Chapter 3 I've reposted this so you aren't slammed with a wall of text.

Legolas slipped into his bedroll and lay on his back, facing the stars. Falma had taken his watch. The prince lay thinking about her commitment to her lord. She would face death if that was the price for her silence, and all he had to do to make her speak true was offer her some food while she wasn't thinking. Strange she was, but the Elf needed something new to think about. Even while traveling with his friends, life became slightly boring. 'Actually', he thought to himself with a smile spreading on his lips, 'life with Gimli can never be boring. He's too unpredictable to be boring.' He drifted to merry dreams of returning home, and soon was breathing softly and evenly in sleep.

When he awoke, the others were starting to rise. The new light chased away the shadows of the night and revealed the world in all its beauties. A few horses were being saddled, the food was being prepared, and small talk about dreams drifted about in the air. Gimli was telling Aragorn of something having to do with beer and maidens. Combing his hair, he noted that Musica and Thalion were missing.

'Aragorn, where is Thalion?'

'She and Musica went to bathe. A still pond lay nearby if you too wish to bathe when they return. Did you sleep well, friend?'

'Yes, and I hope you fare the same. I do wish to bathe. I shall wait.'

And wait he did. He helped tend to the horses, and was surprised to suddenly see the two females approach, their hair slicked back, shining with a wet quality. Musica met his gaze and smiled a very small smile, just for him. Everyone saw her for the first time without her face paint. Musica's face was plain and smooth, but her lips were full and eyes a stunning sky blue, outlined thickly with black lashes. Her ears were visible; gracefully curved, expressing her mortality. He returned the smile in kind before walking silently to Aragorn.

'Another thing, my friend. Even though she does not understand us, I feel it would be best not to state my title, or yours. None of our titles are to be mentioned incase of familiarity with the terms occurring in her mind.'

'You are wise, Legolas. I shall tell the others while she is out of earshot. Now go. The pond is close by. And, I caution you, do not start a conversation with Gimli about malt beer. You'll regret it.'

'I thank you for the advice, but I learned that lesson from your wedding feast.'

And so Legolas left for the pond. When he returned, everyone was ready to leave. Mounting Orad (named for Arod, his Rohan steed), he was about to suggest to take charge of Musica when Uray spoke up that he would watch her. A look had crossed her face saying quite clearly she would have preferred Legolas' company, but she held her tongue. Uray placed her in front of him, and she folded her arms in displeasure. With a shrill whistle, the party started to move out. Legolas was given time to think about what else to ask her. He had been so caught up in her knowledge that he hadn't thought to ask why five of his friends lay dead. Several others occurred to him, but the question of why stood out the most.

All of the Elves formed a crude circle about her incase she try anything, but it was plain she couldn't. No one said anything about Uray's wrongful behaviour; he seemed to think that because she was now his charge, he could do as he pleased. His arm was wrapped about her waist, and she could do nothing but look pleadingly at the others. Soon, all made a mental note to chastise him later that she was still a person and deserved respect, even if she was their prisoner. Legolas turned his eyes back to the road. It was a time before all had done the same, and some Elves began to sing to lighten the mood. One tune was interrupted by a small thud audible only to the Elves, and then a small yelp. All horses halted and every eye saw Uray had fallen from his horse. By the smug look upon her face, and the red mark on Urays face, it was evident she had head butted him for being so touchy. Laughter broke out that Uray couldn't even stay on his horse. This was an opening, and again, Legolas was beaten to taking her into his charge. Aragorn urged his horse to stand next to the gray stallion, and he gently lifted the maiden from her seat. Legolas was glad that someone caring had taken her from Uray's hands. He smiled at Aragorn for a thank you, and at Musica, silently telling her not to worry. Relaxing visibly, she began to mutter a thank you to Aragorn in her tongue, which he understood as it being the only thing she would have said at that time.

With Uray silent, and the songs to pass the time of day, the rest of the ride was uneventful. The company covered a lot of ground for one days' travel. The scenery hadn't changed much. The lush green trees still clustered thickly about them, the dirt path lined with long fresh grass. Even seeing trees his whole life, the prince couldn't help but feel enlightened seeing a fresh clear day of spring. Straying a little from the path, they made camp again. Aldalda tended to Musica's wounded leg to see that it was healing properly. Everyone else in the party began to check their perimeters, though the chance of a band of orcs this close to Rivendell was nil; there was no way to check for Drakes unless you watched the endless skies. The meal was prepared again; Elves shooting and retrieving a few foul. Offering some lembas to the strange silent maiden instead of the meat (which she refused), Legolas sat down next to her, away from the others. Uray, still quiet, sent a death glare at Musica, and a warning to Legolas. Her silent presence was enough for now. He ordered his thoughts for their discussion that night. Keen Elf ears heard Aragorn informing the others in Elvish not to speak any important titles around her, incase she recognizes titles of importance. Also, he could just make out a whispered warning in the Common Tongue to Gimli that Musica could not have possibly have heard. The rest of the night was uneventful, so the watches were assigned. Thalion and Adalda curled up together. Everyone had silently noted that they cared deeply for one another days before. Aragorn and Haldir took the first watch that night, listening cautiously for the sound of the Drakes.