a pleasure to finally greet you face to face. said Theoden. She managed a small smile for him and she looked towards Eomer, who gave her a smile as well. He walked away from his uncle and approached her as the others began to speak amongst themselves. She placed her hands behind her back, as he stopped in front of her.

Aurel. That is a strange name. What does it mean?

How was she to tell him that she had no voice to speak. She only stared at him, and he stared at her. He asked her again, and she only shrugged her shoulders slowly. Does that come to mean that you do not know what your own name means? He asked in a sly tone. Have I shown you any form of disrespect to warrant your silence towards me.? Aurel took a step back.

Patience Eomer. said Theoden. Not everything can be bent at your command. He smirked. I am pleased to hear that you will stay with my niece, Lady Aurel, that way you yourself will be safe, and your companions have no need to worry for your safety any longer.

Aurel looked at him in shock. Gimli gave out a hearty laugh at hearing what Theoden said.

Lady Aurel will be accompanying us to Helm's deep, Theoden King. said Legolas looking at Aurel. It is her wish to stay with her companions.

She should speak for herself then if she is to go against a King's wishes and expectations. said Eomer.

Aurel only looked towards Aragorn, who stood there saying nothing. Eowyn interrupted the tension. If it is her wish to go, who are we to deny it? She smiled. I understand her need, and would not want to hinder it.

Eomer looked to his sister. You only say that because you yourself feel the need to defend with weapons. A woman's place is not in the battlefield. If you only knew the harshness of it, you would not seek to confront it as you do.

That is for me to judge, much harshness have I seen already. I am not as small minded as you make me to be Brother. said Eowyn.

Aurel smiled, she liked her.

said Theoden, ending the conversation on Aurel. Discussion returned to Helm's deep and Aurel had no care for it, she walked away from the main hall they had been standing in and out into the open. From the top where she stood she saw great fields, plain, cold, rolling. There were jagged rocks here and there and you could see out for miles, there was no breakers for the wind and it blew furiously across the land.

It is not a very welcoming view. said Eowyn appearing next to her, she looked at Aurel, who turned her face for a moment to look at the small human woman. I have grown accustomed to it, but I imagine that for you it is less that what you are used to. She frowned for a moment at not hearing a response from Aurel. Do you mind my speaking?

Aurel shook her head no and smiled.

It has been a long time since hope has entered my heart, and you are a strange creature to bring it to me. She looked at her once more, Yes, you, you fight for what you believe in, for your people, for your friends and companions, that is what I come to believe from looking at you. It is noble and honorable, and I will never have the chance to do it in my lifetime, for these men seem to go backwards in time. When you do fight out there, you must think of me, and know that you not only fight for all that you have mentioned, but for those of us Women who wish we could be side by side with you.

The two stood there for a while just watching the plains, listening to the wind, until Theoden's voice was cast.

Eowyn. Please show our guests to some rooms. We shall leave as soon as the sun rises tomorrow. said Theoden exciting the hall.

Aragorn slowly rose sighing and casting a look at Gandalf who looked just as troubled by Theoden's decision. Aurel picked up her riding coat as Eowyn shuffled past her deciding which rooms to give to whom. There were not enough rooms for all the guests.

I only have two rooms at the moment, you will have to excuse me, we have not had guests for many long time. said Eowyn bowing her head.

Aragorn and Legolas looked at one another with smirks. We have slept on the ground for the past week, these rooms are more than fit, nothing to be excused. We are grateful for anything you have. said Aragorn.

Eowyn smiled shyly and unlocked the first door.

If there is one night I can sleep away from the elves, I am grateful indeed! said Gimli walking into the first room. Gandalf followed him chuckling, Aragorn, Legolas and Aurel stood at the door while Eowyn unlocked the second door.

Aurel walked in immediately, not caring if anyone followed her. She walked towards the window and opened it. Full moon. She closed her eyes and took in the breeze that followed. Aragorn and Legolas locked eyes once more, not deciding what was correct to do. Legolas held his breath and walked in second...Aragorn smirked walking away back into the room with Gandalf and Gimli...before Legolas could turn around the door was closed and he was alone with Aurel's back facing him.

I was beginning to wonder how long it would take you to walk into this room. Are you that afraid of me? She turned around and smiled.

There is only one bed. said Legolas sourly.

