~In the Dark~

As the chilling sound resonated through the night air a third time, Legolas, twin blades in hand, met Aragorn, nearly knocking into him in his haste to leave his bed and chamber to find his companions.

"What is it?" He demanded.

"I do not know, yet it sounds like the cry of a Wraith." Aragorn answered and Legolas flinched, the shrieking call louder this time. He snapped his head towards where it seemed to come from; the other side of Aerlaer's door. Fear swept over him. Was it in her empty chamber?

Legolas stalked forward and opened the door quietly, slipping into the elleth's chamber, gladdened now she had gone with Taurorn to the Rangers campsite. He had not dealt with a Wraith before, and was unsure what to expect if it were indeed one. The coldness which drifted in through the open windows, and the foreboding feeling, the fear, thick in the air as if it were poisoned, caused him pause.

"Be very careful." Aragorn whispered from behind him. "I'll rouse the others." The Ranger took off down the corridor.

The chamber was filled with a bottomless darkness; there were no candles lit, and the moon had vanished. Blades at the ready, Legolas moved in further. There was someone, or something in the chamber, he could sense their presence.

Was there a sound? A slight shift to his left? He turned, in time to see the dull glint of a blade in the darkness. Swiftly, he blocked the weapon, using his second blade to lock his opponent's, ripping it from their grasp. It had not even clattered to the floor, before there was an angry hiss and he grunted as was kicked viciously in the stomach, dodging back, barely missing a chair as he purposely kicked this enemy's fallen weapon away.

They began moving towards the door and, afraid of the danger they could cause to the King's household, he swapped his left blade to his right hand, using his free hand to grab hold of the intruder.

"Let me go!" He dropped his blades, that terrified yet demanding voice sending a chill through him at the realization of what he could have done. Sudden pain, snapping his jaw sideways, set him to action once more. Using what little light spilled through the doorway from the dim lit corridor, Legolas snatched up his attacker's other wrist.

"Stop!" He commanded, but she only seemed to fight him more, writhing and twisting frantically in his grip, her breathing short, panicky. "Aerlaer, it's me, stop!" He called to her, pulling her against himself, quickly wrapping his arms about her to keep her from further harming him, or potentially herself.

She let out a panicked cry the despair within it scaring him, still trying to pull away, to escape. "Aerlaer, please, you are safe, it is me, you are safe." He spoke quietly near her ear, trying to calm her. Her struggling lessened.

"Legolas?"

"Aye, it is me." He reassured quickly and she seemed to suddenly sink into his embrace, but how she shook, her skin cold.

"There's something out there, and then the moon disappeared and, I'm so sorry, I heard the door, I didn't know it was you. Everything feels wrong, I couldn't sense you." She rushed out, face buried against the crook of his shoulder.

"It's alright, are you hurt?" He asked, filled with worry he had hurt her.

"No…no." Her voice shook. "Did I hurt you?" She whispered.

"I am fine." He brushed off her concern, relieved she was safe and unharmed. Only now did he hear a bell tolling outside, and the voices of men.

"I don't know why I didn't know it was you…" She mumbled, still shaking.

"You are cold." He noted aloud.

"I am?"

"Yes, are you certain you are well?" He pulled away, to attempt to study her in the little light and she swayed between his hands which he kept upon her shoulders. "You're not." He frowned with worry.

"Legolas?" Aragorn called from the doorway.

"Aerlaer is unwell." He called to the Ranger.

"I am fine." She retorted as Aragorn entered the chamber, a bright torch in hand which he set in a holster.

"The Black Breath." He muttered, assessing the shaking elleth. "It has affected her from the open window when the Nazgul passed."

"How did it enter the city?" Legolas demanded, shocked it had indeed been one of the darker forces of Sauron.

"Upon a winged beast, it seems." Aragorn replied warily. "I fear Pippin's tampering with the Palantir is what has drawn our enemy's servant here.

