Book Two

Part, the Sixth

Things Revealed

As the purifying power swept through Isengard, it healed more than the land. All of the people-from Treebeard to Pippin-found themselves without injury and totally refreshed. The Orthanc gave a great shudder before collapsing into the earth, destroying the network of caverns beneath it. Within a small bit of time, all that was left in the wizard's vale was a lush, green meadow and pools of purified water.

Pleased with this turn of events, the Ents let loose songs of joy that would be heard for ages after in their people's stories. They disappeared back into the forest, still singing.

Pippin watched them go until his eyes caught on something sparkling in one of the pools of water. Swinging down from his perch, he scrambled over to it and heaved it up with more force than he had anticipated. Gandalf spotted him and turned Shadowfax to come up beside the hobbit.

"Here, lad, I'll take that!" Bending, the wizard fairly snatched the dark globe from him, wrapping it in the folds of his own cloak. "It is not a thing that Saruman would have chosen to cast away."

Legolas listened with half an ear to the by-play, his grey gaze unerringly on the woman at his side. As her power faded and her blue eyes opened, his heart was finally completely eased. Her aura was such as it had been a thousand years ago now, pulsing and reaching shyly for him.

"You have changed besides shattering your seal," he murmured to her.

Looking at him, she grinned and took his hand, her appearance divine despite how war-battered they all were. "I'll tell you later. It…" her breath caught and her eyes sparkled with unabashed joy. "Oh, Legolas! You'll never guess!"

Chuckling to distract himself from the feelings she invoked when she caressed his name like that, the Elf nodded. "Then, I will wait with anticipation for your explanation." His eyes sobered and pinned her. "However, we shall talk-you and I-of your actions in the breach."

Swallowing, she sniffed and caught Kirara when the neko felt it safe enough to approach her mistress. "Fine, then. Jerk."

Lips twitching, he followed her as she made her way back to the rest of the group. Gandalf eyed her and then gave a sharp jerk of his head.

"You scared a legion of Uruk-hai, lass," Gimli smiled. "Brought a tear to my eye, it did."

Laughing in embarrassment, she ducked her head. "Yeah, don't remind me."

Aragorn leaned over on his horse and nodded to Legolas. "He nearly took my head off when I offered to merely carry you."

A dusting of red filled the male's cheeks, but he didn't apologize. Kagome's brows furrowed as she slid her hand into his once more in reassurance. Théoden cleared his throat, nearly unsure how to go about addressing the miko now.

"Rohan stands in your debt, Lady Kagome," he told her stiffly.

Wrinkling her nose, she waved that away. "Get me food and a bath and we'll call it even, your highness."

Éomer couldn't help the exasperated smirk that settled on his face as he took in his uncle's shock. "Come then, Lady Guardian, and let us be away from this place. Purified or no, I would not be pleased with tarrying here, nor of ever seeing it again."

Agreeing, she released Kirara and mounted her when she transformed. Once Legolas was settled behind her, the group began their journey back to Edoras. Merry and Pippin both called their greetings to her, blushing when she beamed at them in thanks.

"I'm glad you two nuts are alright, as well. Wait, did you get taller?" she questioned, puzzled.

Gandalf rolled his eyes and hid a smile as Kagome continued on chattering with the hobbits, oblivious to the looks she was receiving from the rest of the men. Legolas met the wizard's gaze, and the look the Elf shot him, had the Maia chuckling. No doubt the prince would have her pledged formally as soon as it was possible. The thought lifted Gandalf's heart.

They made little conversation as they rode. A few hours after sunset, they came to Dol Baran, but decided to push themselves passed the Isen before resting. Though Saruman was now dead, they all felt the better for having some distance between them and Isengard. A small thatch of trees lent them shelter for the night and they quickly made camp.

Merry was just finishing his rations when he frowned, having noticed something. "Where is Kagome?"

Aragorn smirked from his place beside the fire. "She and Legolas disappeared a while ago into the woods."

Blinking, Pippin stood and took a few steps into the trees before Gimli tugged him back to his seat.

"I'd not follow them, Master Peregrin," he guffawed.

"Indeed," Gandalf grumbled, motioning for the hobbits to settle. "Have no fear, they will return before we leave."

