Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or characters, they belong to JRR Tolkien. I only own my Original Characters and story idea.

Authors Note: "* *" means they are speaking in Silvan, Italics are direct quotes from the book.

(Time jump: 7 decades later)

I looked at The Road, it was quite dark now, I glanced over at Estel.

"*He won't come by The Road, I met with Three. They came from Buckland, it would be folly to think that this Mr. Baggins has not encounter them by now. If he is smart he will go by fields, there's a chance we won't find him here.*"

Estel looked at me, "*You may be right but I haven't heard from Mithrandir it's-*"

I put my hand up, I could hear soft footfalls of ponies. I left my post by the hedge and walked a ways until I came upon six dark shapes, too small to be The Wraiths.

"Tom's country ends here: he will not pass the borders.
"Tom has a house to mind, and Goldberry is waiting." said the fattest one on the tallest pony.

I smile as I walked back to The Road, "*Mr. Baggins is in good company and shall be by this way, if I'm right they will be headed for Bree, I shall meet you there.*"

Just than we heard a rustling in the lower trees.

"I'm sorry to take leave of Master Bombadil," said one, "He's a caution and no mistake. I reckon we may go a good deal further and see naught better, nor queerer. But I won't deny I'll be glad to see this Prancing Pony he spoke of. I hope it will be like the Green Dragon back at home. What sort of folk are in Bree?"

"There are hobbits in Bree," said the tall one, "as well as Big Folk. I daresay it will be homelike enough. The Pony is a good inn by all accounts. My people ride out there now and than."

"It may be all we could wish," said Mr. Baggins, "but it is outside the Shire all the same. Don't make yourselves too much at home! Please remember-all of you-that the name of Baggins must NOT be mentioned. I am Mr. Underhill, if any name must be given."

With that the four mounted their ponies and set off. I looked at Estel, "*I'll meet you at the Pony, I need a few words with Tom.*"

He nodded and silently took off after them, I quickly sprinted after the dark shape as it slowly started on its way home.

"Oh Master Tom Bombadil, how is fair Goldberry?" I ask.

With a laugh Old Tom stopped Fatty, "Well young Leafling, I haven't seen you here for many a while. Goldberry is the same as ever, beautiful and patient. Come with me, she will be overjoyed to have you as a guest again."

I bowed, "It would be an honour to be a guest of yours again, alas time is not with me. I follow you to ask some questions."

Old Tom stoked his beard, "Lets hear them."

"Have you seen strange going ons? Black Riders in your land?" I ask.

He wrinkled his nose in thought, "Non stranger than always, no Black Riders come into my country. They go around but not through. I'm not sure if that is good news for you or not."

"Thank you Old Tom, I will not take up more of your time. Tell Goldberry I'll stop by sometime in the future."

He bowed his head, "I surely will Lady Leafling, until than good-night."

I stood there as Old Tom spurred Fatty into a trot, and watched them slowly fade into the fog. I turned around and headed for The Road, I crouched at the hedge listening for horses or footsteps. It was all quiet, I stepped onto the road and hurried to Bree. It seemed like the night got darker the closer I went to the gate. I stayed in the shadows and climbed up the gate and pass the eyes of Harry the gatekeeper. I took a last glance back at The Road and saw three shapes moving in the far distance, not a good sign.

I quickly made my way to The Pony and slipped inside, making sure my hood was over my face; the smoke made the room hazy; the laugher and talk was loud. The littlest people were making the most noise, I located Estel sitting in by the wall and joined him.

"*They sure don't keep to themselves to they?*" I asked him lowly.

"*No but just by sitting here I've learned a lot about them.*"

"*Their names?*"

He nodded, "*Pippin and Sam, the one I'm looking for is Mr. Underhill, who has smartly kept to himself.*"

"Hallo, can I get you anything?" said a short young man.

"A pint of dark ale." I said.

"Coming right up." He said cheerfully.

Estel looked at me, "*For any special reason?*"

I shook my head as my drink arrived and the drink runner left, "*Just for enjoyment I suppose.*"

I took a sip, a sharp bitterness invaded my mouth, "*Not the finest brew this one, I should have stuck with light ale or just went to Dale, now they know how to brew a good dark ale.*"

We sat there in silence, I saw Mr. Baggins look our way, he stopped Butterbur and asked him about us.

