First of all thank you for all the lovely and supportive comments, I was not expecting that :) I am still unhappy about that chapter and I still feel like my writing is suffering at the moment, I don't know I just feel I can do better :S I shall strive to improve! That said it does not take away from the kind words said and I just wanted you all too know they really picked me and get me out of my blue mood :D

So thank you to Win Lockwood, ZabuzasGirl, Celticank, DreamingIn2Enternity and the unsigned fan reviewer; you are very welcome I was happy to bring Cendir back, you are right he is less complex and there will be more of him in the chapter to come. Thank you for your support as always and I know I shouldn't doubt myself but I worry especially when people unfollow or dislike what Im writing. As I have always said I am not in this for the gain or the recognition I genuinely love writing and communicating with you awesome peeps :) So I honestly hope you enjoy the continuing chapters :)

Also thank you followers, as above, means alot that you clicked the follow button :)


24. Question Existing

"You seek answers Olorin," The grey Vala Queen spoke, not as a question but as a statement of fact. Her voice was like the whisper of breeze through rustling leaves, and she was shrouded in pale mist more a shadow than a physical being. Her shimmering eyes, that held within them the weight of the world, cast over the form of the maiar that had been her loyal servant for ages of Arda.

Gandalf raised woodenly from his knee but kept his eyes downcast, a show of respect for the ancient being who looked kindly upon his lowly soul;

"The elf with the amber eyes, is she what I believe she is?" the wizard asked directly and with much reverence.

"It is of great risk that I come to you Olorin, though I am but an apparition and a reflection in this world it still is not looked favourably upon," Nienna answered her voice peaceful, almost hypnotising but there was a hint of warning to her tone. Gandalf did not answer instead he bowed his head deeper, for one does not question or speak unnecessarily to the holy ones.

"But an explanation is due and you now are the favoured representative," She continued and for a moment her grief filled eyes lightened and something akin of an expression of pride flashed across her features. The Vala Queen sighed and gazed off into the distance her eyes seeing more than the wizard could ever guess.

"The maiden that you ponder over is a creation of Eru, she is a concealment an anchor for that which was taken and now justly returned," Nienna answered in her fluttery voice.

"Is this all the knowledge that is granted to me?" Gandalf murmured evenly, he was frustrated for there was more he wished to be answered but he had no right to ask any more of the Valar.

"Patience is a virtue Olorin or have you forgotton?" The graceful being answered but did not wait to receive Gandalf's apology before continuing;

"The stone was taken and returned to the one who gifted it to the elves, Yvannah, but she was sorrowful and wept for her forests suffered. She believed that all her creations would burn and be twisted by the evil that held siege of Arda, I comforted her as I could for I had assisted in the passing of its last keeper and I too felt the loss. We called to Eru to hear our pleas and to give us the wisdom and tools to undo such injustice. He did so, he made an immortal being, and we blessed the power of the amber stone to her so it's lifeforce was her own. You see my friend, the power of that gem is now tied to a spirit and conscience; evil cannot twist or bend it to its will for the child will fade, nor can it extract the power from her, her destruction would mean the demise of the stone and it would return to the creator, evil does not want this."

"Then she is untouchable?" Gandalf uttered aloud, his eyes widening at the realisation that this simple elleth that was so weak and inconsequential held within her an immense power.

"She is a natural force; her power depends on the life of the natural world, but yes she has more strength than you know. She has been delivered now into the hands of her kin, she is ready now the time has come the war is being waged, the earth herself thirsts for revenge. The amber eyed one is its wielder, the vessel, its voice." The Queen replied her presence growing in intensity.

"Why so long, why did she endure the wrath of Saruman and why was it only Lairiel's children that heard her call?" Gandalf could not remain silent; he could hold his tongue he had to know.

Lady Nienna graced the wizard with a small smile; she was humoured by his inquisitiveness and thus answered him;

"Who knows the mind of Eru and his infinite wisdom, but I choose to believe that He had hoped to recover the darkness from Saruman with the young one's innocence. Curumo was once wise Olorin, a great maiar, a servant of Aule he would have known instantly what was hidden within the elf, after all Aule aided in the shaping of the amber stone when it first was wrought. But these are only my musings for it does not matter now, now her power returns to its last known realm and to the world it was meant to protect. As for Lairiel's children, who else would know what to seek for? Lairiel is honoured for her sacrifice it was her wish that we would send the aid to her home and to her family, we owed her this much. Does this comfort you Olorin?"

