Ivy stood awkwardly in front of Prince Legolas for a few moments. The elves were beginning to leave the hall, all of them utterly exhausted from their night of merrymaking. Ivy thanked the Prince for the dance and began to make her way out of the hall, with the intention of returning to her sleeping quarters, snuggling under the blankets and dreaming of her dance with the Prince, when a voice called out softly to her.

"My Lady?"

Ivy turned and saw Prince Legolas striding back to her.

"Will you walk with me?" he asked, offering her his arm.

Ivy looked shyly up at him and accepted his arm. They left the hall in silence and walked out to the garden that Lord Elrond had created for his wife, before she had sailed to the Undying Lands, some many hundred years ago. The garden was widely known in these parts because of Celebrian's sudden departure and call of the sea.

They followed a small stone path around until they came to a small lake surrounded by neatly kept grass. The Prince sat down elegantly and crossed his legs. He motioned for Ivy to sit beside him.

"Come sit by me," he said, "I always visit this spot when I find myself in Imladris. It has a special quality, of which I know not, and draws me to it each time I visit"

Ivy took a step forward and sat next to the Prince, as close as she dared. Legolas felt his heart race; there was something about her that was intoxicating.

"I cannot deny that I much desire to kiss you, Lady of the Earth"

Ivy felt herself turn a very distinct shade of red. She tried to say something but found that the words had been stolen from her. She looked up at him, the moonlight making his blonde hair gleam. He leaned forward, studying her expression, trying to work out her reaction. He reached out and took her hand in his and kissed it gently. When she still did not move away, he leaned forward and placed the lightest of kisses on her lips. He pulled back, looking in her eyes for permission to continue. When he saw the permission he was seeking in her eyes, he leaned forward again. Someone behind them cleared their throat, and Legolas jumped up quickly.

"I see you have wasted no time your royal highness" Boromir spat.

Ivy stood and brushed off her skirt.

"The Hobbit, Frodo, wishes to speak to you, My Lady. He asked me to find you. He is most distressed about a prank Merry played on him earlier"

Ivy brushed past Boromir, on her way to Frodo's sleeping quarters. She desperately wanted to get away from the confrontation between Prince Legolas and Boromir. Ivy hurried through the gardens, her mind reeling. She was almost to Frodo's quarters, when a hand reached out and grabbed her. Boromir spun her around to face him. He reached and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She noticed a bruise starting on his cheek that had not been there before.

"I would be cautious if I were you, Lady of The Earth" she said huskily, "I see the tales of the Prince's conquests have not reached your ears"

Ivy felt tears threatening to fall, but she blinked them back. Why would this man not leave her be?

"Master Boromir," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "your concern is touching, but I would ask you to keep your distance. How many 'conquests' the prince has had is none of my business, nor is it yours. Now I bid you good evening and ask you not to come near me during your time here"

Ivy turned to go.

Boromir scoffed impolitely from behind her.

"Your reputation will be that of a Harlot if you continue to fraternize with his Highness"

"And what of my reputation if I fraternize with Boromir of Gondor? What then? A Whore? I should hate to ask how many conquests you have had milord. I am sure the list is far longer."

With that Ivy spun on her heel, leaving Boromir gaping after her. She continued on her journey to Frodo's sleeping quarters, the rage she had just felt, coursing through her veins. It still had not subsided when she reached Frodo's door, but she managed to stifle it and put on a brave face for Frodo. If he saw she was upset, he would very likely go to Gandalf, and she did not need the wizard to fight her battles for her.

She tapped on Frodo's door and waited a moment before opening the door a crack and peering in. When she saw he was awake she stepped lightly in and softly closed the door.

"Ivy! I was not expecting you at this hour, but your presence is welcome as always."

Ivy knew that Frodo was still weak from the effects the ring and the nazgul's blade combined had done to him, so she crossed the room and hugged him tightly. Frodo gave a nervous little laugh.

"Ivy, what has made you so upset?"

"Nothing, Frodo. Boromir sent me to see how you were. He said you were distressed from a prank Merry played on you. Frodo, you know nothing he does is to be taken seriously"

"Merry?" said Frodo, pulling out of her embrace, "Merry has done nothing"

"But Boromir said you wanted me..."

