Haldir's grasp upon her hand, gentle but steady, was the only thing that kept Caleigh locked to reality as he navigated forward.

Once they had reached the bottom of the steps he had led her down a small pathway she hadn't noticed upon arrival. It seemed to move away from the center of the realm. Not on the edge, just nestled upon a great deal of foliage so that it felt closed off and secluded.

One final corner was turned before a small body of water she could best classify as a spring came into view. She had never seen such pure crystalline water before.

"You can clean yourself here."

She cocked her head slightly in confusion as she came to a stop in front of him.

"I thought Lady Galadriel wished to speak with me."

"She does however it was quite obvious that you would be more comfortable after you've had a chance to freshen up."

Was he mocking her? Whether he was or not she much preferred this over accusatory.

"Once you finished head down the path opposite of this one and you will find Lady Galadriel. I will leave you to it..."

With that he released her hand, moving to walk around her before the sound of her voice halted him.

"I don't know…"

He didn't turn completely around; instead he twisted at his waist and glanced over his shoulder to see her motioning towards her eyes. He studied her for a moment before offering a nod and leaving her in silence.

A sigh fell past her lips as she glanced around. It was indeed a secluded spot however she was still a bit uneasy to simply strip herself right out in the open.

However the fear of making Lady Galadriel wait was more than enough to coax her into doing just that. She walked over to a small rock formation on the edge of the water and began working at her gear.

First upon the ground were her bow and quiver, soon followed by her sword and belt; her hips and back practically singing in relief at having a break from the weight of her weapons. One by one, her boots, armguards, tunic, and everything else was removed and placed down on the rocks.

Feeling the chill of the air against her exposed skin she hurriedly moved into the water and was surprised to find that it wasn't cold nor hot, simply perfect.

A grin spread over her features she quickly pulled her hair loose of the braid and went head first into the depths. She propelled herself with her arms deep enough into the water so that she could float suspended and free of gravity.

Opening her eyes she took the time to appreciate the purifying feeling the water had on her. Twisting around in the water she smiled as her long crimson locks spread out around her. Perhaps she was a fish in another life. Whether that was the case or not, she most definitely wasn't one in her present life and soon felt herself going blue with need for oxygen.

She broke the water's surface at a spot where she could stand, the water just below her shoulders, but with a uncharacteristic squeak she dropped down until the water was just below her eyes, her arms wrapping around her chest as she twisted her lower body knowing that the crystal clear water did nothing for her for modesty.

The two female Elves released soft giggles as they were interrupted in their task of gathering her clothing and weapons.

"We will have your belongings cleaned. Please use this till then."

She watched as one of them placed what looked to be a folded gown upon the rocks. Being kind enough to not make the reddening Caleigh suffer any longer, they offered her smiles before leaving.

So much for a moment of relaxation…

Caleigh moved to where the water was once again just below her shoulders. Raising her hands she was surprised to find that her skin was clean. All the grime that had layered up over time vanished. From her nail beds to her hair the water had cleansed her entirely. No wonder why nothing was offered to her to use to scrub the dirt away. In truth a bucket of water would have been more than a blessing so she was prepared to just use her hands to scrub the filth away.

She listened to the surrounding area for a moment before exiting the water.

Moving her hands to her hair she wrung the water from her long locks. Starting at the base of her skull till she reached the ends. She wasn't trying to get it all dry, just enough so that the gown wouldn't be soaked by her hair laying over it.

The gown left for her was a rather simple one, however it was still the finest thing she had ever worn; the fabric as light as a feather and leaving her still feeling a little naked. It was a silvery white color with a u-cut neckline. The sleeves belled out from her elbows and although the dress wasn't tight, it did do much more to compliment her feminine silhouette than her normal attire.

After combing her fingers through her crimson tresses she headed off in the direction Haldir had instructed, caring little that she was left to walk barefoot. Feeling the soil and cool stones of the walkways in an odd way, gave her a sense of safety. She would be sad to leave Lothlorien.

To be plunged back into reality.

She didn't have to go far before she found her destination and sure enough the stunning Elvin queen was waiting for her.

Lady Galadriel sat upon the edge of a stone bench, her soft gaze focused elsewhere, but as soon as Caleigh came within a dozen feet she shifted to look upon the younger female.

"You look lovely."

Caleigh couldn't help the soft pink tint from forming in her cheeks as she looked to the ground then back up to Galadriel.

"Thank you M'Lady, I appreciate your kindness and for allowing me a moment to freshen up."

"You are welcome. Now please, have a seat."

She motioned towards the bench that she was seated on. Caleigh nodded as she made her way over, luckily the bench was around six feet long so she sat on the edge with her legs tilted towards the center, a bit overwhelmed by the simple notion of sitting with Galadriel, in such a friendly relaxed manner.

"Do you fear to look me in the eye?"

Caleigh snapped her gaze upwards, shaking her head quickly.

"I do not, I just…"

"You are weary of what I wish to speak of?"

Caleigh nodded, breaking eye contact as she lowered her head, her drying crimson locks falling in waves to her lap where her hands clenched at fabric. After a moment she looked back to those blue eyes where she found that same look upon Galadriel's feature; that look of familiarity.