"But, it's not safe to be wandering, is it?" Pippin asked, though a curious restlessness had crept into him.

The men in hearing range laughed while Gandalf patted him on his shoulder. "No, no it isn't safe for Tooks or Brandybucks, but pity the Enemy who disturbs the prince and his miko now."

The hobbits puzzled on that before comprehension dawned on Merry's face and he couldn't help the giggles that overtook him.

"Ah! I see! Well, tell us then what has happened since we were taken. We've a most interesting tale for you."

Pippin opened his mouth to ask another question, but closed it when Merry shot him a look. Huffing at being left out, he crossed his arms and mollified himself with the last of the Longbottom leaf.

…..

Kagome followed behind Legolas as he led her away from camp. Nervous anticipation filled her as she kept watch on his True Self. Now that her seal was shattered for good, she wondered at her ability to have denied him for so long. It nearly hurt to keep her True Self from his. When he finally came to a stop, they were in a small clearing where clumps of heather had sprung. Starlight shone in the clearing as well as the large moon overhead. Kagome couldn't help the pulse of power she sent out to protect and purify this place.

"Tirelen-Nín," Legolas called her softly, turning to face her.

Smiling, she clasped her hands to keep from reaching for him. "Calad-Nín," she replied, making his brows shoot up. An abundance of meaning and feeling infused the words-the name she'd given him and it answered all the questions he had. Tension and anger and fear slid from him as he shuddered and pulled her close. Though it was Elven custom to have more than one name, words had power and spoken correctly could be more binding than anything else in Arda.

'My Light', she'd named him and it was more precious to the Elf than anything he could count. With it, she accepted her place at his side and her place in Arda in a way she never had. It was almost upsetting: this ability she had to keep him from truly taking her to task for her actions at Helm's Deep. Giving a breathy laugh, he told her such.

Giggling, she sighed and leaned into him, needing his closeness. Everything was so much better, but the fear that had sent her into a panic when he fell was still a vivid memory for her.

"I'm sorry," she told him quietly, rubbing her cheek on his chest-mindful of the buckles from his quiver. "I was stupid and panicked. I saw you go up in flames and I think I sort of shut down in shock."

Exhaling heavily, he nodded against her crown. "I know. The explosion had stolen your sight and your hearing as well. I wager that contributed to your actions." Swallowing, he mulled over what he wanted to say to her; what he could realistically ask of her.

She cut him off, however, before he could speak. "I won't make the same mistake again. I-"

Pulling back as she stopped, Kagome smiled, her entire being glowing with delight. "Oh, let me tell you what happened!"

Legolas listened closely as she spoke of her friend and the Darkness in her mind. She held nothing back, even how shamed she'd felt at what she'd let herself become.

"I'd become such a coward," she told him thickly, blue eyes stricken when she glanced to him. "I can't believe I'd let myself get to that point."

Brushing a kiss across her temple, he stroked her hair and back to soothe her. "What happened after Inuyasha left?"

He felt her hands clench in the fabric at his sides as her eyes went distant. "I fell into Darkness. I don't know how long it kept me, but it could never quite manage to get me to succumb to it. I couldn't remember anything and when I tried…oh, Ilúvatar, I've never felt that kind of pain."

Her voice turned hoarse when she described the agony of reaching for her memories. Legolas' True Self pulsed and twined with hers, giving her a comfort that brought tears to her eyes. If he'd known the details of Saruman's torment before the confrontation with the wizard, the Elf wouldn't have allowed him such a swift death. Grey eyes were fierce as he watched his miko struggle through that part of her story.

"But, I found my reiki and with it," Kagome said, with a faint twitch of her lips, "I found home. I was alone in the Dark, but I remembered silver white light and green power."

Raising her hand, she touched his cheek deliberately. "I remembered grey eyes," she whispered, "and I clung to those truths as fear tried to take me. My pink fire protected my home and as it did, home gave me my name."

"Tirelen," he stated, watching as she nodded, her hand sliding from his cheek to his shoulder.

"Yes, and then I remembered everything." Blue eyes blazed with their own fire as she snarled, "I let my reiki loose and was utterly destroying Saruman when…" here, she sucked in a breath and her True Self brightened with a feeling he'd never seen. "Father Ilúvatar came to me," she said on an awed breath.