A look of confusion crossed Frodo's face.

"I have not spoken to this Boromir you speak of. Was he at the feast?"

Ivy felt her rage return.

"The Pig!" she cursed, "Frodo, I take my leave now. I have some business to attend to. I will see you at breakfast, yes?"

Frodo nodded. He knew Ivy well, and when someone irked her, it was best to keep your distance until her anger had subsided. Ivy left Frodo's quarters and swept down the hall, her skirts billowing around her, fury growing in the pit of her stomach. She rapped on Boromir's door harshly. He opened it almost instantly, like he had been expecting her. His face showed an expression of shock which quickly turned to one of smugness. He leaned against the door frame and smiled seductively.

"How can I help you milady?"

Ivy felt the plants around her responding to her current mood. They were thrashing about and making a horrible noise in her mind. Boromir looked cautiously over her shoulder at the plants that were growing along the open air corridor. What was going on? He thought. Could the rumors of her gift be true?

Ivy lifted up her hand and slapped Boromir across the face. He automatically lifted his hand and held his face where she had struck him. A stinging red mark was now emblazoned on his cheek.

"Stay away from me, bastard" she spat and stormed back off to the lake to see if Legolas was still there. She much desired to know the truth of Boromir's accusations. Boromir stared down the hall after her, a look of bewilderment on his face. She was a firecracker and he was enchanted.

Legolas sat by the lake for a few moments, looking out over the moonlit water. His mind was racing. What had he done? He barely knew this woman. Why had he kissed her? He heard a sound behind him. Time had passed quickly since Ivy's departure. After Ivy had left Boromir had hung around to let Legolas know exactly what his intentions were.

"Well, well, well. Already moved on to your next conquest your Highness?" Legolas recalled Boromir's remark.

"You know nothing of me or my 'conquests' as you put it, Master Boromir"

"Leave her to me, Little Prince; she's out of your league. You are an elf, immortal. She is human."

Legolas felt his rage growing.

"Face it, Prince, it would never work. You will live forever, and your little harlot will die"

Legolas lunged for Boromir. Boromir, who had not been expecting it, caught a shiner right in the cheek. Boromir shoved Legolas away, and stumbled up the stone path, back to his room, clutching his face.

Legolas, breathing hard, had sank back down onto the grass, and remained there until now, turning over thoughts in his mind and allowing his anger to dissolve. It was not like him to act so rashly. He heard another sound, this one closer. He turned and saw Ivy standing some feet away from him. Their eyes locked together for what seemed like an eternity. He was the first to break contact. Legolas looked away.

"You should get some rest Lady Ivy. The council is tomorrow and you must be alert"

Ivy felt her heart sink. Had Boromir been right? Legolas' attitude seemed to have changed in the space of time she was gone. Legolas did not look back until Ivy had left. Why hadn't she argued and said she'd wanted to stay? Then one word flashed through his mind. Boromir. Anger coursed through his veins once more. He wanted to go and confront this man from Gondor, but something pulled him back. He had already fought this man once, and once was enough. If he wanted a fight, he would not give it to him. The lady could make up her own mind.

Legolas sighed deeply and stretched out on the grass, his anger diminishing. He would confront Boromir of Gondor in the morning.

Ivy walked slowly back to her quarters, dragging her feet. She stopped at a large Elm tree and reached out to stroke its leaves. It shivered in appreciation. She walked over to it and it offered her comfort. She wrapped her arms tightly around the trunk and slipped to the ground, sobbing and still clinging to its trunk. The Elm who had been awakened long ago by the Elves of Rivendell, whispered words of comfort. Ivy cried not only for her encounters with Legolas and Boromir but also for the life of loneliness she had held inside her soul all her life. The pain of a hundred lost families, all the friends she had outlived. Why did she have to spend her whole life with Hobbits when she was human?

Soon it would be Frodo's time to pass in seventy years or so. She did not think she could bear that pain. Eventually the tears slowed and she drifted off in a peaceful sleep. Small animals curled up around her, seeking comfort in her presence, and in doing so, blocked the chilly breeze.

Yet Ivy was unaware of two pairs of eyes rested upon her while she slept. Boromir who was staring hungrily at the curves of her body, and Gandalf who wept for her bruised heart. What had he done to his poor daughter?

