~The Grey Company~

Aerlaer was weary as she cantered on beside Firefoot. She had been wearier the day in the forests around Rivendell so she knew she had energy still to keep going, and keep going she would for she did not want to slow down the King's, hasty journey back to Edoras. The men too were tired but still they pressed on.

It was not until they had left the fords of Isen and the sky was filled with twilight, the King signalled them to halt and rest a moment.

Shifting back to Elf form, she retreated to a nearby tree and leant against it while the others sat about. She was determined not to sit down for fear she would not wish to get up again and fall asleep or worse, Aragorn would catch her out. She felt the air next to her move and glanced around to see Legolas. He held a water skin out to her and she took it gratefully, relishing the water which trickled down her throat.

"Thank you, Legolas." He flashed her a small smile and sat down against the tree next to her.

"Why don't you sit down, Aerlaer? You have run far today." He asked and she heard a hint of concern in his words.

"I am fine as I stand." She replied and he quirked his head up at her.

"But what if I wish to speak to you? It is hardly comfortable looking up like this, I will get a crick in my neck." He said playfully. "Come sit down here even if it is just for the sake of saving my neck."

Aerlaer laughed at the double meaning of his words and looked down into his soft, pleading eyes. Oh, why must he look at me like that with those soulful eyes, it is entirely unfair.

"Alright then." She sighed and received a boyish grin as she sank down beside him, her shoulder just inches from his. She drew her knees up to her chest and rested her head on them and let her body relax.

"You're tired, aren't you?" He asked quietly and she gave a slight nod.

"Rest a moment on my shoulder." I will tell you when we must leave again." He said softly and she nodded mutely and tucked her legs under her and let her head rest upon his side and closed her eyes feeling peacefulness wash over her.

It seemed all too soon that Legolas roused her from her light dozing. "Aerlaer, come you must run swiftly now, for the king wishes to not stop now until we reach Fangorn."

Reluctantly she opened her eyes and sat up straight as he stood. He held a hand down to her to help her up, which she took; surprised to feel her wrist tingle at his touch. It had the effect of waking her up a little more as she now gazed up at his face which was glowing most likely like her own was under the bright light of the moon.

"Thank you, I needed that." She said gratefully and he nodded.

"Any time." He murmured and then quickly turned and walked over to where Arod had been grazing and gathered his reins while calling to Gimli.

Aerlaer watched him a moment and then shook her head and shifted back into horse form. At least another four or more hours of traveling until we meet the fringes of the forest. I should be able to hold a decent pace though those hours, especially now I have had a moments rest. She thought determinedly, and as Shadowfax leapt into a canter and then into a gallop beside Snowmane, so too did she.

…

Finally, the King's company stood under the fringes of Fangorn again and Legolas, was glad to be beneath the trees once more.

"We will pause briefly to quench ours, and the thirst of the horses and then we will press on through the forest but only at a walk or trot for moonlight does not penetrate well beneath the canopies of these trees." Théoden declared as Gimli, untied the skin from Arod's saddle and took a swig before handing it to Legolas, who drank from it while watching Aerlaer, as she walked towards the spring which would join the Isen River and dropped her head down to drink from it.

Once she had finished, he urged Arod towards it and let him drink too. He took in great mouthfuls of water. "Not too much my friend or you will cause yourself ill." He warned the horse and nudged him softly to move on before he gorged himself.

Once all the horses had drunk, Gandalf brought his staff out from beneath his cloak and let the top of it light their way as they followed him into the forest.

They were silent as they trotted along the forest path, listening about them for any possible danger in the darkness although all felt safe to Legolas. Aerlaer trotted ahead of him and he could not tell if she was still weary or not for her gait was always light and fluent. He liked how she had so readily taken up his offer to rest by his side and smiled at the thought.

Perhaps maybe she does see me as more than just her friend? He hoped she did but still he was not entirely certain at all, and he was not going to risk revealing his own feelings to her.

There was a sound of an animal moving over dry leaves in the darkness to the left and he was surprised to see Aerlaer leap sideways, shying away from it. He watched as she shook her mane and then resumed forward at a trot as if nothing had happened. He realised this was the first time she was subjected to a sort of darkness now that they were under the cover of the woods.

It saddened him to know the dark now bothered her so, and anger towards himself flared like a brand within his heart. It was his fault. He should have gotten to her sooner during that terrible battle. They had at least another eighteen miles to travel through the forest before they reached the plains again; he hoped the other Elf would be able to withstand anything the old forest might reveal to them from the darkness.

