A/N: Last chapter was fun wasn't it? Legolas knows he's in love! (Everyone say "Awwww..." Not really...you don't have to...but...lol). Anyway, I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who reviews this story, and I encourage those silent readers who do not normally review to review, because I almost always reply back. I truly appreciate others opinions. But aside from that, I'm sure you've all noticed that I've now uploaded three days in a row...you know what this means don't you? Uploads every day! I know I said I'd wait until I completely finished it, but if you asked my Merlin readers if ever do anything I say, they would say 'no.' Everytime I say it'll be two weeks before a new story...it's one week. I'm an overachiever, what can I say? Just kidding. But not really. Okay, I really am kidding. Honesty! I'll shut up now and let you read...

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings.

Chapter 6

Anariel watched her grandmother and Legolas disappear into the woods. What would they talk about? Anariel frowned as she went back to the pavilion. Legolas was the only one her grandmother had singled out so far, though she knew that sometime or another she would pull Aragorn aside.

"Anariel!" Pippin called as she neared the pavilion.

Anariel smiled. "Yes, Pippin?"

"I heard Aragorn say that you had lots of battle scars," the hobbit whispered.

Anariel laughed, but she subtly shot Aragorn a look. Aragorn shrugged, managing to almost look sheepish. Almost. Anariel rolled her eyes, "I have my share," she conceded. "Though I think the one I acquired most recently is probably the worst."

"I haven't seen any scars," Merry said confusedly as Anariel sat down on her bedroll.

"That's because they're hidden," Anariel smiled and she noticed that everyone else had subtly turned so they could hear the conversation. Sighing she rolled up the sleeve of her dress and revealed a jagged cut on her forearm.

"Wow," Merry breathed. "Where did you get that?"

"I was with Elrohir and Elladan riding in the North," Anariel explained. "We got into this little battle with some Orcs. I was young then, but I had begged Ada to let me go. The fight was going well until something wrapped around my arm. One of the Orcs had a whip," Anariel shuddered. "It really was a ghastly thing," she smiled seeing the hobbits faces. "Don't worry, Elladan came to my rescue, then scolded me relentlessly for putting myself in that position," Anariel laughed lightly. "Though I'm fairly sure he was just worried about how much trouble he was going to be in."

"You're really brave, Anariel," Pippin said quietly.

"I'm only brave when I have to be," Anariel answered gently. "I get scared too."

Pippin smiled and Anariel gave him a playful shove, which Pippin gladly returned. Soon something else caught the hobbits attention and they scurried off to investigate. Anariel turned her head to see that Legolas had returned.

He smiled and Anariel returned it. Whenever he smiled at her like that she felt warm inside. She liked that feeling, it was comforting, safe. He sat down beside her, and she laid her head on his shoulder. "What little cryptic remark did my grandmother make that has you so quiet?" Anariel asked after a moment.

Legolas chuckled, but then he sighed. He couldn't exactly tell her what her grandmother had told him. He glanced down at her, and found that she was looking up at him. They were closer than he expected, only inches apart. It was be so easy just to close that distance and…no. No. Not now.

Anariel looked up to find that he was looking down at her. His blue eyes were filled with love. Wait…love. No,no,no,no…that just wouldn't do at all. Nope. She must be mistaken. Legolas couldn't be in love with her, could he? If he felt that way, then it would be so easy for her to succumb to her own feelings. Wait, her own feelings? No. This was messing up her priority. Protect Frodo. Destroy the ring. In that order. That was her priority. It was not a good time to fall in love.

"Perhaps one day, I will tell you," Legolas said softly.

Anariel smiled, despite the inner turmoil that she was in. "Well I think we should all be getting some rest," she laughed and settled down in her bed roll. She noticed that the others were starting to go to bed too as she turned on her side. She wouldn't be able to sleep on her back for awhile.

Just as she was about to fall asleep, she heard whispering.

"I don't know, but if those two don't kiss by the time this quest is over, I'm going to have to hit the lad over his head," Gimli grumbled.

She heard Aragorn chuckle quietly, "Perhaps they do not realize."

Anariel sucked in a quiet breath. The fellowship knew. They knew of the feelings that she may or may not have for Legolas. Okay, they knew of the feelings that she most definitely did have, but was studiously ignoring. Though she knew that Aragorn wouldn't mind, what about the others? What did they think? Gimli obviously didn't think it was a problem, and Anariel laughed inwardly at what the hobbits would do. They would no doubt be thrilled. Pippin would say that he'd known all along. She smiled. That only left Boromir. Anariel frowned. Of the members of the fellowship, she and Boromir hardly ever spoke a word to each other. She knew that he did not like her, which she surmised was because she was a woman. Anariel scoffed, human men were so annoying sometimes.

The next day Anariel was walking down a path when she heard footsteps behind her. They were feather light, so she knew that it was an elf. She turned, expecting it to be Legolas, but was immediately cursing inside when she saw it was Haldir.