"Yes, but I believe it shall comfort on Lairiel's children more," Gandalf replied and graciously bowed again; "No words can describe my gratitude my lady, you have brought peace to trouble hearts once again."

"Tell Lairiel's daughter to trust her visions for they were truly from her Mother, and assure the son that his instincts were true he is very like his Mother, his heart seeks the truth. The Woodland King will judge fairly, he is waiting for sign from Lairiel. That is all I am permitted to tell Olorin, but know you all are forever in my prayers, the road ahead is cloaked in shadow. Trouble your heart no more over the elleth, her destiny is set before her now; you must now focus on you own!"

Before Gandalf could say another word, before he even had time to adjust his eyes, the Vala queen was gone like a wisp of ocean spray dancing off the waves. The night sky that had surrounded him disappeared and the brilliant light of the setting sun filled the sky. For Edoras time had not moved, but for Gandalf it had taken him to the fringes of the world and back. The encounter with Nienna could have been nothing more than a figment of his imagination, if not for the overwhelming certainty he felt for the situation, this was true faith. With renewed strength and dancing eyes he jumped to his feet, stamping up the great hill towards the city, at last he could bring joyful tidings.

xXx

A small crowd had gathered in a quiet courtyard within Edoras city to behold a rare spectacle; elves in action, sparing in those strange acrobatic eye uncatchable motions. The men were intrigued for they knew the main contender was female, the intensely focused she elf who had fought at Helms Deep was a direct contradiction of what they believed elven ladies should be. She was deadly and at this present time was wiping the floor with the dark blonde male who had challenged her.

Ellenya enjoyed the attention putting a little more effort and flare into her training than she had intended on. It had only started out as a friendly sparing session with Cendir; a way to channel their frustrations into something productive, but they had caught the attention of passers-by who now were openly taking bets. Of course Ellenya was thrilled to pick up that she was the favourite and rightly so!

"Who is the lady elf?" an inquisitive blonde haired beauty of a woman asked the familiar figure of Aragorn, as he sat comfortably on a crate chewing his pipe grinning at the over excessive drama that was Legolas' little sister. He turned and smiled warmly at the fair woman, he could see in her eyes a flicker of excitement though she tried to hide it, it was not ladylike to be interested in such things as swords and war.

"That Lady Eowyn is a Princess of Elves and one of the most volatile and ferocious you will ever have the misfortune of meeting!" Aragorn replied and then chuckled when Ellenya, with her keen elvish hearing, raised an elegant eyebrow and just to prove his point sent Cendir flying backwards with a kick to the jaw.

"Could you please stop referring to the love of my entire existence as some kind of feral beast?"

The noble maiden jumped and turned to regard another dark haired elf, who had taken up position leaning leisurely on the structural post of an outbuilding. She recognised the startling handsome elven man as one of Elrond's sons; he was greeted warmly by her uncle the King. Eowyn knew little of elves but she did know the name of Lord Elrond and she knew it was a name that was trusted, so it came to no surprise to her that this elf made her feel at ease, unlike the wild female who terrified her to watch.

"My Lord," Eowyn bobbed her head in acknowledgement.

Elladan smiled easily and nodded his head in return before continuing; "Ellenya is not as wild as Lord Aragorn would make her out to be, she does have a sting though, but for the most part she is quite amicable."

"Well I have never encountered this pleasant Ellenya you speak of!" Aragorn chuckled and stood to offer Eowyn his seat, which she gratefully accepted.

"It is because you do not know how to approach her," Elladan replied evenly and turned to wink at Eowyn and whispered, "never look her in the eye that is the key."

Eowyn smiled coyly but returned her attention to the two battling elves. Alas it appeared the show was decidedly over as the dark blonde male, who was on his knees, raised his hands above his head and begged for mercy. Ellenya barked out a sarcastic laugh and helped the other elf to his feet, much to the disappointment of the enthused crowd. Cendir limped toward Elladan who gave him a disapproving look, the ellon had nearly undid all his healing work. Cendir smiled stupidly and shrugged, settling himself on the ground.