"Will it return?" Aerlaer nervously asked. Aragorn shook his head.

"It would have been seeking out the Ring. I doubt it will return." Aragorn turned now to the door. "I must seek out the King."

"What of Aerlaer?" Legolas asked, unsure how to help the elleth. "Why is she cold?"

"I am right here." She muttered, beginning to sound a little like herself again.

"She needs rest." Aragorn replied, moving to the door and pausing. "Perhaps find a shirt, Legolas." Gazing immediately down, Legolas was mortified to find he indeed wore none. Such was his rush to check the welfare of the others, he had not thought of it. He was now aware of Aerlaer's proximity and how improper it all was.

"I, um…" He struggled, staring at her wide eyed. "A moment." He strode swiftly from the chamber trying to appear unfazed and hurried into his own, finding and donning his. white shirt for sleeping.

Back in the hall, Aragorn met him. "Will she be alright?" He asked the Ranger. "You didn't tell me why she is cold to touch?"

"She will be fine by morning, she simply needs to sleep it off now." Aragorn answered, gazing thoughtfully at him. "She will not want to be alone, the Black Breath preys on the soul and all which is good and light, filling it with despair and darkness."

"I won't leave her."

"I know you won't." Aragorn half smiled and turned to leave before pausing a moment. Nothing reckless." He called back quietly, before continuing from the hall. What could I possibly do that was more reckless than embracing her body to my bare chest? Legolas thought darkly as he re-entered Aerlaer's chamber.

Aerlaer was still standing where he left her and finally the moonlight came out again and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Are you okay?" He asked softly

"Yes, I think so now, thank you." She replied but her face looked uncertain in the moonlight and she was still shaking, although now it was more a shiver. It was strange for Legolas to behold and it bothered him.

"I will stay." He told her and she looked to him in surprise. "I mean, well, if you would like the company, Aragorn thought you might." He rushed out, now uncertain. She gave a small nod.

"Please, if you could." Her words were grateful. Nodding, glad he could keep a watch of sorts over her, he gently closed the chamber door.

"The air is clean once more." He mused, glad the cold, foreboding fear had disapparated. Aerlaer nodded mutely, her lip trembling. "You must get under your blankets." He instructed, moving to the bed and pulling the heavy blanket and sheet back. Obediently she did as he bade, and he sat up on the top of the blanket, on the other side of the bed as Aerlaer snuggled down.

"You will sleep too, won't you?" Her voice sounded so small, so unlike her fiery self, that his heart hurt.

"Yes, unless you wish me to keep watch?"

"No, please sleep. I'm sorry your sleep has already been disturbed."

"I was not sleeping." He shrugged before settling down upon the bed. "I thought you were spending the eve in the Rangers camp." He murmured, still slightly disturbed by how close he had come to hurting her with his own blades.

"I only walked Taurorn back." She replied quietly.

"Are you still cold?"

"Not really."

"Liar, I can feel you shivering through the mattress."

"I'll be okay." She replied and he shook his head, drawing his hands to rest behind it and on his pillow.

He lay silently beside her for a while, fully aware of each time she shivered. They did not let up, and he imagined she fought some internal battle, caused by the Black Breath. The breeze coming in through the windows was cool, and so he got up and closed all four. The chamber was plunged suddenly into darkness, causing him to tense, as the moon was shrouded once again by clouds.

There was a distressed, quiet sound from the bed and Legolas's heart broke for the elleth. It was not just the Black Breath, it was the darkness. "Aerlaer?" He asked gently. She didn't reply and he listened intently to the sound of her breathing. It was shaky. He could hear the deliberately slow breaths she took as she tried to stay calm and hide her fear from him.

He was not going to let her face this alone. He could not bear the thought she might endure these moments of fear in darkness possibly forever. Moving back towards the bed, giving no thought to what Aragorn constituted as reckless, he drew back the blankets and climbed properly between the sheets. Reaching out, he carefully touched her shoulder, he could only just make out in the dark.