"My Lady Anariel," Haldir said taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. "How are you this morning?" he asked pleasantly and he offered her his arm.

Knowing that it would be a great insult to refuse (but still considering the action), Anariel smiled and took his arm. It was times like these when she was certain the world was conspiring against her. "I trust everything is well?" she asked pleasantly.

"We had a few problems the other night with yrch," he said disdainfully. "But it is taken care of."

"I am glad. I've had enough of those creatures," Anariel said frowning.

"Yes," Haldir said and Anariel saw that his eyes were filled with concern. "I saw the wound on your back when you first came. I did not say anything, but I assume it has been taken care of and you are well?"

Anariel smiled. "Of course, I've never felt better. I am glad that we came to Lothlorien. Our road has been hard the past months," Anariel said quietly.

"Yes," Haldir said sadly. "I was shocked to hear that Gandalf had fallen."

"He fell protecting us all," Anariel replied sadly.

As they turned the corner, Anariel realized that they were at the archery fields. She smiled when she saw Legolas firing arrow after arrow, all of them in the center of the bulls-eye. He turned around as he heard their approach and he frowned ever so slightly, though Anariel was sure only she noticed.

"Haldir," he greeted politely before he turned to Anariel, "Anariel."

"Fine shooting," Haldir said looking at the target. "Many say that you are the best archer in Middle-earth."

"I doubt that," Legolas said humbly. "I would think that there are many who are better than I."

Anariel scoffed and not so subtly moved from Haldir to Legolas. "I wouldn't say that. What matters is not how good you are in practice, but in battle when it counts, and I have not seen a better archer," Anariel smiled.

"It must be nice to have the Lady's praise," Haldir said and though his tone was light, his eyes had hardened in jealousy.

"Indeed," Legolas conceded, hiding a smirk. He was too old for that childishness.

Anariel thought that this would be a great time to leave. "Well, I think that we must be getting back. Aragorn will surely want to talk with us," she said taking Legolas' arm.

Legolas smiled. "Yes, he did mention that earlier. We should be getting back I suppose," he said and he nodded in Haldir's general direction before he and Anariel walked back down the path.

Once they were far enough away not be overheard, Anariel laughed. "I thought he would have gotten over his attachment to me," she laughed lightly. "Apparently, I was wrong."

"He has made his admiration known to you then?" Legolas asked.

Anariel nodded. "I thought I had made it clear the last time I was here. Elrohir and Elladan thought it was hilarious."

Legolas shook his head, but said nothing and they walked along the path in silence. Anariel sighed and rested her head against him. "We will be leaving soon. If not today, then tomorrow."

"We must continue with our quest," Legolas said quietly. "Lothlorien has been kind to us, and we shall set out refreshed."

Anariel nodded. "Lothlorien has been good to us all," she said quietly.

They came upon the rest of the fellowship, and noticed that they were already packing to leave. Anariel went and gathered up her things before turning and seeing that Galadriel was in the woods. Her grandmother beckoned to her, and Anariel put her things beside the others before she went to her grandmother.

Walk with me? Her grandmother asked softly and Anariel nodded. They walked down a path that Anariel had never noticed before, but Galadriel seemed to know it well.

What is it you wish to speak with me about? Anariel asked looking at the trees as they walked.

I have noticed something. Galadriel said slyly.

Really? What has caught your eye? Anariel asked smiling.

Galadriel smiled. It seems that my granddaughter is in love.

I am not! Anariel denied immediately and then she grinned sheepishly, knowing that she sounded childish. She sighed, Now is not the time to fall in love.

Love knows no bounds. Galadriel argued gently. You cannot continue to ignore your feelings.

How do I know that he feels the same way? Anariel asked.

Galadriel smiled. I think you know.

He conveys so much with his eyes. They are full of love. Anariel admitted, remembering last night when they were so close to kissing.

I am happy for you. Arwen has Aragorn, and now you have Legolas. Now we just need to find wives for your brothers. Galadriel laughed lightly.

I do not know if there is an elf maiden brave enough to marry either. Anariel giggled and as they turned a corner of the path she saw that the rest of the fellowship was waiting in a line. Her grandfather Celeborn was there, seeming to be waiting on both of them. He smiled at her and she winked at him.

She walked past him and went to stand by Legolas. Once they were in line Galadriel came to her and smiled. "Anariel, my child, always follow your heart. It has yet to lead you astray," as she said this she subtly looked at Legolas and Anariel blushed faintly. "I give you this," Galadriel said smiling as she gave her a jeweled dagger. "I think you will find it quite useful."

Anariel took the dagger gingerly. She had admired this dagger since she was an elfling. She'd always asked if she could have it, and now that wish had been granted. She watched as Galadriel stood in front of Legolas. "I give you a bow of the Galadhrim. I hope it is worthy of your skill," she said smiling and Legolas nodded as he began to admire his new weapon.