"Anyone else?" Ellenya shouted and scanned the crowd for a potential challenger, but none stepped forward. Some tried to push unwilling victims toward her but they quickly rushed back to the safety of the crowd.

"Well I guess that is it then, you are all frightened of a female!" Ellenya grinned and flicked her long hair haughtily over her shoulder. She turned on her heel to slink away from her victory ground but stopped dead when the point of sword came within an inch of her chin; she lifted her gaze and smirked. The crowd began to jeer and whistle enthusiastically again, some knew this pair, and if they did not it did not take long to figure out the bond between them.

"Well?" Elladan questioned as he circled Ellenya, "do you accept?"

"Just because we are married now does not mean I will take it easy!" Ellenya added playfully and took up her stance.

"You never do," Elladan joked and in a movement so fast, dropped to the ground and kicked out his leg catching Ellenya's feet causing her to fall.

"Oh getting sloppy my love!" he exclaimed as he came to the feet, however Ellenya had arched her back and sprung herself off the ground and with the hilt of her blade smashed it into her husband's chest making him stagger back.

"Not quite!" she laughed eyes dancing with anticipation, at last a challenge!

The two elven lovers engaged in sparing with much support from their onlookers, bets started up again still very much in favour of the Woodland Princess. As much as Elladan stood his ground there was subtle evidence to suggest he was not putting his full force into his attacks, he would not consciously hurt his wife and Ellenya knew this. She worked hard to goad him into unleashing his full strength on her but he was as frustratingly controlled and in command of himself as he always was.

It was at this point that Legolas and Elrien returned from their walk about, the cheers and jovial noises emanating from the courtyard had piqued the Prince's curiosity. With much coaxing and cajoling Elrien had agreed to come with him, she had agreed mostly because Legolas had the most emotive eyes and she could not refuse him. She predictable stuck close to him and when the small crowd roared loudly she practically sank into his side, her wide amber eyes darting about frantically like a terrified or skittish animal.

"The noise!" Elrien squeaked and startled at another cheer from the crowd, "Why are they making such noises?"

"It is a sparring match," Legolas replied cheerily and craned his neck to see who the competitors were, but laughed when Elrien clamped her hands around his arm and looked at him with confused eyes. "It is fun they are having fun, come you have nothing to fear."

Legolas gently guided the overwhelmed elleth to the spot where he had spied Aragorn sitting with King Theoden's niece and it looked like Gimli had eventually risen. The dwarf sat glumly by the man, looking a little worse for wear and lacking any sort of energy. The Prince protectively slid an arm around Elrien's shoulders and kept her attention on him as he chatted loudly over the din, distracting her from the things that frightened her.

Aragorn quickly stood to his feet to welcome Legolas and the strange she elf he had not seen since her rescue. Elrien's eyes were captivating but she was so malnourished and waif like it was hard to not feel a pang of pity for her. Elves were strong creatures, the ellith he had grown up among were full bodied, feminine and radiant, Elrien was half the width of Ellenya and just as little smaller in height, she did not walk with the same grace or elegance that was expected of her kind either. Nevertheless there was something oddly pretty about her and her eyes held such innocence and wonderment that Aragorn felt unclean just being in her presence.

"Elrien this is Aragorn or Estel as he is known to our kind," Legolas introduced and gestured to the broad and strong dark haired man, whom Elrien found familiar. "He helped in rescuing you."

"It is a pleasure," Aragorn replied and went to bow but was slightly stunned when the elleth walked up to him and embraced him warmly. She stepped back and smiled widely at the ranger as she observed him with those incredible eyes;

"You have kind eyes Lord Aragorn and a pure heart, I owe you a great debt," Elrien finally spoke and bowed graciously. It was all the ranger could do but nod and thank the elleth for her kind words, though he shot Legolas an incredulous look.

"Elrien is quite…honest with her emotions," Legolas tried to explain but the shocked look on his friend's face made him chuckle softly.

"I am sorry," Elrien blushed suddenly and turned to the man again, "I do not know what is considered a proper way to express thankfulness with others, I act by what I feel compelled to do."