Shocked, the Elf pulled away to stare at her in astonishment. "Eru Ilúvatar came to you?"

Laughing at his and her own shock, she nodded. "Yes! Legolas, he…he told me that he'd changed me when I first came here. He'd given me a piece of his Light! He purified me, in a way." Emotion choked her as awed tears fell down her face. "Everything about him was a song so filled with unconditional love and-and goodness that-" coming to an abrupt stop, she shook her head, unable to describe the experience.

Legolas felt her reverence and deep, abiding joy over what had happened. It had left its mark on her True Self, and he understood now. His father had been right, but instead of the Valar, Kagome was a vassal of the Creator himself. Her light shyly reached to twine with his, wanting to share her delight and elation with him. A blush darkened her face when he curled more tightly around her.

"That was a singular blessing," he agreed when he could speak.

"Yes, and after, I felt more like myself since before I left Japan," she stated emphatically. "I'd lost something when I started sealing bits of myself away. I wield a lot of power and it's hard to not help, you know?"

Smiling, he squeezed her hip. "I know. But, what happened after Ilúvatar left?"

An impish smirk curled her lips. "Oh, I showed that horse-faced bastard why it'd been a really bad idea to challenge me."

Amusement danced across his face. "I'm sure you did. Mithrandir will want to know of your trial when we return."

Kagome huffed. "Gandalf can just suck on it. Regardless of what he thinks, he doesn't have to be told everything."

Laughing aloud at her and her words, he finally gave into temptation and lowered his head to claim her lips. All but melting into him, she eagerly returned the kiss, sliding her hands up behind his neck and standing on tiptoe to press herself to him.

He'd just gained entrance to her mouth when the sound of tinkling bells startled them. Heads snapping around, they pulled apart and faced the direction of the sound. Kagome scowled when Legolas relaxed and her powers told her what was coming.

"Really? I'm in the middle of making out with you and your dad shows up?"

Sighing, the Elf at her side glanced to her and then back to the light coming their way. "It pleases him to be such an inconvenience. However, he sent a messenger while you were unconscious. Greenwood and Lórien have been under attack as well. He felt both of our injuries and was concerned."

That had her softening toward her long-time friend. She couldn't help the eye-roll, though, when she finally saw the Elvenking. He was riding an Elven-Elk and looked every inch the immortal Other as he approached them. One of his brows hitched up when he stopped.

"Father," Legolas greeted, bowing his head and crossing his arm over his chest.

Kagome suddenly felt like a teenager caught with her boyfriend as Thranduil's eyes slid to her. "Eh, hello, Lord Thranduil," she stuttered, a deep blush blooming in her cheeks.

His other brow rose to join its brother as he dismounted his Elk. "The mystery of why you two have never managed a meeting is solved."

Blinking, Kagome glanced to him in confusion. His grey eyes narrowed.

"My son would have been useless to me had he met you before now," Thranduil clarified.

Giggling, Kagome covered her mouth with her hand as Legolas frowned at his father.

"I'm happy you're okay," she told the king, blue eyes sincere as he watched the couple steadily. "Legolas told me that you were under siege yourself. You must have raced like the wind to make it this far in so short a time."

Thranduil motioned to the Elk. "It is but a trifle for Ethuil to bear me such. Tell me of the happenings."

Legolas swiftly gave an account of their journey, trusting Kagome to guard the clearing from ears and eyes. Thranduil listened intently, though most of his attention was on the light of his son's True Self and the way it reacted to Kagome's. It had been ages since he'd seen his friend so untamed and the way her light and his son's held onto each other spoke volumes to him. A pleased glint lit in his grey eyes as Kagome summarized what Ilúvatar had imparted to her.

"I see," he stated when they were done, watching them carefully. Legolas had been rebellious on occasion, but he'd always been a deeply loyal son. The way he let Kagome lean into him and unconsciously curled protective power around her let the Elvenking know that his son had finally grown into the Elf he was meant to be. It sent a pang of wistfulness through him. Finding his other half had brought out his mother's features in the Elf. Thranduil was certain that she would be proud of her son's choice. Kagome was an unrivaled female.