Next she moved to the hobbits. To Merry and Pippin she gave silver belts and daggers to go with them. To Sam she gave some soil of Lothlorien and some Elven rope. She stopped at Frodo, and gave him a phial that seemed to glow, "Frodo, in the phial is light caught from Earendil's star, set admist the water from my fountain. May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out."

Frodo smiled and nodded and Galadriel went on to Boromir whom she gave a belt of gold. She stopped at Gimli and smiled. "And what gift would a Dwarf ask of Elves?"

"None my Lady," Gimli said quietly. "It has been enough just to look up the Lady of the Galadhrim and hear her gentle words."

"Gimli, son of Gloin, surely there is something you desire? Name it, I bid you! You shall not be the only guest without a gift," Galadriel urged smiling.

To Anariel's amusement the dwarf began to stammer, "Well, if I am-if I am permitted to ask…a single strand of your hair?"

Anariel raised her eyebrows and shot a glance at her grandfather who was eyeing the dwarf in wonder and amusement. She looked back to her grandmother who smiled and ran a hand through her hair. In her hand were three strands of golden hair. Gimli took them in his hands like they were the most breakable thing in the world.

Finally she moved to Aragorn and gave him a beautiful sheath, no doubt for Narsil. Aragorn took it gratefully and bowed. Galadriel went to stand by Celeborn and the fellowship bowed before they were lead to the boats. The wind blew slightly and Anariel clutched her cloak about her tighter. The entire fellowship had been given cloaks of Lorien, and Anariel was glad for it.

Anariel got in a boat with Legolas and Gimli and once everyone was in the boats they began their journey south down the Anduin. The further south they went, the less green surrounded the river. The green trees soon gave way to a brown and withered land.

"It is a shame to leave the green of Lothlorien," Anariel murmured.

"Ay lass, it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen," Gimli said and he had a starry look in his eye.

"Is it the Wood you remember or my grandmother?" Anariel smiled knowingly.

"No offense to you lassie, but I've never seen a more beautiful creature," Gimli said blushing ever so slightly.

"I would have to disagree," Legolas said so quietly that Anariel was the only one who heard.

Anariel's eyes met his and her grandmother's words rang in her head, "Love knows no bounds." Anariel didn't reply, but she smiled shyly at him. Yes. Anariel was shy…when it came to Legolas at least.

They paddled the rest of the day, finally resting on a small bank for the night. After a quick supper, they all went to sleep except for the elves, who had slept so soundly in Lothlorien that neither would need sleep for days. Legolas and Anariel both sat propped up against a tree. Legolas felt Anariel's head on his shoulder and looked down at her. He couldn't deny that he loved her, not anymore. But how did she feel? At times he was sure that she felt the same, though at others he wasn't so sure. Now would be one of the times where he was fairly sure she felt the same. Tentatively, he reached out and held her hand in his.

Anariel smiled as he took her hand. I wonder what my grandmother told you. She said quietly, so as to not awake the rest of the fellowship.

And I wonder what she told you. Legolas answered and Anariel could hear the smile in his voice.

Perhaps it was the same. Anariel suggested grinning as she looked up at him. Perhaps she gave us the same advice.

It is possible. Legolas conceded. But how are we to know?

One of us would have to be brave and tell the other the advice that was given them. Anariel said softly. The Lady Galadriel told me that love knew no bounds. Anariel said as she stared into his deep blue eyes.

Legolas smiled. The Lady told me that there was always a time for love.

Anariel smiled and then whispered. Then I guess she did give us the same advice. I think she was trying to set us up. She snickered.

Do you think it worked? Legolas asked softly.

Anariel hesitated. There were so many ways to answer that question. She would say 'yes.' Or she could be bold and…Anariel looked into his eyes for a moment before closing the space between them to lay a gentle kiss on his lips. She pulled away slowly and looked back into his eyes. She smiled when they were pooling with love.

How's that for an answer? Anariel grinned.

Legolas smiled. I think I understood, my love.

The next day the entire fellowship noticed something different in the atmosphere…the just couldn't put their finger on it. Aragorn looked back behind him at the boat behind him that contained Anariel, Legolas, and Gimli. What was different? At that moment Anariel looked up at Legolas and Aragorn smiled. Finally. Aragorn smiled. At least there was one thing growing admist this darkness.

Woo! Anariel is a spunky little thing isn't she? For some reason all my OC's are. Anariel is very much like Demi in my Merlin series...but anyway, how did I do? I'm not all for that big moment where they both declare their love for the other and then seal it with a passionate kiss. I think that in a way this was much more romantic, and it fits their characters. Legolas is very quiet, and this is completely new territory. Anariel is actually really shy when it comes to feelings, but then she's also...well...Anariel. I think it worked, and I hope you felt the same!

Please review,

ArthursCamelot