"*I believe we struck his curiosity, Strider.*" I said, "*You haven't talked to him yet?*"

"*No but it looks like we are going to,*" he replied while nodding and motioning for him to come over.

I grinned into my cup but quickly grimaced when the bitterness filled my mouth. Slowly Mr. Baggins made his way over to our table.

"You're Strider and, you're Blade," he said lowly.

Estel glanced questionably at me, I smirked.

"Well Master Underhill, if old Butterbur got your name right," Estel said.

"He did," the hobbit said stiffly as he sat down, "Mr. Butterbur warned me about you, rangers."

"Did he say we were dangerous?" I asked in a low mocking voice, "Or that we travel and hardly ever come in here?"

He shook his head, "More that you never talk unless it is to tell a tale."

We sat there quietly, watching everyone around us, Estel leaned forward, "If I were you I'd stop them from drinking too much, this isn't the Shire. There have been queer folk coming through here."

I looked up from my cup, one was talking about The Party. He was getting into his story and doing a very poor imitation of Bilbos speech. I heard Bilbo speak before and this hobbit has done him no justice.

"You better do something quick." Estel whispered.

I watched as Mr. Baggins jumped on the table said a short speech than started singing.

I smiled, "*You have your hands full with those Little Ones.*"

He nodded but kept silent, puffing on his pipe. I drained my cup, and wiped my mouth. I put some coins on the table.
"*I am off for the night, I'll meet you in Rivendell.*"

"*Meet? You aren't coming along?*" he asked.

I shook my head, "*I know these lands like the back of my hand, one less trip through the wilderness won't kill me. Besides I don't want to walk, I rather ride, faster, easier, better, for this old elf.*"

He laughed, "*Not old yet, you haven't passed two thousand barely even half a thousand.*"

I laughed, "*Okay, okay a half thousand but I want to be as old as Naneth. So I have a ways to go old man!*"

"*Now, now no need to call me on it. I do have a few good decades left in me.*" he sighed, "*Where are you going to get a horse from? You walked with me.*"

I smirked, "*After all these years some farmers have some favours they owe me. Any horse I take always make their way back so it's nothing to let me borrow. Most of the time they want to stay with me but I always tell them to go home.*"

There were shouts and applause around us, than Mr. Baggins started singing again.

"*Best be off before it gets to dark for you,*" he said.

"*Don't worry, and you be careful too. I seen something as I crossed over the fence, watch yourself and the hobbits,*" I said as I stood up, "*You have a safe trip, I'll see you soon Little Brother.*"

He bowed his head than turned his attention to the growing crowd around the singing hobbit. I smiled as I slipped out onto the road and to the nearest stable. I looked around then slipped inside. I walked down the aisle to the last stall and whistled. A happy neigh came from within.

"*I thought I'd never see you again, Aduial,*" I whispered to a black mare, "*Lets go to Rivendell again girl, we must be swift, there is a darkness about.*"
She neighed again and stomped her foot.

"*Estel will be fine, I taught him everything he knows. He's a swift and strong fighter. He knows what is out there.*"

She neighed and kicked the gate.

I smiled, "*You know what's out there too Aduial, lets be swift. I don't want to fight this night.*"

I swung open the gate and jumped on, Aduial kicked back on her hind legs than galloped out the door. The ride to the East Gate was fast, I had to stop her so the gate keep could open the gate.

"Be careful out there Ranger Blade, there's something queer about." he croaked.

I nodded my head and spurred her on again, we ran on until sunrise. We rested for a few hours before taking off again. The road was empty, it unsettled me, so we took a shortcut I found many years back. Three days later we reached our destination.

"*A record for us girl,*" I said as I slid off, "*Now for a good rest and good food for you, before you head back.*"

She neighed and scratched the ground.

"*Stay? Dear Aduial, aren't you needed back home?*"

She whinnied.

I frowned, "*He left you there? Even after what I said, you are better off here than living in that stable day in and day out. When I make my way back there he'll regret what he did to you.*"

I rubbed her down and gave her a good brushing, than led her to the stables.