Reaching into the sleeve of his tunic, he withdrew a small wooden box and passed it to his son. "Then I am no longer doubtful of your request, Legolas." Turning to the miko, he gave her a small smile. "Long have you been an ally to me and my people, Lady Tirelen."

Confused, she nevertheless returned his smile, knowing that he didn't give it often. "I hope I've been your friend, too, Thranduil."

Inclining his head, the king let the claim stand uncontested as Legolas sucked in a sharp breath. Grey met grey as father and son stared at each other.

"Father…" he began, but choked on the feelings coursing through him.

Thranduil made a vague motion with his hand. "For such a mate, there could be no other, my son."

The words were spoken without feeling, but Kagome saw a light in his eyes that she'd never witnessed. Thranduil wasn't an emotional Elf and could order the destruction of a city as easily as the salvation of it. However, in this moment, she saw him truly content for the first time. Turning to Legolas, she looked to him in question.

Stepping back, he bowed deeply to his father, trembling when the king placed a light hand on his head. No words were needed for him to understand that his father was proud of him; that he approved of his choices. For all his calculative coldness and ruthlessness, Thranduil loved those closest to him fiercely and Legolas knew that. Still, he'd wanted desperately to be someone his father could look to for aid, could be proud to call family.

"Thank you, Father," he told him thickly.

Kagome watched the proceedings with awe, wondering at what had moved the Elves so totally. Straightening, Legolas focused on her, his face lit from within with something very close to starlight. Swallowing, she felt the weight of the moment settle around them as he gently took her hand.

"Tirelen-Nín," he began, something new in his voice as he held her eyes, "long have I searched for your light. Having found it, I cannot bear to be parted. Here, in these trees and with my father as witness, I pledge my own light to yours."

Tears filled her eyes as she got what he was doing. Covering her face with her free hand, she tried to pull herself together. Finally giving it up for a lost cause, she laughed wetly and squeezed his fingers.

"You're not supposed to make me cry," she chided tearfully, making him smile softly. "Calad-Nín, I would live an age in Darkness if it meant having your light in the end," she managed through her emotions threatening to choke her.

Releasing her hand, he opened the wooden box Thranduil had given him. Kagome inhaled harshly when she saw what it contained. The large stone that Thranduil had worn on a ring for as long as she'd known him lay inside. Instead of a ring, the stone had been reworked into an intricate necklace.

"Legolas?"

Carefully extracting the jewelry and stowing away the box, the Elf fastened it around her neck. "This was my mothers," he told her quietly. "The stone was found in Doriath when the caverns were being created. Lord Thingol named it 'Mîrthilion' and gave it to my father in friendship. He crafted it into a ring and gave it to my mother when they pledged themselves to each other."

Immensely honored, Kagome filled in the blanks. Thranduil had worn the ring after his wife passed and was now giving it to his son to give to his fiancé. The delicate metal was obviously mithril, making her wonder where he'd gotten the precious commodity. Touching the stone reverently, she gave a trembling smile to Legolas and then Thranduil.

"Thank you," she rasped, her voice hoarse.

The Elvenking studied her a moment, throwing her mind back to their first meeting, so very long ago. Finally, he gave her another small smile and motioned for her to approach him. Doing so, she felt her eyes widen when the king leaned down and pressed a fond kiss to her forehead. His power flared, calling on the alliance Mark he'd given her. Finding it, he twisted it, changed it, until when he pulled away, she was Marked as a member of his house.

Staggering, she would have fallen had an equally surprised Legolas not caught her.

"Father?" he questioned. Normally such an action was not done until they were married, if at all. It was an ancient practice that few understood or used anymore.

An enigmatic smirk quirked the king's lips. "When your business with that creature is done, return immediately to Greenwood."

Giggling, Kagome tightened her hold on Legolas. "Oh, you have to sing at our wedding, Thranduil! Please? You always weasel out of it when I'm there."

Legolas sighed in good humor at the mischievous glint in his father's eyes. "Let him be, Tirelen. He does it to annoy you."

Huffing, she relented and then was unable to help wrapping the startled king in a fond embrace. "You've been my friend for most of my life, Thranduil. I can't tell you how much that and your blessing means to me."

Slowly, the Elvenking stiffly returned the embrace, resigning himself to her shows of affection. She rarely intruded on his person out of respect for his wishes, but he could tell by her True Self that she was nearly bursting with joy and love for his family.

