***3-8-16 Thank you to DominaDeSerpensDorcha for helping me with the Irish I used in this chapter to make it more realistic!

**please note that I had you use a generic translator for Evelyn's native language so please excuse any mistakes. More Legolas and Evelyn encounters in this chapter =] I hope you all enjoy! as always please R&R!

Chapter 8

Ceilin, Evelyn had to admit had done a remarkable job getting her ready, though she thought it all a bit much. Once her handmaiden had seen the dresses she had been unstoppable. She snatched up the sparkling grey dress and had immediately stripped Evelyn downed pulled the dress on her, and then forced her in front of the vanity to work other hair and makeup—or what they had now for it. Looking in the mirror, she about did not recognize herself. Her white hair was curled and pulled up on the top of her head, loose curls falling randomly around her face to soften it. And the scar on her face, though still noticeable, was not the angry red she was used to seeing. Ceilin had applied some sort of cream on it and it was now a raised pale pink line down her cheek. Her mouth dropped at the change. To top it off, Ceilin had added a light dusting of kohl to her eyes.

Then she took in the dress, it was made in the traditional elvish style she had become accustom to in Lothlórien. It had a generous scoop neckline that hugged her shoulders. It was fitted and hugged her body all the way to the floor where it had a slight train. The material was smooth and silky, embroidered with microscopic jewels that caught the light and created a mystical shimmering effect. The arms where fitted down to her wrist where they then bellowed out. She had to admit she was pleased, though her hip bones stuck out too much for her liking, she needed weight on her bones. And then the scars, the dress's neckline showed the scars on her back and chest and with her hair up, there was no coverage.

"Ceilin, you have done an amazing job, and I thank you. But, do you think we could put my hair down? I would feel more comfortable." She looked away form her reflection as she spoke, not able to look at herself or Ceilin at the moment.

"It seems your friends were a step ahead of you." Ceilin said with a smile, walking over with another garment in her hands. Evelyn looked down and had to choke back a sob. It was a light cloak. It was semi-sheer, clearly made to wear as a garnish to the dress and not for an outdoor outing. It had a thick band of cloth that hooked around her neck and from the front two sections of the silver fabric came down across her chest and over her upper arms where it wrapped around and hooked to the back of the necklace portion, leaving only her shoulders bare and minimal scars to show. Along the edges of the material were intricate designs and jewels to distract the eye. She had to dap a few tears away carefully.

Before she could say anything else, there were excited loud knocks on her door. Only two people would bang on her door in such a way…the hobbits. With a smile, she went to open the door and greeted Merry and Pippin, and not far behind the more somber Frodo and Sam.

"Miss Evelyn! You look stunning this evening!" Pippin exclaimed, giving her a mighty bow that Merry copied, earning a hearty laugh from her.

"I could say the same to you two. Are you to be my escorts this evening?"

"We are!" exclaimed Merry, "We have not had you to ourselves nearly enough lately. Someone else always get to you first!" He added with a pout.

"Well, my good hobbits, I am glad you won out this evening." She told them with a smile, though she felt a small pang in her gut, a small part of her wishing it was Legolas coming to take her down.

"Frodo, Sam, it is always a pleasure," she addressed them with a small smile, which they returned.

"It is good to see you feeling better," Frodo replied genuinely

"Same to you my friend." She gave him a sad smile, unable to imagine the horrors and pain he faced. She did not want to. "Come now, let us be off, I am sure there are some here about to starve." Evelyn added jovially which received cheers from the other two hobbits. They eagerly grabbed one of her hands and led her to the grand hall where dinner would be served. With a deep breath she steeled herself for her grand unveiling.

Dinner had not been a completely disaster. She was seated at the main table with the fellowship, with the twins to her right, the hobbits to her left and Gimli in front of her. There was no lack of conversation and therefore no chance for awkwardness to seep in. Though she could feel the curious glances and questions of the nobles that survived the battle and were at the tables around them. Evelyn did her best to ignore them, she had prepared herself for such. Though after the feast was over, everyone mingled for a while, which caught her off guard. Evelyn kept herself glued to the twins, until it all just became a little much for her.

"Im going for a bit of fresh air, Ill be back." She told them taking her leave for the balcony she saw walking in.

Once there, she leaned her elbows on the railing and took in a deep breath of the cool night air. The wind rustling through her hair and gown brought her comfort, washing her stress away. It was strange her need to not be alone, but that a large group of people still brought her stress. One day she may find a balance.

She was not sure when he showed up on the balcony, or how long he had been there before she realized she was not alone. Opening her eyes, she turned to look at the blond elf beside her.

He did not look at her when he spoke, "Do you mind if I join you?" He was not sure why he followed her outside, perhaps he found the crowd of people too much as well. Though he knew that was not the case. Deep down he knew it was only because he wanted to speak with her, be near her.

Evelyn bit back her smart remark, "No, not at all."