Moved by the elleth's struggles and grasping she never really had a chance to learn social etiquette, Aragorn shook his head and spoke reassuringly; "My lady I am honoured you would greet me so warmly and your words are most kind."

Elrien blushed and continue to slouch into Legolas for safety, it amused Aragorn how easily Legolas accepted her proximity and how quickly he seemed to understand her strange ways. The Prince was usually cautious and completely devoted to his duties, it was not like him to allow such closeness with another he was obviously intrigued by Elrien and it was encouraging for Aragorn to witness.

"Either my sister and her mate are having a dispute or this is just a little bit of showing off on their part?" Legolas questioned as he watched Ellenya and Elladan skilfully dart and dodge each other's attacks, oblivious to his Aragorn's observations.

"Ack that sister of yours is wild, thinks she is so untouchable!" Gimli harrumphed from the corner, "I am sorely tempted to challenge her next and show her how a real warrior fights."

"Gimli my friend it is because she knows that she is indeed touchable that she fights with such boldness." Legolas replied evenly but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes that only Elrien caught, and she too turned to observe the violent yet hypnotising movements of the Princess.

"Gimli this is Elrien," Legolas continued hoping to change the subject and ignore his sister's display. Though it was just a simple sparring match between she and Elladan, something he had witnessed many times, there was undeniable passion between the two of them and for an older brother it was hard to stomach.

The dwarf nodded his welcome to the strange she elf and gruffly spoke; "Hullo Elrien, I am pleased to finally lay eyes on ye, I feel as if I know ye already, pointy ears here has not shut his trap about ye since we found ye in that despicable tower."

Elrien giggled at the flustered scowl Legolas gave the stout creature, but quickly brushed over the comment and with interested eyes questioned him; "Gimli, one of durin's folk are you not?"

"Aye, what is it too ye?" he snapped defensively.

"Your people are great craftsmen; I have seen pictures and sketches of their incredible work! I am sure you have seen such wonderful jewels?" Elrien questioned and stepped towards the dwarf curiously.

"Seen and set all kinds of precious gems lassie," the dwarf answered proudly, "but none as beautiful as those eyes, why if I did not know better I would say you had jewels for eyes and woven gold for hair!"

Elrien blushed a deeper shade of red and covered her heated cheeks with her hands, "You are too kind my lord, far too kind that is a high compliment from such a noble clan."

"Legolas!" Gimli roared with delight, "I really like this one, she can stay and teach you and your kin how to treat us noble folk!"

"Ai! Please Elrien do not compliment him any further his head with explode," Legolas scolded playfully but it was too late, Gimli was already off on a long winded animated tale of his homeland. It also appeared to him that Elrien was just as fascinated and so he sighed in defeat and turned his attention back to the playful match between Ellenya and Elladan, which thankfully appeared to be nearing its end.

Elladan had successfully clamped Ellenya's hands behind her back with blade resting on her chest, a movement away from claiming victory. He had knocked her own sword from her grasp a few moments before leaving her defenceless, the crowd roared with conflicting encouragements. It had been a long and testing brawl, but enjoyable all the same, Ellenya enjoyed acrobatics and her movements were almost dancelike thus any fight with her was fast paced and arduous. Yet the young lord knew she had let him win, he knew this because he had calculated several ways in which Ellenya would have countered him but she had chosen not too.

"Is this really your best?" Elladan whispered in her ear, deciding to converse in their native tongue.

"I am hardly going to ruin your reputation in front of these men," she murmured back and put on a show of struggling against his grip. "You have to ride into battle with them; I do not want them to think less of you!"

"My caring and thoughtful wife," Elladan laughed softly.

"Do not expect this sort of favourable treatment all the time!" Ellenya warned playfully, before graciously accepting her defeat.

The crowd cheered and clapped the pair who were truly talented warriors, to the men it was an education to watch the skills of elves in battle. Some demanded a rematch but Ellenya politely declined and proclaimed her husband to be the true victor, but all knew it was most definitely a draw and if the Princess had of wanted to she could have claimed the victory. Since the sparring had ceased the small crowd dispersed and went about their tasks with a lighter heart, whilst Ellenya and Elladan re-joined their friends.

"You let him win!" Legolas accused when Ellenya approached him and smiled coyly.