The horses and Aerlaer, managed to trot though the forest and Legolas only noticed the other Elf jump and shy once more as an owl flew screeching from the boughs of a tree above them. The trees began to thin and moonlight filtered down between the gaps in the leaves as they came to the forests end.

He was sad to leave it but glad to hear the contented sigh of the other Elf, as she was once gain bathed in the light of the moon and stars. He noted with interest how her creamy coat took on the silver light of the starlight but in daylight it was a pale gold. Ha! Exactly how Glóin described my hair! He realised and grinned to himself.

Now they were out in the open, the King urged his horse into a gallop and Legolas asked Arod for the swifter gait. The horse, ever faithful and willing, leapt into an easy gallop and Legolas marvelled at the stamina of his steed, who he had grown to love as his own. Aerlaer, he noted, ran to the outside of the group but she kept up with the middle runners which was he and Aragorn. Gamling and Éomer rode at the back of the small group.

As they galloped on under the starlight Legolas wondered what they would do once they came to Edoras. Gandalf had said the enemy was pressing but from where? As much as he was relieved to see Saruman fall, he had more information that could have aided them against Sauron. Who could know where exactly the enemy would strike next?

He noticed Aerlaer had dropped back and was now running again beside Firefoot. His brow furrowed in worry. If only we could stop again for a moment so she might rest. He had seen the result of her drained of all energy once and did not wish to see it again, although he was sure she probably had enough to spare to make it back to Edoras before she would drop with exhaustion.

He was unsure just how much of the life force, she had explained to him days earlier, she had used. She said half was the limit. Surely, she had not used half for he recalled she had said one should rest once they reached that limit and she had not rested, save for briefly to and from Isengard and maybe a little as they stood before the Orthanc.

He glanced back towards her as she ran valiantly beside Firefoot. She must be exhausted. Perhaps she could ride with Gamling or the King himself although I wish she could ride with me, but three riders would be unfair to Arod. He guessed the distance from the fringe of Fangorn to Edoras, was about a hundred miles and already they had covered maybe twenty-five at this steady gallop.

"Let us slow a bit, let the horses rest for a few miles." The King called back to them and Legolas breathed a sigh of relief for the other Elf, as they all slowed to an easy trot. The horses were all blowing but after a mile of trotting their breathing had calmed and he noted, Arod seemed contented enough. Legolas glanced back to Aerlaer and noted she was keeping up with Éomer's horse. He turned ahead again as Gandalf and Théoden resumed a steady gallop and they rode like that for another fifteen miles without pause.

It was not long after, Legolas heard hoof beats, separate to those of their own horses, approaching swiftly from the west. "Aragorn, we are being followed listen." He called urgently to the Ranger, who galloped beside him. He nodded and urged his horse up towards the King while Legolas dropped back to alert Éomer but Aerlaer had heard the approaching horses too and she, Éomer and Gamling nodded to him.

"What's happening? Asked Pippin who still rode with Éomer.

"We are being followed, master Hobbit." He replied and on the King's signal, they all halted and drew their weapons warily.

Legolas listened intently and when the approaching horses were but fifty paces from their group he nodded to Éomer who called out.

"Halt! Halt! Who rides to Rohan?" he sounded every bit the leader of the Mark, he was.

The stranger riders halted and there was silence. Legolas listened intently and beside him, Aerlaer who had shifted back to Elf form, reached back and quietly withdrew and arrow from her quiver. In the moonlight, Legolas could discern a tall figure dismounting and walking forward. He held his hand up, palm opened towards them in a show of peace but still the group held tightly to their weapons as they watched the dark figure of the man approach.

"Rohan? Rohan did you say?" He stopped but ten paces before them, hand still extended in peace. "That is a glad word, for we seek that land in haste from afar." The man said and he sounded relieved. He sounds familiar. Legolas mused to himself trying to think who he sounded like that he knew.

"You have found it." Éomer replied with caution. "But this is the realm of Théoden King, and none ride here save by his leave. Who are you and what is your haste?" Éomer demanded much like he had demanded the identities of Legolas and his companions when they had first come across the riders of the Mark.

"Halbarad Dunadan, Ranger of the north I am." Called out the man. "We seek out Aragorn, son of Arathorn, we heard he was in Rohan."

"And you have found him also!" Called out Aragorn from behind Legolas and handing his reins to Merry, leapt off Brego and hurried forward to embrace the other Ranger warmly. "Halbarad! Of all joys, this is the least expected!" he said happily.

"All is well." Aragorn said tuning back towards the King and to Éomer.