"I did not have a chance to tell you before, but you look breathtaking this evening." He could have mentally slapped himself for saying it. It was truthful, but it would not make their relationship any more clear. When she had walked into the room with the hobbits, it was all he could do to not let his mouth gape open. She had been a sight to see. After seeing her in dingy old clothes, and not taking time to get herself clean, it had been like looking at a completely different person, she resembled the woman he first met in Lothlórien. He had found it hard not to stare during dinner, many times he was sure she caught him when Gimli would speak and she would look across the table. Not to mention the lords of Rivendell, he knew they had caught him, there was no questioning that, the question was what would come from it?

The compliment took her by surprise, she was not sure she had gotten a compliment from the elf prince before. It took her a moment to let it sink in before she could cough out a reply, "Thank you." She could not find it in her to say the same to him. Not that he did not look good, he was drop dead gorgeous if she was being honest, however, still unsure of where their relationship was and thought it best if she kept such thoughts to herself.

They stood there in silence for a while before Evelyn had to stifle a yawn. Her long day was finally catching up to her.

"Do you mind escorting me to my room, todays activities have worn me out." She asked, not wanting to venture the halls alone, and truth be told, her body was exhausted and she was not sure she would be able to make it unaided.

"Of course." He replied turning from the railing and offered her his arm which she took willingly. Looking at her he would not have guessed just how tired Evelyn was, not until she took his arm and they began walking. She was like dead weight on him, and by the time they were half there he was sure that if he moved just an inch away she would topple over.

"Have you rested today?" he asked.

She gave a small laugh, "Rest? Between Elladan and Gandalf, and now Elrohir, I didn't think anyone knew that word." And was surprise when Legolas also laughed.

"What?" he questioned seeing her eye him speculatively.

"Im not sure I have really heard you laugh before, thats all."

"There has not been much time for laughter of late."

"No, thats true, there hasn't been." She replied, a sad smile on her face.

They had reached her door and Legolas pushed it open, letting her walk inside alone. She left the familiar scent of her room fill her nose, and eyed her bed hopefully.

"Shall I call for your maid?" He asked, still standing in the doorway.

She turned to acknowledge him, almost forgetting he was there she was so happy to see her bed. "No, that is okay I can manage. Thank you."

"You are welcome, goodnight Evelyn." He gave a slight nod of his head and shut the door. Evelyn stood there for a moment, a part of her wishing for a more elaborate goodbye, but she shook her head, those thoughts would get her nowhere.

She had no intention of changing clothes, with a plop she landed on her bed and was fast asleep in seconds.

"Evelyn…Evelyn, wake up!"

She flew awake, arms flaying, breaths coming in gasps, and face dripping in sweat. Pushing herself up, she looked around her room, saw her candles burning, saw the fireplace stoked and burning well. So why did she feel like she was back at the Easterling camp? Why did she feel terrified? Why had she woken up?

Turning her head she found the answer to one question, Legolas was beside her bed, obviously haven shaken her awake.

"You were having a nightmare."

Still breathing hard and still looking around the room she finally replied, "I was? I don't remember."

"Aye, you were crying out for help. Perhaps tis better you do not recall what plagued you."

"Maybe." She rubbed her face, the sweat dripping off, she felt disgusting.

As if he since her sentiments, his next words were music to her ears, "Ill be back with fresh water."

In the mean time she removed the necklace style sheer cloak, it was starting to itch her skin. As much comfort as it offered her during the dinner, she felt much more free now that she was relieved of it. She walked to her vanity and sat down, rubbing the makeup from her face.

Legolas returned to her room, pitcher of water in hand. When he did not see her still on the bed where he left her he walked to the adjacent room and found her sitting on a stool starring into space. He was about to announce his presence when he stopped dead in his tracks. He had not noticed earlier because she had on the sheer cloak, but now that it was removed her upper back was in plain view, and so were the scars. He had know she would have them, but knowing it and seeing them were two different things. What he could see of her skin was riddled with whiplashes, with few places left untouched. The anger that welled up inside him, shook him to his very soul. It took him a very long time to swallow his emotions before he could let Evelyn aware of his return. He was scared of what she would see in his eyes.

"Here," He spoke, breaking her revere as she jumped at the sound of his voice, "Rinse off your face, you will feel better." Stepping beside her he poured the water in the bowl.

Evelyn did as she was told, splashing the cold water on her face. She had to admit, it did help. She felt more awake, more relaxed. "Thank you."

"You are welcome. I will leave you now, let you finish washing up. I will speak with the others about letting you ride today." And with that he nodded his head at he and walked out the room, leaving her speechless once again.

Evelyn paced her room nervously. Ceilin had helped her dress for the day, locating a riding habit of an older noble that no longer took pleasure in riding. The pants were to short, but her boots came high enough that it did not matter, and the top coat was too large, though most clothing items were with her massive weight loss. All in all though it was made of a good material and would serve her purpose until she could have her own habit made.