"*Leafling, it's good to see you,*" said someone behind me.

I turned, "*Glorfindel, good to see you too. I hope you don't mind the extra horse, she doesn't want to go back this time.*"

He chuckled, "*I was wondering when I'd see her again, Aduial is it? She is a fine horse.*"

"*That she is, I hope you don't mind cutting this meeting short but I would like to freshen up before meeting with Lord Elrond,*" I apologized.

"*Not to worry, we can speak later.*"

A few days later a group of dwarfs arrived, I met them at the gate.

"Good day Glóin and company," I welcomed.

"Good day Lady Leafling, haven't seen you around for a long time," he replied with a smile.

"I have been traveling young dwarf, I am back for now. Shall I announce you?" I asked.

He shook his head, "No thank you Lady, Lord Elrond is waiting for us. I sent word I would be coming."

I bowed as they passed going up the stairs, I remembered the first time Glóin came here, Fili and Kili the lively two brothers were the only ones to actually talk with me besides Bilbo...Kili…Fili…

"Why the troubled look Leafling?" asked Bilbo who came walking down the stairs.

"Just remembering a dwarf company that came through these gates, Lord Thorin, Balin, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Dwalin, Fili, Kili, you and Gandalf. What a company it was, if Lord Thorin wasn't so opposed to elves at the time, I would have loved to join you."

He laughed, "Yes, yes if Lord Elrond didn't hold you back, you would have joined anyway."

"True, I was very put off and looked for adventure else where, I joined up with Arwens older brothers for a while. Than went back home for a visit," I motioned for Bilbo to walk with me, "How is the book coming along?"

"Very well indeed," he said happily, "I finished a bit more if you would like to read it. Feel privileged, you are the first to read it."

"But not the last, when it is all done I would love to read it. I will not read an unfinished tale," I teased, "No matter what it is about: gold, dragons, dwarfs."
I fell silent, he looked at me.

"They fought bravely," he said lowly, "And honourably."

"Yes I wouldn't expect less," I sighed, "Kili and Fili told me that when they got back they'll travel with me to Dale to show me their homeland personally. I have been there many times, the dark ale is fantastic. I visit the three of them when I go, I always leave a pint for him and Fili, Lord Thorin I did not know well enough to leave anything for."

"You grew close to them, in the short time we were here." He commented.

"Yes we did, they were young, just babies to me. Yet they there they were going on an adventure. The kindest and talkative dwarfs I ever met back than." I paused, "Now that I remember I must be going to see Arwen, I bid you good day Bilbo and good luck upon finishing your book."

He smiled and waved me off.

I was walking along the river followed closely by Aduial, I am getting worried. Estel should have been here by now, even going by country, than I heard high shrieks.
"*Ringwraiths!*" I exclaimed.

I jumped on Aduial and spurred her into a gallop, the river beside me swelled and white riders flew past. I heard another shriek and I seen black shapes being carried away. I stopped Aduial when I noticed a bundle of clothes and Nar standing near.

"*Nar? Why is Glorfindel not with you?*"

Nar stomped his foot and whinnied. I jumped off Aduial and ran to the bundle, I turned it over. It was the Hobbit, he was fading fast.

"*They will not get you young hobbit,*" I said as I picked him up, "*Hold on longer, stay with the light.*"

I jumped back on Aduail and we galloped back as fast as she could carry us, we neared the gate.

"*Get Lord Elrond!*" I yelled as I hopped off, "*Quickly this hobbit doesn't have long left!*"

I went running up the stairs and met up with Elrond.

"*Bring him to the second floor room, I have it ready for him.*" he commanded.

I flew up the stairs and gently placed him in the bed. As I left Elrond walked in. I closed the door and stood there.

"*Why young Ranger, what brings you here?*" said a teasing voice.

I turned around, "*I forgot I had my cloak on, how are you today Arwen?*"

She smiled, "*I am alright, don't worry about Frodo, Father will help him.*"

"*I know, I'm going to go wait for Glorfindel and company they shouldn't be long now,*" I bowed than left.

I waited at the gate for a while until I heard footsteps in the distance. I stood up and walked up the lane to meet them.