Her skin was so cold and she shook uncontrollably, akin to an autumn leaf about to fall in a chill wind. Placing his arm around her, he gently lifted her shoulders and pulled her into his arms. For a brief moment, he felt her freeze and panicked he had gone too far, but then she let out a shuddering breath.

To his surprise, Aerlaer turned towards him, burrowing her head in the crook of his shoulder just above his collarbone. Legolas pulled her closer, overcome with the need to protect her, to keep her safe.

"Sleep now." He whispered softly and rested his cheek on her head. Slowly he felt her relax, and eventually, her shaking ceased, replaced by the odd shiver as he willed the heat of his body to warm her.

As moonlight once again filtered into the chamber, she gave a sigh of relief and he listened to her breathing as it slowly calmed and became steady and quieter, and then finally deeper as she fell into sleep. Legolas turned his head a little and placed a gentle kiss upon her head.

"Gi gargur nin." He whispered softly into her hair. And until the daylight, I can at least pretend I have hers. He sighed wistfully and let her quiet breathing lull him to sleep.

…

Aerlaer became conscious of birds chirping, sunlight bathing on her face and a slight breeze and the scent of trees. I do not remember being in a woodland? Perhaps I am still dreaming? Lying there in that between realm of being asleep but aware, she mused at how secure she felt. Maybe I am resting in a comfortable tree whose branches are holding be safe? No, that cannot be. This feels entirely different, familiar yet not so. Wherever am I?

She became aware of what she had first thought was the branch of a tree she must be resting in, rising and falling. No, breathing. She moved her left hand slightly, brushing to see if she would feel tree bark. Instead her fingertips lightly touched soft hair. She opened her eyes and just managed not to snort in surprise. Not a tree. Legolas.

The nights events came rushing vaguely back to her. She remembered darkness and soul freezing screams on the night air, her own fear. Arms had then found her in that darkness and pulled her close. She had been filled with a sense of safety and warmth which chased away the chill surrounding her heart, and something else of a peaceful nature had washed over her and she must have slept. Certainly slept, and in his arms no less. And he in mine! For my arm too is holding him close. Butterflies erupted in her stomach. What in Arda does this mean?

Aerlaer felt his breathing become shallow and she carefully lifted her head from where it rested against his chest and met brown eyes. Oh goodness! We are barely inches apart! She could feel her heart begin to quicken. I hope he cannot hear it! She thought wildly. His gaze dropped slightly away from her eyes to her mouth and she found herself glancing briefly at his slightly parted lips.

Startled by how much she wished to kiss them, she quickly looked back at his eyes and instead became transfixed by the intensity of his gaze. Once again she could not discern the emotions which flickered in their molten depths. Suddenly he looked away and let out an unsteady breath.

"Did you uh sleep okay?" His voice sounded off note, rough.

"Umm yes, I did uh thanks you know, for this." Whatever in Arda this is. Her voice sounded breathy and she realised she had not drawn a breath of air in for quite some moments and concentrated on calmly doing so.

"You are warm now?"

"Yes, very much." She replied quickly, her answer sounding idiotic to her own ears. He looked back at her and she caught a curious look in his eyes which quickly vanished to a serene gaze.

"I am glad. I will leave you now to prepare for the day." He said casually and carefully extracted his arms from around her and Aerlaer pulled her own arm back and rolled onto her back as he made to sit up. Instead he let out an agonizing and surprised gasp.

"What is wrong?" She sat up, concerned as he held a hand over his stomach, sinking back onto the mattress, and for the first time she saw his left cheek.

"You are hurt!" She exclaimed, reaching across to gently touch his face. He winced slightly. In a rush another part of the eve before came back to her and she gasped in horror. "I did this!"

"It's fine." Legolas bit out, but by the way he held his stomach, she knew it was not.

"This is all my fault, I must heal you."

