Morning all,

This will most likely be the last update for a couple of weeks, i'm off to Sydney to meet up with my mum for the first time in 4 years since we both got posted to different sides of the country! (Literally, she's west coast, I'm east)

After this there's only one more chapter.

Enjoy

xo

Eventually, the visitors left, leaving Rilien and Valisilwen alone together.

Rilien could tell Valisilwen was anxious about something, as he began collecting healing salve from the now clean table beside the stretcher, he turned to see her looking at her hair in confusion. "Tauriel brushed and braided your hair to keep it out of the way while I treated your wounds," he explained, she nodded in acceptance of his explanation, before tossing the braid back over her shoulder nonchalantly. "I need to redress your wounds."

She looked up at him with the slightest look of alarm, but nodded and turned her back towards him. He carefully perched himself onto the stretcher behind her, watching as she carefully pulled her arms from the undershirt she wore, dropping the back down to reveal the bandages he had carefully placed on her wounds.

He had seen the full extent of her scars when he was treating her wounds after the battle, through the blood and shredded skin of the newly inflicted wounds. The pale scars of her youth criss-crossed her back, some fainter than others, extending all the way down past her hips. He had also found some scars on her legs, although these appeared to be a fair bit younger than those on her back, shoulders and neck.

He carefully began untying the bandages as she clutched the undershirt to her chest, not moving as his fingers gripped at the bandages and began to unwind them. He passed them to her to unwind from her front, and she did so without a word to him, although he saw her jaw clench as she did so.

"Is it hurting?" he asked as he took back the bandage and stopped, concerned..

She looked back at him with mild surprise. "No, nothing like that," she replied, sighing before nodding at him to continue. He passed the bandage back to her to unwind it one more time before removing it.

The cloths beneath the bandage were soaked with blood, but that was to be expected. He grabbed some new ones from the table and carefully began to remove the soiled cloths.

"How bad was it?" she asked, not moving as he began to peel back the outer edges.

"To be honest, I'm surprised it only took you three days to come to, you had lost a lot of blood and carried many wounds." As he pulled back the mass of cloths that he had carefully placed to cover her wounds on her back, he found some of the smaller ones were already healing, to the point of being nearly completely closed. "By Valar..."

"Hmm?" she turned her head slightly at his murmured words.

"Would i be correct in assuming the people of your kind are generally fast healers?" he asked in wonder as he examined the wounds that were already nearly healed. She nodded, unfazed as he touched her skin in wonder, although he soon felt her shiver as he moved his finger along the edges of a wound gently. "Apologies," he quickly muttered, returning to the job at hand.

He removed the rest of the cloths on her back, there were still a few quite severe and open wounds on her back, but for the most part, the smaller superficial wounds had all begun to close and heal. He applied the salve to her wounds carefully, rubbing it in gently. Every so often, he would feel her give a slight shiver or clench her jaw. He finished applying it to her back as quickly as possible.

"How are you feeling?" he asked quietly, leaning forward slightly, concerned as he found her eyes to be closed.

She opened them slightly and gave a small smile. "I'm fine, how are they?" He couldn't help but notice her eyes seemed very relaxed when she looked at him, so he found her reaction to him applying the salve, curious, to say the least.

"They're already showing signs of healing well, some have already nearly closed," he replied, pleased that she seemed to be relaxing around him. He looked to the last bandage left on her body and grimaced. This had been the most difficult and deepest wound. "Now, this one will most likely hurt."

She followed his eyes down to her side, biting her lip but giving him a nod of approval. He began to untie the bandage, before carefully pulling it back and handing the end to her to unwind. She passed it around her and handed it back to him, careful not to drop her undershirt. Soon, Rilien could pull the cloth from the wound.

It began to seep a little blood, but he could tell that it too, was beginning to work on healing itself. "Fascinating," he murmured, peering closely at the wound. He grabbed some more cloths, wetting them in warm water before beginning to clean the wound again. He heard Valisilwen hiss slightly, under her breath.

He looked up at her in surprise and concern. She cringed but looked at him as she lifted her arm slightly to enable him easier access. "You pushed a little hard."

Rilien grimaced. "Apologies." He began to clean the wound again, being extra careful this time. Once he was satisfied, he carefully began to apply the healing salve, looking to her face as he did so. Her eyes were closed once again and she appeared quite relaxed again.

She looked incredibly serene in that moment, like a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. He wondered what she had experienced in her moments of unconsciousness, or if it was perhaps the fact that she now knew, for certain, that both Bolg and Azog were done.

He began to put clean cloths back on her wounds before beginning to put clean bandages on. "Valisilwen?" he asked softly, brushing his hand against her elbow. She opened her eyes slowly and looked sideways at him. He held up the end of the bandage and she took it, winding it around her middle, hissing when she pulled it a bit too tight.

"Are you alright?" he asked as he tied it off for her.

"Just making sure I'm alive," she joked, giving a half smile. He smiled back at her before picking up all the used bandages and cloths, turning to give her some privacy and redress herself. "I don't suppose i can leave the tent yet?" she asked, her voice slightly muffled as she brought the undershirt up over her head.

Rilien had to admit, he was surprised she asked. "Uh... well..." there was no real reason she couldn't but they had to discard of her clothes as they were ripped to shreds from battling Azog and Bolg. For a moment his mind drifted back to the battle on the frozen river, when he saw Azog slashing at her relentlessly. He shuddered at the memory.

"Rilien?" she asked, appearing beside him and peering into his face with concern. He jumped when he saw her standing beside him, wearing only the oversized undershirt he had given Tauriel to put on her when they had begun to treat her wounds.