"Hail friends of Aragorn," I called as they approached.

Estel and Glorfindel grinned at me.

"Hail Ranger Blade, have they sent you to search us?" Estel laughed.

"Your Blade?" Asked the tallest Hobbit, "You're Striders lackey?"

I threw my hood off, "Lackey? I shall remember that Strider. I'm his traveling companion, I left Bree before you did."

"You're an Lady Elf," said one in wonderment.

"Indeed I am," I smiled, "Follow me, I'll show you where you can clean up and your rooms."

"Rooms?" asked the tall one.

"Yes, I assume you will be staying for while until your friend gets better." I quirked an eyebrow, "Unless you plan to leave soon."

"We wouldn't dare think of a thing like that," one said angrily.

"Now Sam, she didn't mean anything by that," Estel said lowly, "She's merely asking."

Sam turned bright red.

"You are a stout hobbit Little Master Sam, I did not mean to offend." I apologized.

I started walking, Glorfindel walked beside me and Estel a ways behind with the hobbits.

"*I trust you found them easily enough?*" I asked.

"*Found them in time, Frodo is a strong hobbit. But if I had reached them any later he would not have made it,*" Glorfindel said quietly.

A few hours later I was sitting on the balcony railing watching the sunset. Than I heard a patter of feet, I looked over and saw the one named Pippin.

"How may I help you Little Master?" I asked gently.

"Why are you dressed like that if you are a Lady Elf?" He questioned.

I laughed, "I am a Ranger, it won't due to wear a dress out in the wilderness as you seen. Besides I never cared for dress wearing."

He came and stood beside me, "Will Frodo be alright?"

"Time will tell but, he is under good hands. It will be a day or so before he awakes. While than enjoy yourself, walk the gardens, it won't do to have you get sick worrying about Little Master Frodo."

He nodded, than turned around and walked off.

"*You're always asked the same question,*" laughed Estel as he came walking by.

"*Yes Little Brother, I believe you asked the same once?*"

"*I did, I did,*" he walked and leaned on the railing, "*Seems like yesterday you came here with us, than left on your own. You did come back like you promised to teach me how to shoot and fight.*"

I nodded, "*Of course, now look at you now Longshanks, Strider, Dúnadan, Estel or whatever they call you now; I could not be more proud.*"

The smell of food drifted down the hallway, I followed my nose to the Hall of Fire.
"Hello my dear Bilbo," I said as I kneeled by the chair he was in, "What are you up to? It is too dark to be writing in here."

He laughed, "Writing I am not but thinking I am. Are you good at song making?"

"No, I am good at singing but not making up songs, I won't be of any help," I giggled.

"I thought I'd ask, if you see Dúnadan could you bring him here? I could use his help."

"I will," I promised.

Just than an elf popped his head in, "Lady Leafling are you ready for supper? We are gathering now."

I looked down at myself, lucky I was wearing one of my good tunics, "Thank you. Bilbo will you be joining us?"

"No, not this time Leafling," he sighed.

"At your leave," I said as I bowed.

I left and walked down the corridor and met up with Arwen.

"*Good Evening Lady Arwen,*" I said and bowed, "*May I accompany you to the dining hall?*"

She laughed, "*Yes you may Lady Leafling.*"

I fell in step with her, "*So Frodo is well?*"

"*Well what do you think we are having the feast for? You will be sitting beside me, so you better behave.*"

"*I always do, is Glóin joining the Head Table?*" I asked as we entered.

She nodded and led the way to our seats. A little while later Frodo walked in, and was seated beside Glóin. His eyes roamed across the room and landed on Arwen.

"*He's staring at you,*" I whisper.

"*He would be staring at you too Leafling if you dressed up a bit.*" she whispered back.

I snorted quietly, "*I'm good the way I am, if an elf, man or halfling can see that than he's worth my time.*"

The rest of the meal we sat in quiet, I listened to Glóin talk to Frodo. I haven't had the chance to talk to him myself so I listened eagerly. When the meal was done I glanced around the room but I couldn't find Estel, he must be talking to Elladan and Elrohir. I turned to Arwen.

"*Are you coming to the Hall of Fire?*" I asked.