"Aerlaer, really it is-".

"No, no it is not alright. I feel terrible, I would never hurt you." Truly she was mortified by the damage she had inflicted. His jawline was a bruise of purple she could not bear to see a moment longer. Gently she placed her hand over the injury, feeling the slight heat beneath his skin, but surprisingly, no swelling. Closing her eyes, she focused on healing him, aware of his gaze.

…

Her touch was cooling, welcome. He had not realised the extent of the injury to his jaw until now it was healing beneath her hand. Her eyes were closed and he took in the concentration upon her features, the way her brow slightly furrowed and the set of her mouth.

Those eyes finally opened and as soon as she pulled her hand away, he missed it.

"I guess it was a little sore. I had not realised how hard you had punched me." He chuckled, only to grimace and clutch at his stomach again. The bruised muscles had clearly stiffened overnight and the feeling was not pleasant.

Aerlaer turned her remorseful gaze now to stare intently at his shirt which hid the larger injury. He wanted to squirm under her gaze, it felt as if he had no shirt on at all. "Don't worry about that one, it can't be seen." He forced a smirk and she simply glared at him unimpressed.

"I kicked you, don't be an idiot. It needs healing."

"It is not so bad." He lied and her eyes narrowed.

"I'm an Edhelroch, when I kick, there is always damage." She stated flatly and he sighed. There would be no way to worm his way out of this, her mind was made up. Admittedly, he did wish for the pain to go away, and he didn't fancy the teasing of the twins if he went to them, or potentially explaining he'd spent the night with their little cousin.

"Legolas, please let me heal you." He was unsure if he would be able to tolerate her hands upon him, but he could not refuse her. Sighing he nodded.

"Fine, but then I do not want to hear any more apologies from you." Relief crossed her features and she smiled before her gaze became serious, turning to the injury at hand. Legolas barely held back a shiver as she gently shifted the front of his shirt up, revealing the injury.

Curiously, he gazed down, as much as his protesting muscles would allow. The bruising was dark and angry. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Legolas." The elleth whispered sadly.

"What did I say about more apologies?" He warned and she gave a quick smile and lifted her right hand. He braced himself for… oh Manwë, why! Her hand was cool and rested feather light over his skin but his skin felt as if it were scorched by the tickling flames of a fire which went all the way to the pit of his stomach. He wanted to pull away, afraid of the thrill her touch had ignited but he knew he couldn't and instead tried to concentrate on his own breathing, the cobweb high on the ceiling, the structure of the doorway, anything mundane.

After what felt to him like the lifespan of a human, Aerlaer finally took her hand from his stomach and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Does that feel better?" She asked hesitantly, peering worriedly into his eyes. Manwë I hope they are unreadable! He thought wildly.

"Yes, much better thank you." He replied sounding remarkably calm. He didn't feel better though, he now felt worse. He wanted her hand back on his skin, both hands. He remembered his dream from the night before, if only it were true and she felt the way he did for her. If only he really could kiss those lips. If only he knew her heart. Aragorn's warning rang in his mind, not to do anything reckless. Yet the ranger wanted him to confess his feelings. What could be more reckless than trying to explain to her how I feel? Manwë, if I tried to speak now I would get more than a bruised torso.

"Legolas? Are you okay?" He snapped sheepishly out of his reverie. "Yes, I am well, I was thinking." He blurted out.

"Whatever about?" She asked with a mixture of curiosity, worry and confusion. Oh, Eru I hope my thoughts were not transparent in my eyes!

"I was thinking about healing." He lied. "I thought it might be something I'd like to learn." He peered up at her, hoping he sounded believable. She studied his face thoughtfully and he started to worry she had seen through it, but then she smiled.

"If you like I could teach you a little." She said warmly and he sensed she was happy he had shown interest. He nodded. He did find it interesting, especially how she had explained things to him at Helms Deep.