"I will sing at your wedding," he conceded before gently pushing her away.

Ecstatic light glowed around her and Legolas as they clasped hands and bowed to him. "Come, I wish to speak to Mithrandir a moment before I must return."

Grinning, Kagome nodded and glanced to Legolas as Thranduil moved to mount his Elk. The look on her betrothed face was infinitely tender, making her blush and clasp her necklace. Smiling, he pressed a chaste kiss to her mouth and then pulled her to follow his father.

Looking at her beautiful necklace, she waited until Legolas was in front of her before she did a little happy dance. Fist pumping, she beamed at Kirara when the neko appeared, jumping onto her shoulder.

"Who needs a stupid Elfstone, huh?" she whispered to the feline. "Mîrthilion kicks that broach's ass!"

Legolas was pretty sure he and his father weren't supposed to hear those remarks. Shoulders twitching with suppressed mirth, he exchanged looks with the Elvenking; both of them amused and privately agreeing with the woman's sentiment.

….

Théoden felt his eyes widen uncomfortably as he woke. "Legends and myths," he murmured as the group also came awake, "step into life. What is this?"

Gandalf snorted as he watched what had drawn such attention. Thranduil rode serenely into the camp atop a large Elven-Elk and was flanked by Kagome and Legolas. The Otherworldly glow about them lent them a kind of dream-like quality that would spark more than a few stories and legends of their own in Rohan.

"Théoden king, I present to you the Elvenking Thranduil of Greenwood the Great," the wizard stated.

Drawing himself up, Théoden tried to don the air of his station, but felt he fell short in so awesome company. "Welcome then, my lord," he stated with as much courtesy as he could. "I hope that your presence means that all is well in your lands."

Thranduil inclined his head to the mortal. "Indeed. My son tells me your men fought valiantly in the siege you faced."

Théoden's face tightened. "Yes. The battle is but recently won, with the death of the instigator, Saruman."

Something sharpened in the grey gaze as the Elf looked to Gandalf. "A moment, Mithrandir," he asked as he moved on from the niceties.

The wizard nodded and moved to join the Elf as he dismounted and walked a ways away. Théoden thought he should feel insulted to be so easily dismissed, but he instead thought he should be thankful he'd been acknowledged at all. Looking to the other two who had come with the Elvenking, he saw that Legolas and Kagome were waiting patiently for the Elders to finish their business. They did soon after and the Elvenking turned his attention to the two.

Something of his features softened when he spoke to them, though Théoden couldn't place what it was.

"Ilúvatar tiro len," he told them quietly. "Until our next meeting, my children." Then, he was gone-as if the trees themselves had absorbed him back into the forest.

Aragorn came up beside his friends, a searching weight in his gaze. When Kagome blushed and touched her necklace (she couldn't seem to stop touching the jewel), he had his answer. A grin stretched his face as he offered them his congratulations.

"Yes," Gandalf agreed, joining them, "a most splendid celebration is in order, when time permits. It's been many a day since I've seen your father so pleased, Legolas."

The Elf smiled, his fingers twining with Kagome's. "He was most generous, until his rather insistent command to remove ourselves to his halls immediately after our business is concluded."

Laughing, the wizard shrugged as others came closer. "Lord Thranduil is set in his ways. I've often wished I could have been present for his first meeting with your betrothed. Glorfindel was fond of telling the story when he had a few pints of Master Elrond's ale in him."

Scoffing, Kagome rolled her eyes. "Glorfindel would have exaggerated the story with or without liquor in him. What really happened was practically boring until he gave me my alliance Mark."

Gimli grunted as he pushed into the group. "Well, Legolas? Did he bring you the stones to finally do it?"

The couple blushed heavily before Legolas leveled a glare at his friend. The Dwarf chortled, unrepentant, and then noticed the jewel around Kagome's neck.

"That's a fancy bit of work, there," he stated, eyes wide. "I've never seen the like. And, bless me, that's mithril!"

Kagome's face brightened with happiness as she touched the stone. "It's Mîrthilion, Legolas' token of his pledge."

Placing a hand on her back, the Elf watched her with contentment. "You won't soon see work similar, Gimli. My father crafted it for Kagome himself."