"The resemblance you hold to your father is quite…remarkable."

"W-What? You knew him?"

"Yes, that is why I'm so curious of you my dear Caleigh; tell me about your mother and father."

"I can't tell you that. I don't remember either of them."

Galadriel seemed genuinely surprised by this admission. Caleigh knew right then she would have to elaborate with the few details she could provide.

"I do not have all my memories. My earliest recollection is waking up in recovery. Somehow I had been severely wounded and was found upon a river bank…next to the body of a dead Elf. The villagers who saved me and buried him told me that we shared an obvious family resemblance so I can only assume that was my father."

"I see."

It was Galadriel's turn to fall silent. She seemed to be debating something in her head.

"Can you please tell me of him? To know something of where I come from would be the greatest blessing."

"I wouldn't be so sure. Your father was banished long ago."

That had not been what Caleigh was expecting to hear. Was he a traitor, a fool, or worse? She was tempted to tell Galadriel to stop right there, but it was already too late. Not knowing would wreak havoc on Caleigh's thoughts so she gestured for her to continue.

"He held far too much hate in his heart towards mankind. It blinded him and he almost caused the deaths of some of his woodland kin. In his eyes mankind needed to be snuffed out, that the lands would be better off afterwards. Their greed, ignorance, and hunger for power were a plague in his eyes."

"But…my mother was obviously human."

"There lies the reason I wished to speak with you. How does someone go from animosity to love? He was banished for his hatred of mankind yet he produced a child with one. You can imagine my surprise to see the spitting image of him in you. I do not know the answer behind that unnatural gray iris of yours; however your other eye, that brilliant shade of emerald was the same as his."

A soft chuckle left her lips as she reached out to take hold of a lock of Caleigh's crimson hair, allowing the strands to fall through her slender digits like silk.

"This must have been a gift from your mother…"

Galadriel's gaze shifted behind Caleigh, her eyes suddenly distant even though her smile remained.

"I would have liked to discuss this more, but I must go."

Returning her gaze, the smile on her lips fell as she noticed a frown marring Caleigh's features. She reached out taking hold of Caleigh's hands that were clenched in her lap.

"No, do not think like that. His loathing was overwhelming but he would have never forced himself upon a woman for a quick bodily release, not even at his lowest. Whatever brought your father and mother together was real. Whether it was fleeting or true, it was genuine."

Caleigh fought and managed to keep all emotions at bay. Galadriel seemingly satisfied removed her hand and stood from the bench, offering one more smile before leaving Caleigh in silence. Her long golden locks swaying in her wake.

Everything went still as Caleigh gazed at the spot Lady Galadriel had previously occupied. Her mind completely halted and her expression blank. If it had not been for her intakes of breath she might have been mistaken for a statue.

She sat there unable to process much of anything least of all how much time had passed, so when a hand was placed upon her shoulder she jolted, quickly pushing herself to the opposite side of the bench.

Caleigh's narrowed eyes softened at seeing one of the Elvin maidens from before. Her long chocolate tresses framing her porcelain face, her brown eyes clearly showing concern.

"Sorry to disturb you but when I went to return your belongings to the Fellowship's camp I did not see you there. After your companions confirmed you never arrived I feared you had lost your way."

Caleigh nodded as she rose to her feet, doing a quick pat at the dress to make sure there was no dirt on it from her little maneuver.

"Oh, I appreciate your checking up on me. Would you mind leading me back there?"

She nodded before turning and heading out of the area towards the main pathway. Caleigh followed a few steps behind. She still wished for more time to herself however didn't want to risk worrying the others at her absence considering how abruptly she was led away by Haldir earlier.

She was a bit perturbed at how quickly she was led to the others. She hadn't been far at all this whole time! A portion of that time she had been bare for any eyes to see. She inwardly cringed at how awkward of a scene it would have been if one of them had accidently stumbled upon her.

Offering a smile in thanks to the Elf she watched her disappear down the way they had come.

Moving her hand up Caleigh brushed a lock of hair behind her ear as she moved towards a fountain that sat in the middle of the clearing. It had the same crystalline water flowing from it that the spring had.

This was most certainly an area designated for the weary travelers, even the grass was softer here, the roots of the massive trees yielding small nooks in which she found all the members of the Fellowship quietly resting.

A smirk curved her lips at the thought of how they might react to see her in a dress. Silently laughing to herself she leaned over to gaze into the fountain, her reflection almost as clear as a mirror.

Looking at herself now however had a different affect on her.

"I do not know the answer behind that unnatural gray iris of yours; however your other eye, that brilliant shade of emerald was the same as his."

Without thinking she brought her hand up to break the still surface of the water, distorting the image of herself.

There was a groggy groan to her right. Cursing her inconsiderate action she quickly retreated out of the clearing till she was out of sight and sound of whoever she had possibly disturbed. She would wait a moment for them to fall back asleep and then return.

"Calei-"

A grip landed upon her upper arm, on pure instinct she reached for the offender's wrist, wrenching it free of its hold, but before she could subdue the person, fortunes were reversed and she was whirled around and pinned to a tree, her arms over her head and her lower half pinned by what was obviously a male in their attempt to prevent her from lashing out below the waist.