"I am a married elleth now, it is improper for me not to give my husband his place," she replied smoothly.

Elladan snorted in disbelief and shook his head, "Since when do you give me my place?"

"Since now," Ellenya smirked, "I will not have simple horsemen think that my husband is weak! Do you realise the embarrassment that would cause?"

"Ah I see, it all boils down to reputation? Tell me then are all your praises of me lies?" Elladan mused and rolled his eyes, then wound his arm tightly around Ellenya's waist bringing her close to him, ducking his lips close to her ear he whispered; "You know the ones I speak of, and I would have difficulty believing they to be false."

"Mmm you will never know," Ellenya laughed and gave him a quick peck on the lips, before untangling herself from him, ignoring the groans and tuts of their friends at their flirtatious and daring behaviour. It had always been how she and Elladan behaved, though maybe now it was a little more pointed; regardless neither of them cared how others viewed them. They were in love, passionately and dangerously in love. But with their days numbered it only made it that much more sweeter and that much more intense.

"If it is entirely possible could I drag my little sister away? I miss her!" Legolas directed his question to an obviously distracted Elladan, as he and Ellenya shared in some kind of private joke.

"Must you?" Elladan groaned in annoyance without turning away or taking his eyes off his wife.

Ellenya rolled her eyes and smiled softly, it still amazed her how Elladan adored her and watched her like she was the most fascinating creature in all of Arda. She almost felt guilty for having him, what had she done to deserve such love? Looking into his eyes had an almost healing effect upon her, she worried that without those familiar grey lights she would slip into despair again.

"Ellenya? Sister do I have to beg for an audience with you now?" Legolas teased but with an edge of irritation, and admittedly he was a little envious of the peaceful love that emanated from the pair. He did not have the time to wish for such blessings, what use of a mate or husband would he be? There was no point in putting his energy into a family if he was only doomed to break their hearts every time he left for battle. He had seen how his Naneth worried each time Adar left, how she wept and lamented their love when he returned with wounds that could have spelt death. No he did not feel it fair to place such a burden on any elleth; he would not cause unnecessary heartache.

"Oh alright brother calm down!" Ellenya scowled and stole another hasty kiss from Elladan as she slipped passed him. He looked genuinely heartbroken at her choice, but if she was honest she missed Legolas too, she missed his easy nature, his smile and his comfort. She had been allotted a small period of time to enjoy his presence one last time, before they faced oblivion and she intended on making the most of it.

Elrien was uncertain about leaving Legolas' familiarity, but Elladan was equally as kind and she could not be a nuisance to a Prince. She also gathered his sister was not inviting her to join them, as Ellenya brushed passed her with complete indifference, pausing only to offer her the briefest of glances and something that resembled a grimace. So quietly and without complaint Elrien went to Elladan who seemed grateful for her company, and the two gave the siblings their space.

"Are you hungry Elrien?" The stout fiery haired dwarf asked as he ambled up to the elleth.

"A little," she responded and looked to the older elf for guidance, Elladan simply nodded his agreement.

"Good I smell something pleasant wafting from the kitchens, best to get their early before all the good meat is gone," with a determined look the dwarf set a course straight for the Great Hall, his stomach leading the company onwards.

xXx

Ellenya perched delicately on the sill of a lookout tower, expertly positioned on the western wall of Edoras, perfect to observe a stunning sunset. Once she had longed for sunset, craved the solace of the stars but now she lived to see each sunrise, if the daylight came then darkness had not quite won and she had hope. She feared the day that she would not wake to see the sunrise, for that would be the day she perished.

"You need to smile more Ellenya," Legolas said calmly, as he lent over the sill putting the weight through his arm, his bright eyes scanning the horizon whilst periodically observing his sister's aura.

"There is little to smile about," was Ellenya's curt reply.

"I would contest that?" Legolas straightened out of his lean and turned to eye his sister with an amused look. She arched a disbelieving eyebrow and snorted returning to her pensive gazing; "You survived a great battle, you assisted in the downfall of Saruman and without your insistence Elrien would never have been found. And to top it all off you, Ellenya the cold hearted one, managed to completely ensnare the heart and soul of Elrond's son, causing more scandal and gossip than Lord Celeborn and our Adar have ever had to cope with! I only wish I could have been there to have seen Ada's face."