"I would like that, then next time you punch me I can just heal myself and you will be none the wiser." He flashed her a roguish smirk, and she laughed quietly and looked at her hands, now resting in her lap. He realised he needed to leave now, before he said or did something he would regret.

He rose from the bed, straightening his shirt. "I'll meet you in the hall." He said and before she could reply, strode swiftly from the chamber and back into his own.

A half an hour later, Legolas stood in the Golden Hall, wondering just how long Aerlaer intended to be. "Legolas." He turned at Aragorn's voice, the Ranger entering from the main entrance, the twins trailing behind.

"Greetings." He murmured, also nodding to each twin, who merely grinned. Did they know?

"Did you sleep well, no issues?" Aragorn asked, although his gaze held Legolas's asking an entirely different question. It seemed the twins did not know what had transpired.

"Yes, peacefully." He replied with a nod. Aragorn seemed gladdened, a small smile gracing his features before the twins interrupted.

"Where is Aerlaer?" Elladan asked.

"Surely not still sleeping?" Elrohir chuckled. Legolas merely shrugged, swallowing hard.

"I could not say." He replied breezily, purposely turning his attention to a table of food where Gimli sat with Merry, wondering again why the elleth took so long. He decided to wait another quarter of an hour, and if she still had not shown, he would hunt her down.

…

Is it possible to be any more confused than I am right now? Aerlaer thought as she walked to the oak wardrobe and flung the doors open. Rodwen had stocked it with an assortment of dresses and she had not even looked at them all yet. The day was warm and she selected a dark blue dress of a light, cotton material. If only I had inherited my grandmother's talent for seeing one's heart emotionally not medically.

Stepping in front of the mirror she pulled the dress on over her head and peered at her reflection. It was another sleeveless dress but the front twisted from where it covered her breasts to form almost rope like straps which passed over her shoulders, leaving her blades exposed and then the material fanned back out to fall into the back of the dress which flowed carelessly to her heels.

There were two cuts to the length giving her more movement and curiously the material was artfully cut out on the sides of her waist, exposing a flash of skin, the material to the front held slightly bunched over the flat of her stomach with a threaded, soft dark blue rope. Aerlaer could not help but grin. This was exactly the kind of garments she had worn most back at home. This felt natural to her. Rodwen was an enigma. Rodwen? Rodwen said if he felt anything too, he would confess so, he must not feel as I do, for surely if he did, he would have confessed by now. Her heart hurt with a sharp, desolate pang at the thought. Yet that kiss. That stupid drunken kiss.

He makes no sense but I do not even know what is sense anymore. She sighed again, moving to deftly untangle tresses of her hair. And what in Arda did I witness last night with those hazelnuts? Not only was he confusing her he was dredging up long ago memories she had pushed very far back into the recesses of her mind and heart.

Maybe she should seek out Rodwen again, perhaps she could give Aerlaer some advice on her current predicament with Legolas. Decided, she quickly combed any remaining tangles from her hair, letting it fall down her back and dashed out the door in search of the King's head maid.

…

Rodwen looked up as she heard the heavy wooden door to the kitchens close, expecting to see one of the younger maids. Instead she was met with Aerlaer. A smile found its way onto her face which moments before had been drawn in concentration over preparing dough. She dusted her floury hands on the apron she adorned.

"It is a pleasant surprise seeing your bright face, Aerlaer." She greeted the young Elf warmly and was rewarded with a bright smile.

"Hello Rodwen, are you well?" She came over to observe what the woman was doing. "I know you are busy and I do not want to be of hindrance to your work if you could direct me to an apron I will help you some." Rodwen pointed towards a shelf of clean, folded aprons and Aerlaer deftly washed her hands in a bucket of soapy water, and taking an apron, fastened it on.

"You are too kind, Aerlaer." Rodwen murmured gratefully as she handed a ball of dough to the elleth to knead.