Ivy took her seat on a large oak chair, next to Frodo. The seat next to her was empty. Around her sat dwarves, elves and men. Ivy glanced at Legolas who was glaring at a particularly short dwarf with red hair. Ivy was sure that his name was Gimli. Long had it been known the dislike between Elves and Dwarves. Ivy looked back to the entrance to the council and saw Strider walking in with Boromir and a few other men. Ivy gave a brief smile to Strider as he glanced her way and smiled. Boromir also looked over; Ivy caught his gaze and glared before turning her attention back to Frodo. The council was filling up fast, as the elves, men and dwarves began to take their seats in the chair's, identical to the on Ivy was sitting in.

A hush fell over them as Lord Elrond entered with Gandalf at his side. Several of the elves stood, out of courtesy, and Elrond himself bowed his head slightly, indicating to them to be seated.

Ivy glanced over at Legolas, who too had risen out of his seat as Lord Elrond arrived. She turned her amused gaze back to Gandalf, who had taken the seat beside her. She looked at him, as if to question his lateness, but he stared straight ahead, seemingly ignoring her gaze.

"You have all been summoned here, to this counsel to discuss the fate of the one ring. The one ring that could destroy us all. Frodo?" Lord Elrond said gesturing at the hobbit, "Bring forth the ring"

Frodo stood and crossed to the middle of the semi circle and placed the ring on the small stone table that stood proudly in the centre of the council.

An awed hush fell upon them. After a moment, Boromir broke the silence.

"It is a gift! A gift to the foes of Mordor! Give it to us and we will keep your lands safe!"

"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?" cried Ivy, "We must destroy the ring!"

"And what would a mere woman know of this matter?" Boromir spat back.

Legolas stood angrily.

"This is no mere woman, she is Gandalf's daughter! You owe her your respect!"

Boromir turned his cool gaze on Legolas.

"This... is Gandalf's daughter?"

Gandalf himself sat in silence looking everywhere but at Ivy. Ivy whirled around to face him.

"Is this true?"

Gandalf sighed.

"So it is true! Your silence speaks a thousand words!"

Ivy spun on her heel and ran out of the clearing. Frodo stood and followed her along the path; he knew where she was headed.

"I think we should resume this tomorrow. Ivy is in no state to be discussing this" Elrond said, looking pointedly at Boromir, as they all began to leave.

Ivy walked quickly through the trees, tears streaming down her face, until she came to the lake that she had sat at with Legolas the night before. All her life she had tried to find out who her father was, always searching, questioning the plants around her. Of course they knew, but they never gave it away. Ivy heard footsteps behind her.

"Please leave me be" she sobbed, thinking it was Gandalf.

"Ivy?"

It was Frodo.

"Frodo, please do not take offence, I only wish to be alone"

"I came to see how you were"

"I am fine" she said, wiping away her tears.

Another voice joined Frodo's.

"Frodo, my lad. Sam is looking for you"

Ivy turned around to see Gandalf standing there, looking the oldest she had ever seen him.

"Yes" said Frodo.

Ivy turned her back on Gandalf.

"I know you are angry with me" he said quietly.

"Angry is not the word"

"You have every right to be, but first let me explain"

Ivy was silent.

"When I met your mother I was young. I did not know what fate had in store for us, until the day you were born. She left to be with the ent-wives that. She could no longer stand the shadow that was spreading from the East across our lands. It was the hardest decision she had to make.

"Of course, I could not look after you myself. Imagine it! A wizard with a baby! So I placed you in the care of Hobbits. And, well you know the rest"

"Why did you not tell me this before?"

"I figured you were better off not knowing. But I accidentally told your new friend Legolas last night, when he came to me asking of you, and he obviously lost his temper today with Boromir. He told me of their, argument last night. He said Boromir called you a harlot and deserved to be beaten. He was quite passionate about the matter"

Ivy looked at him, suddenly realizing that her anger was not directed at Gandalf, but at Legolas. He had humiliated her, regardless of his obvious need to protect her. She felt she had to be angry at someone, and he was the easiest target.

"Does that mean I am not human, as I always thought I was?"

