A/N: Yeah, I gave in. Here's a new chapter guys. Lemme know what you think.

The fellowship spent two more weeks in the Golden Wood, in which time, Alassiel spent getting to know each of her new companions. She found herself awfully fond of Gimli, despite his constant bickering with Legolas. Boromir, too, she had spent time with. He was weary of her at first, regardless of their friendly meeting, but she gradually earned his trust during their sparring, and the nights they spent feasting. Alassiel would sit with Boromir to her left and Legolas to her right. Aragorn sat with Gimli at his right side and Haldir on his other, directly opposite the she-elf and her company. She had a feeling that Aragorn was keeping Gimli at the other side of the table to lessen the arguments between the dwarf and the Elven prince. His plan, however, backfired, as Gimli ended up sitting across from the elf, giving him full access to Legolas' face and attention.

And so, their nights were filled with laughter and joy, something that was hard to find those days. The grief of losing Gandalf soon turned into a celebration of his life, and the group of nine soon found themselves with a more positive outlook of their mission.

It was on the morning of their fifth week at the wood that they packed up to set off on their journey once again. The elves clothed each member in the garbs of their people; a green cloak, fastened with a leaf brooch. And then, as they stood at the shore, the lady of the wood approached them with gifts. Alassiel stood straight, unsure what Galadriel could gift her with. There was nothing she desired, and nothing she had need of. As she waited her turn she gave each of her companions privacy to speak to the Elven woman.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, the shine of something glinted in the sunlight in Aragorn's hand, who was standing beside her. Whatever it was that Galadriel had placed in his hand, and whatever she had said to him, left him with a shocked expression. It was hard to tell what type of shock he was in, however Alassiel had little time to ponder as the lady made her way to her.

"My dear Alassiel," she began, the kind smile she was so well known for gracing her face. "What is it that you desire? Tell it to me and I shall try to achieve it."

"Nothing, my lady. I am content with what I have and I want for nothing."

Galadriel raised a thin brow and let out a soft laugh. "Oh child, how wrong you are! Surely you can think of something?"

Alassiel frowned and thought hard, and then looked back up at the older elf and shook her head.

"No, my lady. I have all that I need in this life. Perhaps a healthy new bow and quiver as you gifted my brother."

"I am afraid I cannot do that. However, there is one thing that I had in mind the moment you stepped foot in my kingdom last month."

She turned to an elf beside her, who was holding a beautiful small wooden box, with intricate golden designs woven around the edges. She gingerly picked it out of his hands and leaned forward to place it into the princess'.

"My gift to you is the jewel that has rested upon my breast for many years."

Alassiel gasped as she opened the box carefully to find a breath taking jewel placed on a red velvet cushion. It was similar to Arwen's Evenstar necklace, the one that she kept so very close to her heart, however the metal that embraced the jewel, that held the piece of beauty together, was golden, as was the chain that held it. As Alassiel slowly caressed it with her hand, she felt the thinness of the chain, and the incredibly light weight it left on her hand.

"The gold was one that was used to create the most exquisite of pieces, for the royals before my time. It will sit around your neck as if it is not even there. And it shines most bright when in the place it truly belongs. With, I believe, is you."

Alassiel was shaking her head, and closed the box perhaps too roughly, pushing it back towards Galadriel.

"But I simply cannot take this! This is far, far too much, my lady. I will gladly take a bow, thank you."

However, the lady of the wood grasped Alassiel's wrists lightly and bowed her head. "I would not entrust this to any other, Alassiel. It is a jewel fit for a queen, and so it goes to you. Accept it now, and take your leave. We will not meet again on this plain. Live your life well, child. And remember, there is always hope. Do not give up on what you believe to be true."

Alassiel dared not argue, and instead held the small box close in her hands. "Thank you, my lady"

She bowed to her elder and then turned to join the others in the boats.

"What did you get, Strider?" Sam exclaimed as Aragorn was busy loading their boat. "Sure must be better than an old coil of rope."

Alassiel stayed back to hear his reply, she, herself, curious as to what that shiny object he received was. He simply looked at Sam with a blank expression as he placed the last pack into the boat. After a moment, he finally replied quietly.

"It was not something for I, Sam. It is to be passed on to another at a better time."

As he finished his sentence he turned and caught Alassiel watching. They kept eye contact, frozen in time briefly, before he tore his gaze away and went to fasten all of his blades to their appropriate places on his person.

Behind him, Sam left out a huffed sound, frustrated at the ranger's vague answer and so turned his question to Alassiel when he spotted her.

"What about you, my lady? What was it that you received?"

She made her way over to the boat she would be sharing with Boromir and Pippin, and smiled.

"Something that will be kept close to my heart."

The hobbit rolled his eyes at yet another vague answer. "What is with you big folk and being so mysterious?" He muttered some more until everyone else was ready to leave and in the boats.

As they slowly sailed away, Galadriel caught Alassiel's attention with a wave and smile.

Do not give up hope.