Eyes flying to his at that bit of news, Kagome looked to him in question. The corner of his eyes crinkled in happiness as he bent to whisper in her ear.

"He would allow no other the honor, Tirelen-Nín. Since Lord Thingol gave it to my father, none but those of my family have touched Mîrthilion. So it shall ever be."

Blue eyes changing to the shade reserved just for him, Kagome bit her lip and touched his cheek tenderly.

Théoden gathered what had happened and offered his own well wishes. He only hoped that his remaining kin could find a spouse with the kind of devotion he now saw between Kagome and her prince.

It was beautiful, but upon seeing it, he suddenly felt very old and very tired.

…

A cold feeling took the group, some hours later. Aragorn jerked awake, rolling to his feet in one swift move. Kagome and Legolas were at the edge of camp, facing toward the east.

"What draws near?"

Kagome frowned and shrugged. "Dunno, but it isn't good. Can you hit it?" she directed the last to her betrothed.

Elf-eyes seeing the distant dark creature, Legolas gave a sharp nod. "Just. What do you feel of it?"

She closed her eyes, sending out her powers and hissing when she got an answer. "Nazgûl, on some kind of freaking monster thing," she confirmed. "I hope it's the one whose legs I hacked off. That'd make finding it so much easier."

Smirking, the Elf nocked an arrow. "Shall I save you the trouble?"

A pink light flashed in her eyes as she mirrored his expression. "It's getting away," she taunted.

Humming in agreement, the Elf drew back his arrow. When the tip flared with pink power, he released it and a second swiftly after. The two comets split the night, trailing green and pink power until they hit their targets. The dark shapes were purified immediately, leaving the night quiet once more.

Gandalf grumbled as he leaned on his staff. "More trouble than you're worth."

Laughing, Kagome stuck out her tongue to him. "Six more to go, long-beard. I'd have thought that would please you."

Rolling his eyes, he nodded. "Yes, but that Rider was no doubt sent to oversee Saruman. When he doesn't return, Sauron will know something is amiss."

Aragorn sighed and settled back into his spot by the fire. "We will find no answers tonight. Let us take up the matter once more when we arrive in Edoras."

Agreeing, the group broke camp and continued on their way.

….

Upon arriving back at Edoras, Theoden immediately called for food to be prepared and baths drawn for the group. When Kagome had scrubbed herself near-raw and changed into clothes one of the women had loaned her, she sighed.

"I felt extremely gross," she told Legolas when he knocked on her door and was allowed entrance.

Smiling, he moved behind her and began brushing out her long hair. "I am happier with the battle washed from me as well." Braiding her hair into an intricate knot, he secured it and stepped away.

Feeling what he'd done, she tossed a look over her shoulder. "You know my head's going to hurt with all this weight piled on it."

Arching a brow, he brushed one fly-away behind her pointed ear and cupped her neck when she turned. "I will alter the braid if it does."

"Nice threads," she complimented, tugging on his blue tunic and letting the matter of her hair go. "I miss seeing you in non-traveling clothes." It actually made her a bit dreamy, thinking that he was gorgeous and all hers now.

He chuckled and pressed his cheek to hers. "I'm fond of being able to hold you without something sharp poking me," he returned.

Giggling, she raised her gaze, her cheeks red. "Isn't that my line?"

Startled, he stared at her with wide eyes, before pinching her side. "Come along, Tirelen-Nín, lest you tempt me away from the celebration."

Still amused, she pulled him back around and stood on tiptoe. "Do I at least get a kiss now that I don't smell like dirt?"

Softening, he bent and kissed her gently, taking it no further-much to her disappointment. Grumbling, she followed his laughing self as he led her from the bathing room.

…

"Hail the victorious dead!" Théoden called a toast, prompting everyone to answer the same before drinking deeply.

Soon, the melancholy cloud lifted and the celebration truly began. Kagome cracked up at Merry and Pippin dancing and singing on a table, a pint in hand both. Many of the soldiers came towards her, mostly with gratitude and some form of reverence. It started to make her pretty uncomfortable after a while. Looking around, she spotted Éowyn approaching Aragorn with a chalice. Groaning, the miko slapped her face and wondered if it was necessary for her to witness this train-wreck.