"I must confess I do come here for your console, it seems I am in a bit of a predicament." She said. "What are we making?" She asked curiously and Rodwen pointed to a large jar of honey.

"Honey bread."

"Oh, that is why the dough is such a golden colour and why all I can smell is honey." Aerlaer realised and Rodwen nodded and handed her a spoon of the sticky, golden substance and she put it in her mouth, closing her eyes, clearly enjoying the rich, sweet flavor.

"Now tell me young Elf, what is your predicament? Am I right in presuming it has entirely to do with a certain blonde ellon?" She was answered with a nod and an exasperated sigh.

"You told me if he had feelings too he would tell me, but so far he has not and yet I am now more confused than ever for last night we slept in each other's arms."

Rodwen couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the elleth and she continued. "I was quite spooked last night from the Nazgul which flew over and he stayed with me to comfort me. I confess it is not the first time we have done this but it is the first time we have been so close in a physical manner although there was no intention behind it. But still it confuses me. I truly don't know what to think."

Rodwen gazed thoughtfully at the young elleth. Why hadn't the woodland Elf expressed how he felt? Rodwen had made her mind up, Legolas had very real feelings for the elleth when he led her from the battle into the hall at Helms Deep. The way he had remained at her side, ferociously protective and tenderly caring, his eyes full of worry and love as she had handed him a blanket, not even comprehending he too was soaking wet in his devotion to ensuring the other Elf was okay.

"He kissed me." Aerlaer suddenly said and Rodwen stopped kneading and looked at her.

"Well there is your answer." She smiled but Aerlaer shook her head. "No, it just makes it all the more confusing. He kissed me the eve of the celebration when he was extremely intoxicated, which I may as well add is my fault because I told Éomer how to get him drunk. Aerlaer sighed again. Poor lass really is in quite the predicament.

"What happened after he kissed you?" she asked and Aerlaer gave a dry laugh.

"He was horrified. He apologized and ran to his chamber. He does not remember doing it though and Aragorn has told me not to mention it to him for he said Legolas will be most upset with himself for doing so in his drunken state." Aerlaer replied sadly.

"His actions certainly are confusing." Rodwen mused. "I think he does care for you I just don't understand why he has not come forth to you about it."

"I think maybe it is he cares for me as a good friend like Taurorn is, but then sometimes he looks at me so intensely and I just don't know what to think then." Aerlaer mumbled and Rodwen heard a mix of confusion and annoyance in the note of the Elf's voice but the tinge of green Rodwen glimpsed in her bright eyes spoke volumes. Deep down she was hurting. I am sure he would not toy with her, but for what purpose does he not make his feelings known?

"Yet drunk or not he did still kiss you and that I think is something." Rodwen replied. "I assume Taurorn has never kissed you?" she chuckled at the look of horror on the elleth's face.

"Goodness no!" she said. "Not even when drunk." She laughed.

Rodwen took the doughy loaf and put it aside to sit a while and Aerlaer followed her as she made to wash her hands of the flour and honey they had drizzled on top of the loaves.

"As much as it feels confusing, I think you need to just see what happens with him. I would be very surprised if I am wrong in his feelings for you, but as you have said he has not confessed anything to you. It is just a waiting game." Rodwen said and Aerlaer nodded in thought. "Sorry I cannot be of much help, Aerlaer." She added gently.

"No, you are always of help." The Elf replied gratefully. "I should leave you be, I am now holding you up." Rodwen chuckled.

"Off you go then." Aerlaer took off the apron and placed it neatly on top of a pile of dirty wash towels and turned to the door.

"Rodwen?"

"Yes?"

"Umm with kissing, I was wondering do all kisses feel the same? I mean if it were a different say Elf, could you tell?"

Rodwen turned to look at her. What a strange question.

"I think you would be able to tell the difference." She chuckled. "But I guess if you felt for one Elf what you felt for another, the feeling you feel might be one and the same." She replied and Aerlaer chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully.