To this Ellenya started to roar with laughter, genuine laughter, her silvery blue eyes lighting up and shining adoringly at her brother;

"Yes Ada was, how would you say, perplexed by the whole event," Ellenya giggled before settling her features into a look of remorse, "I think he still is, and yes you should have been there."

"Do not feel guilty Ellenya, besides I hate parties and ceremonies I cannot sit still long enough and I loathe dressing up! But it has been a blessing just to see you here, with him, and so at peace. You are more settled with him, more reasonable, which is good thing for all of us!"

Ellenya playfully clipped her brother on the back of the head, but he dodged her in time and laughed at her disgruntled look.

"What do you want Legolas?" She asked with a slight annoyance but her eyes sparkled with amusement. Ellenya never realised how much she missed her brother not now that he was with her, bantering and teasing her, it hurt to realise she would have to say goodbye again but this time she would not be so callous about it.

Legolas dropped his gaze and rested his back against the railing, folding his arms about his chest and absently scuffing his boots on the wooden decking. There was no gentle way to go about this, he was either going to receive stony silence or his sister would be reasonable and hear his plea. Either way he had to be direct about it;

"Elrien," he said her name like an explanation and watched with dismay as Ellenya stiffened, her hands clenching into tight fists.

"I have organised for Cendir to take her to Imladris, it is the responsible thing to do, she needs a healer," Ellenya replied coldly, her eyes trained straight ahead refusing to meet her brother's gaze.

Legolas sighed deeply and straightened up to his fully height, it was not often he put on his mask of authority but it was called for and he had hoped to avoid this;

"Ellenya you will take her to Adar and you will allow him to judge her worth."

"I will not!" Ellenya snapped back, "I will not be slowed down by some miserable waif!"

"It was not a request!" Legolas replied calmly but with an underlying authority that was all but foreign to his sister, it was almost frightening to her. "You will treat her with as much respect and gratitude you would show a visiting dignitary, you will do this for me."

"Elrien, as you so fondly call her, is not what you think she is!" Ellenya swung off her perch and stood toe to toe with her brother, challenging his authority taunting his temper, trying to break it. "It is impossible; you have a vivid imagination Legolas!"

"What other explanation do you have sister?" Legolas questioned with the same even tone refusing to rile to Ellenya's threatening stance; "Think Ellenya! Use your head if that is possible, your dreams brought you here and now you so carelessly abandon the very thing you thought you were searching for? Just because it was not in the form you and your mind could comprehend?"

"It is not possible!" Ellenya hissed angrily and turned on her heel, this conversation was over.

"It is possible anything is possible now, Ellenya we survived Helms Deep, we survived when others did not. Do you not believe that was for a reason? I should have died on the edge of an orc blade as a youth and you should have perished from the nightmare you endured as an elfling but we did not. Naneth should not have died and the stone should not have vanished, maybe this is the balance being restored?"

Legolas finished his plea and Ellenya remained motionless, unable to articulate a reply. She had no argument for in her heart the same belief had taken root, but she had spent her entire life believing the worst. Hope was alien to her, even when it was staring her in the face she could not accept it, had the Lady Galadriel not warned her of this had her dreams not insisted she be watchful? Maybe it was not with her eyes that she had to see but with her spirit, with her heart, just like her Nana. Everyone used to say that her Naneth could see what was hidden, that she had seeing eyes, she had never contemplated that meaning until now. That was why her dreams had brought here to her brother, for he was more like their Mother than she was, he had the seeing eyes. Still it was hard to accept that this was the truth; that Elrien could be useful she was so weak and frail, what strength could come from her?

"I am asking you to trust me Ellenya," Legolas attempted again feeling a subtle change in his sister's countenance, "Take Elrien to Adar and tell him I see her worth."

Ellenya breathed in sharply and nodded once; "I will do this but I do not think Ada will understand."

"He will and if he does not then remind him Elrien enters our home under my blessing and protection, she has the right to claim sanctuary by my word," Legolas replied firmly, concerned that their Adar would not cope well with emergence of something that would dredge up memories of his dead wife. If his unpredictable temper ruled his head then Elrien needed reassurance that she was safe and his Adar would not overrule his son's word, or at least the Prince hoped he would not.