Catching Théoden's eye, she nodded toward his niece. Frowning, the king remembered what he'd been told and moved to intercept the woman when Aragorn had left. Kagome didn't stay to hear what was said, instead glancing to a loud ruckus in the back of the room. Curious, she pushed through the crowd to find Legolas and Gimli in the middle of a drinking contest.

"Are you kidding me?" she yelled, storming over to her fiancé.

Breathing deeply, he looked to her, slightly pale. "Tirelen, I feel a tingling in my fingers." He paused as if to gather his thoughts. "I think it's affecting me."

Éomer's face slackened in amusement just before Gimli slurred a taunt and passed out. Legolas swallowed and looked to the second Marshall.

"Game over."

"Quite," the other male agreed, watching with mirth as the little miko practically hauled the Elf away.

"I'll deal with you later, Éomer!" She promised.

The men left dissolved into hysterical laughter at the lost look on the Elf's face.

"But, I won, Tirelen-Nín," he told her insistently. "Wait, what do I win?"

"You win a freaking headache, stupid Elf," she grumbled as the crowd closed around them.

Tugging her drunk beau outside, she hoped the night air would sober him. Instead, he seemed very content to stay snuggled against her.

"Geez, how long are you going to be sloshed?" she asked, trying to walk them back to the room the Fellowship had been given.

Humming a song, he turned the question over thoughtfully. "Mortal ale is not near the potency of my father's." Which really didn't tell her anything at all. Annoyed, she glared over her shoulder at him.

Tucking his face into her neck, he grinned. "You smell delightful."

Amused despite herself, Kagome glanced at the top of his head. He'd wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and was docilely following wherever she led.

"Thanks, but you smell like ale." Shifting, she twisted to face him and then leaned back against an outside wall. "I could try to sober you up. I don't know if it'll work, though."

Placing his hands on the wall to either side of her face, he let a slow, purposeful smile slide across his features. "I don't think I am as intoxicated as you seem to believe, Tirelen."

Shooting him a deadpan look, she tried not to let him see how much he was affecting her right then. He was drunk, for Ilúvatar's sake! No taking advantage of drunk fiancés!

"Legolas," she started slowly, "your fingers don't tingle normally."

Making a noncommittal noise, he trailed said fingers down her arms to her sides. "Only when touching you."

"Gah! Stop it, you tease!" She exclaimed, pushing at his chest. "You're not drunk at all now, are you? Even drunks aren't that corny!"

Laughing, he released her and crossed his arms as he took up her place on the wall. "Come now, Tirelen-Nín, you enjoy bossing me," he taunted, snagging her hips and pulling her back to him. "Elves filter mortal ale very quickly," he relented when she pouted at him. "And, I don't smell like ale."

Wrinkling her nose, she crossed her arms. "You've been standing in the fumes for who knows how long. Trust me when I say that you do."

Eyes dancing, he ran a hand up her side and then down again lazily. "But, I won; don't I get a prize?"

Lips twitching at his still slightly uninhibited behavior, she gave into him. "Fine then, Calad-Nín. What do you think should be your prize for such foolishness?"

He had just opened his mouth to reply when a loud whistle and a few good-natured jeers came toward them. Blushing heavily, Kagome hid her face in Legolas' side as he stood and firmly sent the men on their way.

Sighing, he patted her back soothingly, letting his True Self twine with hers to settle them both. Relaxing, she lifted open eyes to his, making his protective instincts surge.

"Let us retire," he stated quietly, aware that the mood had well and truly been shattered. He wouldn't have others laughing at her feelings, even if it was in good humor. He'd worked too hard to secure her regard.

Relieved, she agreed quickly and let him guide them back to their lodging.

…

The rest of the Company trickled into their room slowly as the night wore on. Kagome slumbered peacefully against Legolas until they both felt a restlessness growing. Silently slipping out of the room, they watched the east as something very like a dark cloud seemed to be slowly overtaking the stars.

"What is that?" Kagome asked, shivering with foreboding.

Aragorn came up beside them, peering at the Darkness as well as he put away his pipe.

"The Eye of the Enemy is stirring," Legolas answered, letting her burrow into his side.

…..