"*No, I'm turning in for the night, have a good time.*" with that she got up and left.

I slowly followed everyone to the Hall, I walked in and saw Bilbo with Frodo. I smiled than I felt someone brush my arm.

"*Why weren't you at supper?*"

Estel smiled, "*I had to talk to Elladan and Elrohir, see how things were going.*"

"*Thought so, come. Bilbo wants you to help him with a song he wants to finish.*"

We walked towards the two hobbits deep in conversation, it was a few minutes before they noticed us.

"Ah, there you are at last Dùnadan," Bilbo cried.

"Strider," said Frodo, "You seem to have a lot of names."

"Yes he does," I said, "More than one person should."

Bilbo frowned, "Strider is one I have not heard. Why do you call him that?"

"That is what they call me in Bree," Estel laughed, "And how I was introduced to him as."

Bilbo nodded, "Where have you been my friend? Why weren't you at the feast? The Lady Arwen was there."

"Yes I know," he said gravely and looked at me, "Certain things come before mirth, Elladan and Elrohir arrived and I had to talk with them."

"Since you have had your news, perhaps you could help me finish my song. Lord Elrond said it must be done before this night is out." Bilbo asked, "Lets go into the corner and polish it up."

"Let's hear it," Estel smiled and followed the old hobbit.

They went off and left, I turned to face Frodo.

"I don't believe we officially met, I am Leafling Hazelwood of Lothlórien," I bowed.

"Frodo Baggins of the Shire, Gandalf told me you are the one who brought me here," he said as he bowed back.

I smiled, "I brought you the rest of the way, Nar carried you most of the way."

We sat in silent listening to the music.

"Sam was telling me that you are Blade," he looked at me, "When you talked at the Prancing Pony you did not sound female."

I laughed, "No one would take a female Ranger seriously elf or not, sorry for the misleading."

"No need to apologize Leafling, I understand. Why are you so far from home?"

I sighed, "I been away from home for a long time, being a Ranger does not allow for much stay time anywhere. Especially now but this is not the time to talk about that. Enjoy yourself Frodo, the Hall of Fire is always my favourite part of the evening, there are always new songs to listen to."

We sat there listening to music for a while but I was feeling restless.

"Excuse my leave Little Master Frodo, but I may...fall asleep where I sit. See you in the morning," I stood up.

I heard news of arrivals from Mirkwood, I walked through the halls hoping to run into them. It has been a long time since I first met Elvenking Thranduil and his son Aman. I turned the corner and saw someone walking up the hall, I gasped.

"*King Thranduil,*" I said and bowed.

He smiled, "*He is my father.*"

I looked up into warm grey eyes, my heart skipped a beat.

"*You must be Lady Leafling, I've heard a great deal about you from my brother Aman, I am Legolas Greenleaf youngest son of King Thranduil.*"

I nodded, "*The stars shine bright at our meeting. I am Leafling Hazelwood of Lothlórien.*"

Legolas smiled, "*Aman would act out the fight to my sister and I. Perhaps sometime you will tell me your side of the story.*"

"*It would be a honour,*" I said proudly, "*I'm sure it will differ from Amans, greatly. Um I mean it will be a different telling.*"

He laughed, "*Want to know the reason he was so nasty and mean? He saw everything you've accomplished in your short life at the time and what you will accomplish. He grew jealous, he was taught to fight but he is destined for the throne and none else. I'm not asking for you to pardon him, he deserved the battering. And I am talking non-stop, I am sorry for taking up your time.*" he bowed.

I giggled, "*It is fine, it's nice to have someone to talk to who isn't your elder. Oh, there's the bell, we best hurry to the Counsel.*"

"*Lead the way, I do not know where the Counsel Room is. I was hoping to run into someone,*" he said sheepishly.

I grinned at him, "*Lucky you did run into someone, this hall is hardly used. Follow me.*"

Authors Note: THANK YOU to everyone who favored, followed and reviewed! You guys are the best, now we get into the story. I'm sticking with the book and it's been ages since I last read it so as I write I am reading, so the updates will be a bit slower than usual. Oh Happy New Year to everyone! See you all in the new year!