"Here are some of my own kin from the far land I dwelt, but why they come and how many Halbarad will have to tell us." The others relaxed and put their weapons away and Legolas noticed even Merry and Pippin were re-sheathing their small swords.

"I have thirty with me for that is all that could be gathered on such haste but the sons of Elrond also ride with us, desiring to go to war alongside you Aragorn." Halbarad answered and whistled sharply and the riders came towards them. "We rode as swiftly as we might when your summons came."

"But I did not summon you." Aragorn said confused. "Save for only in wish, my thoughts have often turned to you and seldom more than tonight, yet I have sent no word." He shook his head in wonder as he gazed upon the thirty riders who now stood before him. Two riders dismounted and stepped forward.

"Greetings both friends and family." Elrohir grinned and Legolas grinned back to he and Elladen. Aerlaer dashed past him and embraced Elrohir in a joy, followed by Elladen, bringing a fond smile to Legolas's lips as he watched on.

"Tithin riel, you are exhausted, what in Arda have you been doing?" Elladen said as he pulled back from the embrace and looked upon her beaming face.

"She has travelled far in the past day with little rest, but you know Aerlaer, she would sooner drop than admit she could not keep up." Aragorn muttered as he stepped forward to embrace the two elves.

"Reckless Elf." Elrohir said playfully and she grinned at him as Aragorn shook his head in exasperation.

"Well, she's your cousin, you can deal with her now." He chuckled and earned a shove from the elleth.

"Play nice, Aerlaer, or we will not reveal the other who travels with us." Elladen taunted, smirking at her. Legolas watched curiously as the elleth suddenly became as taut as the pulled string of a bow, intently scanning the faces of the Dúnedain.

Some of the riders parted and a dismounted rider stepped forth, dressed in the greys which all the Rangers adorned.

"Aiya elleth vanya." The Ranger spoke quietly and Legolas watched numbly as Aerlaer, sprang towards the tall, young man and threw herself into his embrace, planting a kiss on his cheek. Laughing he picked her up and spun her around before placing her back on the ground and looking down at her fondly. "I hoped I would find you safe and well, wild one." The Ranger said to Aerlaer, and Legolas could hear the affection clearly in the young man's words. He felt sick.

"Taurorn, well met indeed! I see your Sindarin improves." She laughed playfully at the Ranger, grasping onto his forearm, and Legolas felt a harsh pang of jealousy which just added to the sick feeling he had. He remembered Taurorn now, he had met the brave and humorous young Ranger on one of his visits to the Dúnedain, when he had been but a child and had seen him throughout the years as he grew up into a young man.

He was a friend, close to Aragorn, who had taught him how to wield a sword just as Legolas had helped him hone his bow-skills. He could not recall the young man ever mentioning Aerlaer, yet they very clearly knew each other well.

"Taurorn, greetings." Aragorn said to the young Ranger, and Legolas watched as Aerlaer stepped back to allow Taurorn to embrace Aragorn, who was like family to him. When Aragorn stepped back, she gravitated back to the younger Ranger's side grinning.

"I told you she'd be pleased to see you." Chuckled Elladen as he walked up to the two Rangers and she elf. "Aerlaer you're not running a single mile further." The Elf said and looked at her pointedly. "I don't even want to know how much healing you have done to get into this state but you will rest now." Legolas was the tiniest bit amused to see Aerlaer nod obediently up at her older cousin, but felt sadness fill his heart as Elladen instructed that she ride with Taurorn.

A riderless horse walked forward and he watched as Aerlaer stroked its neck, speaking to it before turning and swinging up into the saddle. Taurorn swung up easily behind her and gathered his reins loosely in one hand before wrapping his other arm securely around Aerlaer, and she sank back against his chest, smiling as he said something quietly to her. Taurorn walked his horse forward and Aerlaer caught Legolas's eye and beamed at him, and his heart hurt.

"Legolas, I know you have spent time with the Dúnedain, do you know of Taurorn?" She asked him curiously.

"Yes. Well met Taurorn, are you well?" Legolas asked politely, masking his face from all visible emotion.

"I am well." The Ranger replied. "I am glad to see three faces so familiar to me." He said quietly and smiled warmly to him. "Four I guess, if I include Aerlaer, can't imagine she'd appreciate me forgetting her face." He laughed mischievously and received a harmless punch on the arm from the elleth he had his arm wrapped around.

"You would not dare." She retorted with a smirk.

"Your opinion currently doesn't count. Elladen's orders, you're meant to be sleeping." He told her and Aerlaer mumbled about waiting until they rode on. The Ranger then looked to Gimli. "What is your name master Dwarf for I have not met you?" He asked kindly.