"Oh ok, thanks." She made to leave again.

"I forgot to mention Aerlaer, you sang beautifully with Legolas yesterday eve." Rodwen called to her.

"Oh, I did not even know you were in the hall or I would have said hello." Aerlaer replied in surprise and Rodwen chuckled.

"My dear Elf, I do not think you noticed anyone else in the room but the one you sung with."

"Oh." The elleth replied, ducking her head in embarrassment.

"Go on, get out of here and let me work." Rodwen grinned and the Elf flashed her a returning grin before dashing out of the kitchens. Ah to be young and in love. Chuckled Rodwen to herself as she tidied up the mess of flour.

…

Although Legolas had said to meet him in the hall, Aerlaer needed fresh air. She bounded up the stairs to her chamber and slung her bow and quiver onto her shoulder, before racing back down the stairs two at a time passing two maids in the process.

"Elves, can't they just take stairs sedately like the rest of us?" Aerlaer heard one of the maid's mutter and grinned.

"She's not as bad as that blonde male Elf. I thought he was going to knock me over in his rush to get down the stair yesterday."

"Oh, I don't think I would mind if he knocked into me." Aerlaer smirked realizing these two maids didn't know she could still hear their high noted voices, despite the growing distance and altitude. Legolas, breaking hearts from Lórien to Edoras. She chuckled quietly to herself despite also falling into that category.

"Ha you'll have to keep that unlikely scenario for your dreams alone Gwenlyn, the Elven Prince's affections, I think you will find, are already occupied. The other servant laughed and suddenly curious by the conversation the maids were having she lingered below the stair out of sight, focusing her hearing on them alone.

"Why do you say that?" The maid called Gwenlyn asked.

"I glimpsed him leaving the Lady Aerlaer's chambers this morn in naught but his sleep clothes." The maid giggled and Aerlaer held in a derisive snort of laughter.

"Are you sure? I did not think Elves acted in such a way from the stories I know of their race." Gwenlyn answered, clearly baffled.

"I am certain of what I saw, and later when I went to dust their chambers I noticed only the Lady Aerlaer's bed had been slept in." The maid replied in a hushed tone.

"Ah I envy her such a bed companion!" Gwenlyn replied in a tone which made Aerlaer's nose rankle.

"You would bed an Elf?"

"Indeed, would you not?"

"I cannot say I have thought on it before now." The other maid replied. "I hear they do not tire…" She giggled suddenly and Aerlaer held back a snort of… well she was unsure if it were disgust or amusement. "I suppose I would not be able to resist such attention if it were pressed my way." The maid conceded.

"Hmm, perhaps I will discover whether it is simply bed company he wishes." The maid, Gwenlyn chuckled and Aerlaer scowled. "Come we best continue our chores." Aerlaer heard their receding footsteps and once she knew the coast was clear, stepped out from her hiding place, shaking her head. Not entirely sure how she felt about the way those maids had been discussing Legolas; she moved off in the direction of the training grounds to release a quiver of arrows into some poor unsuspecting target.

Guest - Thanks, brilliant to know you are enjoying it!

Phox - I really must updated Fated. The next chapter is a third of the way through. I'll get onto it, just remembered it indeed was a crazy cliffy! This chapter here has heaps of new material, so hope it kept you occupied. Slowly getting through the editing.

EmberBeastie - No worries at all. Ha ha even if you read the original, it wouldnt have helped, this chapt is about 40% new material so surprises for everyone! I should really finish the prequal aye, although its only going to be extra sadder!

ScreamingTomCat - I wrote most of the sea chapts while away along the coast nearly two Christmases ago. Inspiration was so easy! They are some of my favorite chapts too, but don't think i will need to change much to them. Nearly up to them. Three chapters off or so?

Now I'm supposed to be making dinner, but before I go, to those in the states and whoever else who celebrates it, Happy Halloween.

xx A