Very good. You can count. All those years of proper royal schooling served you well.

I will sleep on the floor. said Legolas.

why?

It would not be proper to share a bed with you.

No, what would not be proper would be for you to bed me, but you are doing nothing more than sleeping Legolas, there is nothing improper in that. You received much less rest than I have these past days. If anyone is to sleep on the floor it will be I. She sat herself on the ground.

Legolas just stared at her in audacity. You will not sleep on the floor.

Rather that than make you uncomfortable. She leaned her head back against the wall.

Legolas walked over to her, picked her up by the arms and dropped her on the bed, but before he could walk away she pulled him so that he fell backwards on top of her. He quickly scrambled and turned himself around finding himself on top of her in a very compromising position, she smirked, he fumbled and quickly rolled next to her on the bed, his chest rising up and down quickly.

Good, you have given up, now I will be able to rest She began to take off her shoes with ease, then her riding coat. She left the rest on and laid on top of the many blankets. Legolas remained in the same position, after a while of just laying there, Aurel sat up abruptly. Will you not rest?

He turned his head towards hers. I am resting.

Do I put you at such unease?...forgive me, in jest I thought that perhaps it would lessen your discomfort. Please rest. I will not be able to until you do. She patted the bed. She felt like she was speaking to Estel again, trying to trick the young one to sleep, having to coerce this full grown elf into believing they were doing nothing more than sleeping was proving rather difficult.

Legolas smiled. In that case I shall find rest immediately. His smile disappeared as Aurel gave him a strange look in confusion to his comment. After only a few moments, both Legolas and herself were in a deep sleep. Unconsciously reaching out for one another, they both moved to be closer to the other.

Before dawn arose the new day, Legolas woke finding himself unaware of his surroundings. He thought at first it may be a dream but elves know when they dream and when things are real, and this seemed real, still he could not tell. His eyes snapped out of their dream state to find himself rather comfortable on the bed. The room was lighting slowly with the rise of the sun and it cast long shadows along the walls. After checking his surroundings, he looked at the way his body was positioned, his arm was caught in something, and that something was Aurel. Her head was upon his shoulder, her body very close to his, pressing almost, one leg slightly on top of one of his own. Her arm spread across his waist, holding on to him. He found the arm that was caught was wrapped around her as well. He dared not move, and risk wake her. He found her warmth inviting and it made him feel so complete, more complete than he dared to admit. Aurel was his other half, he knew it, the waking this morning proved that to be true, silently through the night their bodies had entwined and there was nothing wrong about it. He frowned. Still he did not want to let it get to him, he could not.

A fast knocking came to the door. Legolas! Aurel! Wake and get ready to move quick! came Aragorn's voice.

Aurel woke easily, Aragorn's footsteps though light had begun to wake her before he knocked on the door. She seemed not to want to move at first but when she fully awoke she jumped back. She looked at Legolas and his expression and frowned.

I am sorry. I did not mean to bother you in your sleep.

Nothing to apologize for. I have not rested that well in a very long time, longer than I can remember actually. He said sitting up and looking towards the door. I believe I have you to thank for that. I know I would not have rested as well on the floor.

Aurel smiled. I am glad you received rest She swung her legs over the bed and reached for her shoes, she winced and sucked in her breath.

Legolas turned from what he was doing, Are you hurt?

My arm, I have been tending to it, but I do not think it is healing properly.

Legolas had been concerned when he first saw it, but assumed since Aurel was a healer, everything would be fine. Let me see. He said crawling over to her and sitting facing her side.

She shrugged and rolled up her sleeve carefully.

Your sleeve is too long, remove your tunic so that I may see it properly, however did you tend to it with this large thing on? He said annoyed

I did not have time to care for such trivial things. We were on the hunt.

She pulled the tunic up over her head, revealing a much smaller, sleeveless undress underneath. Legolas smirked when he saw the look of discomfort on her.

For Valar's sake Aurel! It's infected! He said sighed and reaching for his belongings.

That would explain the pain She smirked to herself.

Hard knocking came to the door once more. Elves, Move!, It was Aragorn again.

Aye! We heard your loud footsteps the first time Aragorn. Go on without us if you must, we can catch up to you even if you make it all the way to Helm's Deep! Legolas said jokingly.