"What's the matter?" Merry hissed to Pippin inside the room. "You're wriggling like you've laid on an ant-hill."

Pippin halted his shifting, blowing out a harsh breath. "I can't get comfortable. That-glass ball Gandalf took from me. He seemed mighty pleased with it; but does he tell us what he knows? No! Not a word. I wonder what it is. I should like another look at that ball" his voice had fallen low towards the end, as if he was talking to himself.

"Is that what's bothering you?" Merry scowled. "Go to sleep. You'll get information enough, sooner or later. Now's not the time."

"Alright! What's the harm in me telling you what I should like? I know I can't have it, with old Gandalf sitting on it, like a hen on an egg. But it doesn't help much to get no more from you than a 'you can't have it so go to sleep'!"

"Well, what else could I say?" Merry grumbled to him. "If I yawn any more, I shall split at the ears. Good night, Pip."

Pippin fumed and said no more while Merry's breathing evened out in sleep. The thought of the dark globe seemed to grow in his mind until it drove every other idea out. Clenching his hands, he reasoned with himself that he could wait until morning and try to wheedle out of Gandalf a look. It was only a little peek; no harm there, was it? Well, and if there was no harm, why shouldn't he just have a look right now?

Unable to stand it, he threw back his covers and quickly rose. Scurrying over to Gandalf, he dropped back hastily when he saw that the wizard had his eyes open. But, Gandalf made no sign and so draw forward almost against his will, the hobbit crept up to his friend. Close beside him, tucked into his arm was something round wrapped in a heavy cloth.

Hardly breathing and nervously wetting his lips, Pippin glanced around. There was a large, rounded jug near the door. Taking it, he crept forward and knelt beside the wizard. Carefully, he grasped the bundle in Gandalf's arm before swiftly switching it for the jug. Unable to believe that worked, he scrambled quietly backwards until he reached his bedding. With shaking hands, he began unwrapping the bundle, feeling fear and elation when the dark stone was revealed once more to him.

Trembling, he bent low over the stone and watched as a faint glow began to stir in the heart of it. Suddenly, his hands were caught against the stone and his eyes were unable to look away as fire erupted around it.

Screaming, he leapt to his feet.

….

"He is here!" Kagome gasped, spinning with the other two and racing back to their room. The sight that met them nearly made them mis-step.

"Pippin!" She cried, sending out a wave of power to break the thrall on him just as Aragorn snatched the palantír from his hands.

The blazing stone near-leapt from hands to go rolling across the floor before Gandalf threw a cloth over it.

"Fool of a Took!" he spat, whirling only to find Pippin staring sightlessly on the ground. Waving off Kagome, he knelt beside the hobbit. Taking his hand, he bent over his face and then laid his hand on his brow. Pippin shuddered, his eyes snapping closed in terror as he cried out.

"Peregrin Took!" Gandalf exclaimed. "Come back!"

Falling limply, Pippin stared meekly up at the wizard. "Gandalf! Gandalf! Forgive me!"

"Forgive you? Tell me first what you have done," he commanded.

As Pippin stuttered out his harrowing experience, Kagome felt her own eyes grow dim and the room melted away.

"Elessar," she intoned just as Pippin's words faded. The Company turned in shock to see her in the thralls of her Sight. "Elessar, the Way is shut. It is made by those who are dead and the dead keep it. The way is shut." Her eyes flared pink. "A banner unfurled-the King has returned!"

Staggering, she slid to the ground as the vision faded. At her side in a blink, Legolas helped her stand as they all looked to Aragorn and then Gandalf.

The wizard's eyes drifted to the covered stone and darkened.

AN: So, a bit of our dear Elvenking and Legolas finally bites the bullet! Yay! Thank you all for your wonderful reviews and those of you who are die-hard fans of the books, I hope that my shuffling of a few things doesn't incite your wrath. Oh! And Thranduil tells them 'Illuvatar watch over you' before he leaves them. I hope no one hates that bit of actual Sindarin. I start reading about all the verbs and mutations in the language and my head swims until I'm pretty sure I'm just going to jack up whatever I try to conjugate.

Red Queen, almost three thousand words longer than the last chapter-just for you! Rough, but hopefully still good.

And, some of you have reviewed every single chapter! Wow! I love you guys!