"Gimli, son of Glóin and I am glad to see that mischievous Elf finally off her weary feet." Gimli rumbled in reply.

"I heard that." Aerlaer said and then turned her attention back to Legolas. "How many miles away are we from Edoras, do you think?" He sighed internally. He just wanted to ride swiftly where he would not have to look upon her slight form comfortably resting in the arms of another.

"Maybe sixty miles remain." He replied, suddenly feeling tired himself.

"New friends and old let us now hasten to Edoras. We can then rest when we reach the safety and comfort of the city. We ride!" The King called out to the now large group of riders and the horses simultaneously leapt into a well-paced gallop.

Legolas rode on the outside of the company wanting to be alone, save for Gimli. The Dwarf patted his shoulder. "I'm sorry laddy." He said quietly and Legolas silently nodded his acknowledgment to his friend. Why hadn't Aragorn said anything? He thought miserably and unbidden, a single tear slipped down his cheek.

…

Aerlaer, was not sure how long she had slept for. She had rested, lulled by the steady hoof beats of many horses, and Taurorn's heartbeat which her ear rested near. As she woke, she realised, with a pang, that it did not give her quite the same feeling of peace which the sound of Legolas's heartbeat did. Immediately she lifted her head to look around for him. She couldn't see him, although the pale light of dawn was already on the horizon. The riders around her were all Rangers, Aragorn riding just ahead of them with Halbarad. Where was he? She sat up straighter and looked wildly around.

"Who do you seek?" Taurorn asked quietly.

"Legolas, I cannot see him amongst the riders." She answered worriedly.

"He is left of us riding on the back wing of the group." He replied and she turned her head back and seeing he was indeed there along with Elladen and Elrohir. He didn't see her but she was content now she had found him and relaxed back against Taurorn.

"My dear Aerlaer, that was a lot of worry over another Elf. An Elf who is not even a family member. What about poor Elrohir, or Elladen? You didn't know where they were either but you didn't ask after them." He whispered teasingly into her ear.

"Well I like to know where my companions are, that they are safe." Aerlaer replied, trying to brush off his remark.

"Oh, but you did not seek out the whereabouts of Gimli, you definitely specified, Legolas's whereabouts."

"They ride together so really I was seeking both of them out." Aerlaer replied trying not to sound too defensive but failed miserably for the Ranger had riled her up as only he could do.

"You like him, don't you?" He whispered excitedly.

"Hush!" She retorted and then realised her game was up. Stupid Rangers! "No, you're talking nonsense."

"Oh, you do like him!" He said possibly with even more excitement in his voice.

"Not a word." Aerlaer whispered back warningly. "Not one single word."

"I thought I'd never see the day!" He whispered enthusiastically. "You've finally fallen for another Elf and not just any Elf but…"

"Shhh!" She hissed at him warningly.

"Oh, a secret?" He whispered back mischievously.

"Yes, now hush!"

"You have no idea how happy I am for you!" He let go of his horse, Timber's, reins and gave her a joyful hug and turning to her planted a kiss on her cheek. "So happy!"

"Don't get too excited." She whispered at him. "I haven't a clue his feelings."

"Oh, I'm sure they are reciprocated, you're altogether too likable." He chuckled quietly to her, resting his chin on her head.

"Hmm hopefully." She mused. "No meddling Taurorn, I know you well enough that already the cogs in your head are not turning but spinning but I mean it, I do not wish to lose the friendship we have with each other." She said quietly.

"I'll behave, your secret is safe." He replied and she nodded contented.

"Legolas why so glum? You have barely spoken a word as we've travelled." Elrohir was watching him curiously from where he rode beside him. Elladen was on his other side and he could feel the other brother's eyes on him too.

"Just a little weary." He replied lightly. "It has been a trying, two days." He kept his features passive and even managed a small smile although in his chest his heart ached.

"Come, tell us your journey so far, while we are able to let our horses walk for a few miles to rest." Elladen said and internally groaning, Legolas began recounting from when they had left Rivendell.

He briefly told them of their journey up until the mines and then he explained the wondrous architecture and strange beauty of the Dwarves craftsmanship. Gimli who was listening too added anything his friend had missed, he thought of importance. He then told them of their battle to leave the mines and losing Gandalf and then their journey to Lothlórien and how much he had enjoyed being there. However, he did not linger speaking of the Golden Woods, which only reminded him of the time he had spent there in Aerlaer's company.