Aragorn opened the door in annoyance, his eyes widened. What is wrong? He said facing Aurel.

She seemed to think that her wound would heal itself without proper tending. said Legolas seriously as he spread some herbs into her wound and whispered an elvish chant.

You should know better. said Aragorn, chuckling and walking right back out the door, He said before shutting it.

Annoying

Now it was Legolas's turn to chuckle. He agreed, and then rewrapped her wound, handing her over the tunic she had been wearing.

It feels much better. You have well practiced healing skills.

I have had many years to practice. He said, his eyes remaining fixed on her wrapped arm. It was hard for him to look away.

You are learned in the art of healing of your own free will? she said confused. She never had thought of him as a healer. A warrior, an archer, but a healer, never. When did you begin?

Legolas got off the bed and picked up his weapons, he opened the door as he began to speak. I began my learning the very day I met you. and with that he walked out the door.

The pain that emanated from him struck her like a knife twisting her heart. He had learned the healing arts to become closer to her and all she had done in the five hundred years they had been separated was tried to break their bond. How foolish she had been, how careless of his feelings as well. She understood a bit more of his bitterness, sadness, and his distrust.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He appeared in the houses of healing one day unannounced, he stood at the doorways observing for a while before someone spotted him. They immediately all bowed down to the ground. He felt and looked uncomfortable. There is no need to stop what you were doing. I was merely observing. He said still at the door. Everyone stood in confusion for a moment before resuming what they were doing. Today was a day of learning.

He dared to walk in a little further and sit with the other students. As he sat down. The main healer, smiled and continued her lesson. After then, He went there mostly every day, learning more and more as time passed on. His only thoughts were to find another way to connect with Aurel, the elleth he had met just once, but felt a stronger bond with than anyone in his entire life. She would be impressed with all that he knew now, though she was an expert healer, coming from Lord Elrond, all his children had the gift, she would appreciate that he had learned all that just for her.

One day he felt something was terribly wrong. He immediately went to his father's study to see if he was well. He entered without knocking. The feeling of dread and panic consuming him, in the state he walked in he nearly collapsed. He said before falling over. His father was alarmed by this and caught him in his arms.

He asked, but there was no response, he called for the healers immediately, but Legolas remained in that state for several days, and even when he did wake, he was very very weak, his weakness lingered for weeks.

Solemn faced and weary, Thraundril came to visit his son every day, but on one day he looked especially sad. Legolas smiled in attempt to get his father to as well, but it did not work. Come now Ada, I feel better day by day, there is no need to look so upset.

Yes I see that you are getting better. But that is not the cause of my distress this day. He said as he sat down.

Legolas looked at him and raised an eyebrow. Is something wrong? Has something happened?

Thraundril sighed a great sigh. I received disturbing news from some who have recently returned from Imladris.

Legolas's heart stopped.

The lady Celebrian and her youngest daughter were ambushed and attacked by orcs, they were on their way to Lothlorien. The king hung his head low. This does not bode well. In my heart, great suffering and woe I feel for Elrond.

Were they killed? asked Legolas who had now paled.

Thranduil looked up at his son. Legolas you look paler than you were before, I should not have bothered you with this news. He said standing up. But Legolas held a grasp on his hand.

Ada...were they killed? He asked pleadingly.

The king sat back down. No they were not killed Legolas, release my hand, you are crushing it...what is the matter with you?

He whispered.

Thranduil's eyes widened. Yes. That is her name. She was very badly wounded son, they do not know if she will be able to survive, she has been in bed for wee--- He stopped himself when he made the connection.

Legolas let go of his hand.

Legolas...is she the cause of this? he asked.

Legolas looked away, he needed to get to Aurel, if she died and he never was to see her again he would surely perish too.

Legolas? Have you bedded her? If so you know what that means son.. answer me...how is it you share this bond with her? His tone a bit angrier.

Legolas tears began to fall. His father had not seen him cry since he was a young elfling. Thraundril stopped his questioning for the moment and immediately went out to write a letter to Elrond.

Princeling! over here... shouted Gimli, shaking Legolas out of his memories. He had been waiting for Aurel to exit the room and patiently waited right outside the door. As soon as Gimli had shouted she had come out fully dressed, paused for a moment to find Legolas waiting for her.

You needn't have waited. They began walking down the hallway.

Yes. I know. He said.