Had Legolas forgotten the plans he made? Had he just been caught up with dealings for the upcoming coronation? She sighed and continued pacing the room. The thought of finally getting to ride again thrilled her, but the thought that that could be taken away brought on a wave of depression.

"If you keep it up you will walk a hole in the floor."

She jumped, and spun around to her door that she did not hear open. Legolas was standing there leaning against the framework, arms crossed over his chest, an amused smirk on his lips, and eyebrows raised in interest.

"I thought you had forgotten." She stated, looking to her feet, embarrassed.

"I would not forget you or my promises. Our meetings ran over. But come, let us be off."

She smiled and hurried after him, ready to get back on her horse.

It was more work than she remembered, mounting bareback. Her muscles were stiff, sore, and unaccustomed to the movements. 'Just like riding a bike,' she told herself, 'It hasn't been that long since you were on a horse.'

Once she made it on Zenith's back she leaned back letting herself enjoy the feeling, there was a rush of peace that washed over her. Leaning forward and rubbing her withers, she whispered to her horse in her native tongue, "Tog go bog é, a chara."('take it softly, friend').

They got a few stares as they rode out onto the plains, mostly they were curious, though Evelyn did not notice, she was in here element, where she belonged, she had no cares or worry for the moment.

The stiffness in her muscles eased off and she began to flow easily with Zenith's movements. The mare's stride evening out as they moved in balance with one another. Evelyn put her through a few paces, nothing to strenuous, neither had done dressage work in a long time. They did basic circles, transitions and a few collections and extensions, but she left the advanced moves for later. Walking would already be a problem just with the little bit they had already done.

"Are you up for a short run? There is a place I want to show you, though our day is growing short?" Legolas asked her, hating to break her calm.

Stopping Zenith, she gave the prince a confused glance but nodded her agreement, wondering what it was he could possible what to show her.

Without saying anything else, Legolas turned Arod and cantered off south, bearing towards the River Anduin. They had traveled a good many miles and Evelyn watched the land change around them. The ground became more rugged, hills dotted the landscape, the mountains of Shadow looming in the distance. She could hear the roaring water as they approached the river. Legolas pulled Arod to a stop, letting her and Zenith catch up. The river was wide, and in a deep valley. She could see a small waterfall to their north. The jagged rocks that lined the walls where shimmering in the sunlight as the rays hit the droplets of water on their surface. Looking across it was hard to see what the other bank looked like as its side rose higher than the banks they stood on.

They began their decent down a narrow path, one that only allowed them to travel single-file. The path led to a large stone bridge, with old intricate iron work as railings, covered on old vines.

The horses hooves clopped loudly as the crossed and Evelyn could not help herself but look over the side at the rushing water below, it sen a spike of fear through her, but it was still beautiful in its own dangerous way. A fall from here would be deadly.

"Welcome, to South Ithilien and what will be Emyn Arnen." Legolas spoke from the other side.

When Zenith crossed over the bridge, Evelyn's mouth dropped opened. She had not expected to see such beauty close to all the destruction of the war. Before her stood large trees, oaks and pines, ones that have not been touched in centuries. The grounds was rolling hills all around them, large multi-colored stones littered the ground, and small tributaries ran to the Anduin.

"It is beautiful." She breathed.

Legolas had already dismounted and walked over to help her down. Evelyn had to force herself not to jump as his hangs gripped her waist and hoisted her to the ground. She knew he would not hurt her, but sometimes it remained a knee-jerk reaction. If the elf noticed he paid no heed.

They walked side by side, the horses following behind, stopping every so often to nibble on the rich grass that grew, finally they stopped at a little pond, letting the horses drink, and Legolas once again helped her down onto a small rock overhanging the water. He sat their quiet and pensively, an arm wrapped lazily over his knee. Evelyn, very un-ladylike, let her legs swing back and forth over the side.

"We have plans to make this a great city of Gondor. Faramir and Éowyn would take over leadership, make this land great again, like in days of old." Legolas finally said to her.

Turning her head to study him, she saw him deep in thought and chose to wait for him to finish.

"I love my father, I love my home—do not mistake me—but after all we have gone through and seen, I do not feel my place is there anymore. I do not see my future in Mirkwood."

"What do you see?" She asked, finally getting him to look at her and was taken aback by the fire and passion she saw in his eyes.

"I want to build something here, something extraordinary." He stood up as he said this and walked around. Evelyn let him, she went back to watching the horses play in the cool water below.

"I see myself bringing my people here, helping Aragorn restore Gondor. Living in a hard won peace. That is what I see, that is what I yearn for."

It was the first time evelyn had seen him speak with such passion and heart. It came close to bringing a tear to eyes, though she held them back. He had not opened up to her to have her cry. Instead she stood, legs shaky and weak and placed a hand on his arm that he had pinned tightly to his sides and smiled up at him, but said nothing. There were no words to match what he had told her, no words fitting. Sometimes, words were not needed, they just got in the way.