"No, you have your mother's gift of nature in you and her of immortality, what you have of me I do not know, that is yet to be relived. Your mother was of the earth and I am Istari so I suppose that makes you half sprite, half-Istari"

Ivy sat in silence for a few moments, her anger at Legolas beginning to evaporate. She laid her head on his shoulder and hugged him. They sat there in silence until footsteps brought Ivy from her daydreaming. Someone cleared their throat.

Gandalf looked around.

"Ah, Legolas" he said.

Ivy turned her head.

"I suppose you would like a word with Ivy?" Gandalf continued.

The prince nodded. Gandalf stood up, reaching for his staff.

"I will go and see to Frodo."

Ivy turned back to the lake and looked out over the water. Legolas came and stood next to her.

"May I sit?" he asked.

Ivy nodded and bit her lip to try and stop the words that were threatening to escape.

"I am sorry for what I said this afternoon"

Ivy glared at him.

"I was too angry with Boromir to think of the repercussions my words would have on you"

Still Ivy did not say anything. Instead she turned her head to face him, and studied his face as several emotions flitted across it.

"Will you accept my apology?"

Ivy sighed and looked down at her fingers which were laced together.

Legolas reached out and placed his hand over hers. Ivy bit her lip at his gesture. How could she be angry with him? She wanted to, but her heart was telling her otherwise. She returned her gaze to his face and saw movement past him. Her eyes focused on a body. A body belonging to a person she did not wish to deal with right now.

"Boromir..." she murmured, looking past Legolas' shoulder.

Legolas frowned at Ivy. Had she gone mad? Boromir walked over to where Ivy and Legolas were seated.

"Prince Legolas, Lady Ivy" Boromir greeted them with a slight bow.

Ivy glared in response. Pulling her composure together she spoke.

"What is it Lord Boromir?"

"I came to apologize for my behavior last night and this morn. It was unacceptable." Boromir said quietly, his head bowed. Legolas said nothing but studied his face intently. Boromir continued.

"I also came to ask, in apology, for the first dance this evening"

Legolas glanced at Ivy seeing the discomfort in her face.

"It is taken" Legolas replied.

"Then I request the last?"

"It too, is taken" replied Legolas. "Now please, leave us be"

Boromir turned and walked away.

"Thank you" said Ivy. After a few moments she laughed. It was the sweetest sound to Legolas' though he had ever heard.

"I was wondering how I was going to get out of that one" she said, when her laughter subsided.

Legolas smiled down at her.

"You had better get ready for dinner my Lady," he said, getting up and pulling her to her feet.

"You'll want to look your best for your dances with the prince"

Ivy turned and mock glared at him.

"Which prince? I have so many I cannot keep track" she said jokingly, as she gently pushed him away and ran up the grassy bank. He caught up with her and tackled her to the ground, her laughter ringing throughout the clearing.

Legolas leaned over her and brushed her hair from her face.

"I shall make you forget of your other 'princes' my Lady" he said huskily and swiftly kissed her before she could protest.

"Does this mean you forgive me?" Legolas asked when he pulled away.

In answer, Ivy pulled his face back down to hers and kissed him back.

Ivy did not hear the footsteps approaching. She heard a sort of sharp intake of breath and then a scuffle of hurried moment. She shot up, pushing Legolas off her as she saw Pippins retreating back. She stood up and brushed off her dress.

"I am sorry Legolas," she said, "I must go to him, I am responsible for him"

"Yes... Of course," he replied, a feeling of disappointment spreading throughout him, for their moment that was ruined.

Ivy hurried away, taking the quickest route to Pippin's chambers. Around her the plants reflected her happiness and exuding contentment and a feeling of belonging that had been so absent from her life. But now as she grew closer to Pippin's door, they turned apprehensive.

She followed Pippin back to his room where he slammed his door in her face.

"Pip, let me in we need to talk!"

No answer came after a few moments. She shook her head and headed for Frodo's chambers hoping to see Gandalf and to talk to him, well actually she felt more like listening to him, wanting to know everything about him and her mother. Pippin could wait for the moment, she knew him well and he would not stay locked in his chambers when there was food to be eaten. She would let him brood for a while and then lure him out with food. She chuckled at the thought as she approached Frodo's chambers, thoughts of Legolas and the kisses they had shared on her mind.