Elrohir chuckled. "I heard a rather amusing rumour about our young cousin concerning your stop in Lórien." The Elf's eyes gleamed wickedly.

"Oh, what was that?" Legolas answered, greatly hoping it wasn't about the wine induced dancing.

"Well we heard she turned down the affections of the Marchwarden's youngest brother." Elrohir grinned. Legolas had forgotten how much the Elf loved a bit of gossip from other realms.

"Orophin." Legolas said, remembering the stupid Elf and then a small grin quirked at the corner of his lips as he remembered Aerlaer slapping the Lórien Elf in defence of his own blood. "Yes, he wanted her to stay behind to be with him in Lórien. She declined him and he did not take it so well. I do not think any ties even as acquaintances remain between them now." Legolas replied.

"Truly, it was that bad?" Elladen asked intrigued.

"Yes, he was most ill-mannered towards her."

"I am glad to hear any ties are likely broken. I do like Haldir and have respect for him, he is a brave and honourable Elf, but Orophin, lacks in all his brother's decent qualities. I have never liked the way he looked at our little cousin, like some trophy to be placed on a mantel." Elladen said darkly and Legolas was glad to know his dislike of the Elf was shared.

"It has always amused me that in a fight, Aerlaer could easily slaughter him like a stupid, clumsy Orc." Elrohir laughed.

"Then you will be gladdened to know her departing gift to that jumped up, prat of an Elf was a swift slap to the face." Gimli rumbled and the twins roared with laughter causing Legolas to laugh a little too. He was glad they had come.

He looked towards the group of Rangers, his need to ensure Aerlaer was safe, too hard to ignore. It had become a habit now to check her whereabouts. He wished he hadn't the moment his eyes found her in the group of riders. Taurorn had both arms around her and had bent his head towards her in what could only be a kiss.

Legolas looked away and ahead, fighting to push his emotions back. He still could not understand why Aragorn, had not at least mentioned it to him. Even Aerlaer, had not once mentioned the young ranger. But he had never asked if there was someone she cared about. In all his sorrow, he was suddenly curious now, he simply had to know.

"How long has Aerlaer known, Taurorn?" He asked Elrohir casually, making sure to keep his face indifferent. The Elf looked at him curiously.

"That is an odd question to ask?" He replied, raising an eyebrow, and Legolas realised it would only take a slip of a word or worse of his composure and they would know. He chose his expression and words carefully.

"Is it? He asked innocently. "Since we were already on the subject of your young cousin, and her excellent rejection skills, I wondered how her relationship came to be with the young Ranger." He said indifferently. "I, as have the two of you, have spent my fair share of time with the Dúnedain and with Taurorn, and even seen him in Rivendell a few times, but I have never seen he and Aerlaer together any of those times so I was just merely curious how long they had known each other." He hoped he sounded calmer than he felt. Elrohir was still looking at him curiously and at length he answered.

"Aragorn first brought Taurorn to Rivendell when he was just twenty years old. They had been attacked and raided by Orcs and he lost his parents and sister in the battle and was badly wounded himself. He was brought to our father for healing. Aragorn only stayed long enough to ensure he would pull through and then returned to his people. I remember Arwen was furious because she was in Lothlórien at the time and missed seeing him.

Aerlaer was visiting, however, and together she and father helped heal Taurorn. They took a shine to one another and she stayed in Rivendell longer than she had intended while he regained his strength. They were near on inseparable." Elrohir explained and Legolas nodded silently.

"Three decades have passed since that time and they have grown ever closer to one another in that time. They are as they would call, kindred spirits." Elladen said and smiled. "Now so more than ever they are such for they have now both endured the same." He murmured and Legolas was not exactly sure what he meant and stared at Arod's mane as he tried to digest all that the twins had said.

"But they are not joined in the marriage of men?" Legolas asked, feeling confused and both brothers laughed.

"Goodness no!" Elrohir said. "They care very much for one another but their relationship is not of that sort." He chuckled and seeing the horses before them were now speeding up, urged his own steed into a gallop.

Legolas, now very confused, followed suit, trying to puzzle out whatever Elrohir, could mean. He could only come up with one answer; Taurorn and Aerlaer could only be casual lovers and somehow that felt worse to him than if they were lifemates. It was very un-elflike but perhaps the Edhelroch were different in that sense.

It was all too much and he pushed the thoughts deep into the back of his mind and instead concentrated on the skyline as Edoras slowly came into view, his heart heavy.

thank you all for the lovely reviews, sorry I can't answer them individually as I usually do. My computer is being a tosspot, so I've updated on my phone this time to get something to you guys! x A