"Whoa there, it's me."

Her gaze rose from her attacker's chest to see blue gray eyes starring down at her in worry and with a hint of amusement.

He waited till the realization was clear across her features before he released his hold on her, glancing away as she adjusted the gown back to rights.

"I'm sorry Boromir, I didn't mean to wake you or attack you."

A deep chuckle reverberated in his chest.

"It's fine; I should have made my presence known before grabbing you. It's difficult to relax your guard after so much time on edge."

She nodded, but she kept her gaze adverted, a slight tinge of crimson upon her cheeks at his now open appraisal of her appearance. He noticed her uneasy shifting and returned his gaze to her face.

"Please excuse me. Y-you just look so different."

"I suppose I actually look like a woman for a change."

He shook his head as he took in the glow her porcelain skin gave off, her clean crimson locks now even more brilliant as they hung in waves about her very feminine curves.

"You are breath taking like this...and just as much when you are battle worn."

This time her face fully flushed from her forehead, to her cheeks, all way down to her neck and collar bone; keeping himself from releasing a hearty laugh was truly a feat. Instead he gripped her shoulders and pulled her into a gentle embrace.

"You are a marvel Caleigh."

There was pause before his grip on her tightened.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

He broke away from her, arms crossing as he studied her from behind the few loose brunette strands that hung over his face.

"Slapping at one's reflection in agitation isn't in the realm of normal behavior. What did Lady Galadriel say to you?"

So she hadn't woken him up. Lowering her gaze she focused on his booted feet. She really wasn't ready to share the information.

"Apparently I hold a strong resemblance to my father. He was banished from here long ago for his hatred of mankind."

Boromir was quick to pinpoint what was bothering her.

"Your mother was human though wasn't she? Do you think..."

"Lady Galadriel insisted that would never be the case, he detested them but he had honor. Still...perhaps she is wrong. Maybe this unnatural gray eye of mine is a scar of a terrible moment in time. What if I was conceived in hate? Was this crimson hair a gift from my mother or a mark of suffering? I-"

Those booted feet closed in on her. Hands calloused by so many years wielding a sword sinking into her tresses and locking on either side of her face as he forced her to look him in the eyes.

"Stop it. Stop it Caleigh."

The tears that now stained her cheeks had gone unnoticed by her until the night breeze ghosted over her face. When had she started to cry? She didn't linger on that thought for long; she was focused on Boromir, his stormy gaze keeping her anchored.

"You can not think like that. Lady Galadriel is wise and I do not believe she would lie to you. If she had faith in his honor as a male, you should trust that."

His thumbs slowly wiped the drying tears from beneath her eyes, his brow furrowing at his level of seriousness.

"Besides, if you were born of such hate, why were you with him at his and nearly your own end? He would have left your mother without ever knowing of you."

Those words struck her to the core, sobering her out of her negative thoughts, and all at once the tenseness in her body fell away, a soft breath leaving her lips as her eyes slipped shut.

"He is right. I'm such a fool to assume the worst when the little evidence I have points to the better of the two possibilities..."

"Caleigh..."

Her name hung in the air, he had barely whispered it, but she didn't want to answer, she didn't want to open her eyes. He had just given her such a gift. He had soothed her wearied mind and the safety she felt at his proximity relaxed her tired body.

Warm lips tentatively fell upon hers. Her brain came to screeching halt. The pressure on her mouth increased as more confidence was felt from his ministrations, left hand remaining on her jaw as his right hand slipped behind her neck which not only tilted her face to give him better access to her lips but caused her to shift closer.

Finally she moved her mouth against his in a explorative fashion and he responded by dropping his hand from her jaw, down to her waist to pull her flush up against the warmth of his body.

Did she want this? Her heart ached. This touch, she had never realized that she yearned for such attention, but something didn't feel right.

"Is this wrong or is it simply too soon?"

It was as he gently bit at her bottom lip that she remembered how to move her limbs. She didn't have to press hard upon his chest to get him to release her.

He hadn't meant to go so far. He hadn't even intended to kiss her; however the sight her face was so serene within his hands had entranced him, the soft pink of her lips intoxicating, she was so close. When she didn't immediately push him away or slap him, he assumed it perhaps truly was a dream and he might as well relish in it.

"I didn't mean...please forgive my forwardness."

She shook her head while offering a smile, not knowing what to say.

She was confused. Boromir's place in her heart had been growing steadily, but now she worried that it was simply love for a friend. Surely if it was a deeper feeling they would still be locked in an embrace. It would have felt right. Perhaps it really was too soon?

She quickly broke her gaze as she went to move past him.

"It's late; we should rest while we can."

To her relief he didn't seem to take her reaction as positive or negative. She didn't want to fuel either side just yet. Still she needed to sort through herself. If he cared for her as deeply as he was revealing to her, she owed it to him to be honest to him. Whether she felt the same, needed more time, or didn't.

Boromir's stormy eyes watched her as she began her retreat back to the clearing, his right hand rising to brush over his lips.