Ellenya turned slowly to face her brother and gave him a small smile; "He will not contest that order as long as I second it, she will be safe I will keep her safe I promise you."

Legolas crossed the distance between he and his younger sibling and wrapped her up in a tight embrace, relieved that she was willing to listen to reason. He had worried that the bleakness of war and the evil she had seen from Helms Deep had darkened her heart again, making her cold and indifferent to the outside world, blocking hope from her mind. Her statement was confirmation that her will was still her own, that the plucky and determined little elfling still lived in the crevices of her heart.

"I wish I could go with you," Legolas mumbled into her shoulder feeling the familiar crushing guilt wash over him, he was abandoning his people in their time of need.

Ellenya squeezed her brother tighter and smiled through the tears threatening to spring from her eyes; "You have another path to follow, a greater and more dangerous one! Do not burden yourself with guilt it is unnecessary, besides you are not required Ada has me!"

Legolas laughed softly and shook his head stepping back and taking his sister's arm, leading her out of the watch tower and back to the comfort of their friends;

"Will you promise me something?" Ellenya turned seriously to her brother and Legolas nodded in reply; "Promise me you will stay alive and if you cannot do that then do not let them take you without a fight!"

"Only if you promise me the same thing?" Legolas replied with no hint of jesting in his eyes.

"It is a deal," Ellenya grinned but it lacked the humour it was meant to portray, for the fact remained that this was going to be a very hard promise to keep for both of them; "But I will ask one more favour?"

"Anything?"

"If something should befall me, if I do not make it, do not let Elladan fade. Keep him alive for he is more beloved than I and I cannot bear the thought of being the cause of his death." Ellenya kept her voice even and her chin held high, this was all she would say on the matter.

"I promise you this, but there will be no need for such dramatic gestures," Legolas replied trying to conceal the stab of anxiety he felt at the very thought of something befalling his little sister.

The two walked in relative silence now, contemplating the weight of their promises and the uncertain road that lay before them. However for the moment it was not quite a reality and the two siblings could enjoy each other's company for a time. As they glided through the grounds of Edoras, Legolas became aware of the a figure stalking towards them at an alarming speed, particularly considering the figure was than of an old man;

"Mirthrandir?" Legolas called whilst sharing a baffled look with Ellenya.

"I have been searching for you two most of the evening," the wizard huffed breathlessly and outstretched his arm to clasp against Legolas' shoulder. It was just as a much a welcoming gesture as it was a means of steadying himself and gaining his breath.

"What is wrong? What concerns you?" Ellenya asked in alarm her mind jumping to all sorts of wild conclusions, immediately she worried for her Adar and her home.

"Nothing, I have answers!" Gandalf replied triumphantly his eyes glittering with secret knowledge.

"Then speak and please not in riddles!" Legolas pushed flashing Ellenya an anxious look.

And so Gandalf launched into his tale, of his encounter with the Vala Queen and of all he knew regarding Elrien. Both elves listened intently and with no small amount of awe, the news was incredible and should have brought relief, but Ellenya still struggled to accept it. Legolas on the other hand held the expression of someone who had just beheld a miracle.

"Ellenya you must take Elrien to your Father, I know you struggle to believe but you must have faith!" Gandalf encouraged and soothingly gripped the elleth's hand.

Ellenya stared into his wisdom filled eyes for the briefest moment with her own guarded expression before pulling away and wrapping her arms around herself. She stepped away from the wizard and began making her way towards the communal halls of King Theoden. Leaving a confused Legolas in her wake and he started after her, Gandalf however remained motionless with a small knowing smile twitching on his lips.

"Ellenya where are you going?" Legolas called as he caught up with his sister, "Did you not hear Mithrandir, she is what we thought, surely this brings you comfort?"

"It brings a certain clarity," Ellenya replied numbly as she pressed on.

"Then why are you running away?" The prince asked, frustration mingled with concern saturating his tone.

Ellenya stopped for a moment and turned back to look at him, her eyes held within them a strange sadness, "I am not running away Legolas, I am readying myself to leave at first light."


A/N as always I plead for feedback :) *best pleading eyes*