He stepped back, trying to put some distance between him and the Lady Ranger for decency's sake, knocking over the table of healing salves and bandages. They both reached for the table in alarm, only Valisilwen winced as she tried to grab it with her dominant hand, the same side as her most concerning injury.

He quickly grabbed the table, righting it, before turning to put his hand on Valisilwen's shoulder as she bent over in pain. "Are you alright?"

She screwed up her face, closing her eyes and took deep breaths, before standing straight again. Rilien quickly put his hand around her waist on the opposite side to the wound. Her eyes shot open and her cheeks quickly went pink, but she didn't push him away.

"Come on, back to the stretcher with you."

"So that's no to that walk, then?" she asked, trying to sound relaxed.

Rilien narrowed his eyes at her and gave a little shake of his head. "I would have considered it if you could stop yourself from trying to help people," he replied simply. As he began to help her back to the stretcher, he felt her put her arm around his shoulder, gripping onto him tightly. He felt his own heart beginning to beat fast within his chest.

He eased her down onto the stretcher, and she released him, sighing sadly as he stood back up. He could have sworn she was damn near pouting. "If we could dress you, I may have considered that walk," he said pointedly, but she just gave a small smile. "Princess..." he added with a smirk as he began to return to the table to tidy up the mess he had caused.

A moment later he felt something soft impact with the back of his head. He turned to see Valisilwen was slightly cringing, but smirking. He looked down to his feet to see the pillow from the stretcher on the ground. He shook his head and returned to his work.

oOOo

Valisilwen sat on her stretcher, bored. It had been two days since she had woken from unconsciousness, and she had yet to be able to walk freely outside. She swore the Elf Prince's guardsman thoroughly enjoyed being able to boss her around.

Although, commanded to stay within the tent, he had at least opened the tent flap to allow her to see the world outside and she had fairly regular visits from everyone. From the company of dwarves she travelled, with to the King Thranduil, who had been nothing but pleasant since the battle.

Bard the Bowman had also visited her, along with his children. All three had looked to her with admiration and awe, especially the youngest of the three, Tilda. Valisilwen could see it in the child's eyes, she had spirit. She would prove a handful for Bard as she got older.

Bard requested the children to leave the tent so he could have a private conversation with the Lady Ranger, which they did so, although Tilda whined slightly before her older sister dragged her out.

"My lady, I was hoping to give my own personal thanks to you. You have done much for me and my family since you're timely arrival in Laketown."

She cringed slightly at his address to her, but gave a small nod. "It is fine. I am happy to help those that require it." Bard gave a small, nervous smile and began to pace slightly in front of her stretcher, causing Valisilwen to raise her eyebrows in interest.

"My daughters and son can speak only admiration for you. Tilda especially, seems to...uh... idolise you," he commented lightly, giving an amused smile, obviously thinking of something his daughter had either said or done.

Valisilwen smiled in return and gave a small bow of the head. "I have to warn you, Bard, you'd best be careful with that one, she has spirit, i can see it in her eyes."

He gave a chuckle. "Oh trust me, I am very well aware of the spirit within that child."

"And what of the people of Laketown?" she asked, curious as to what the people planned to do.

"With the help of Kili and his people, it is planned that we should rebuild Dale to it's former glory," Bard said proudly, looking out the tent towards the city. Valisilwen smiled, Bard was a proud man, and a fine leader.

"Will you lead them? As the new Master of the city?"

Bard pursed his lips. Clearly, this topic was something that had rested heavily on his mind. He sighed before speaking again. "Aye, it is the people's wish."

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the weight in the sigh he expelled. He was reluctant to lead the people it seemed. "You will be a fine leader, Bard, and your children will be of great help to you, they're both compassionate and clever."

He smiled at her compliments. "Aye, that they are." He seemed to grow more anxious and turned to her. "I have to ask, what is it you plan to do now that the Kingdom of Erebor is restored?"

She raised both eyebrows again, this time in surprise. "Well, I imagine when I am given the all clear, I will return to my duties with the Dunedain in the North. I sense the war against the dark forces at work here, are not yet over."

Bard nodded, thinking it over. Valisilwen became suspicious of Bard's motives now. He looked her in the eye now, his hazel eyes searching her face for a moment. "I ask this as a man who has seen your own amazing skills as both a leader and warrior, would you consider staying?"

She was not sure what she wanted to do more, cringe, laugh or narrow her eyes at him, but instead she kept her face clear of any emotions whatsoever. "I appreciate the compliment, Bard, but I would not be able to make a home in Dale. The animal in me wishes to live a life of freedom, not contained within walls or to the beck and call of people. I appreciate nothing more than watching the sun rise over the land with the freedom to see it from wherever pleases me. I'm sorry."

Bard's face fell, but only for a moment, before he nodded once and smiled. "I can understand that, it is a life you are accustomed to, it would be very hard for you to change that."

"At near 400 years old... yes, i am quite accustomed to it."

Bard's eyes went wide at the mention of her age, but he was quick to clear his face of such shock, although Valisilwen still couldn't hide the grin from his initial reaction.

"Well, my lady, I should let you rest. I thank you again, for selflessly assisting the people of Dale as well as myself and my family."

"It was my pleasure, I look forward to seeing your children grow to be fine leaders like their father."

Bard smiled gratefully, obviously picking up on the underlying message from Valisilwen, she would be paying them regular visits. She was especially interested to see how Tilda would grow.

As Bard left, she had seen him bow his head to someone as he exited the tent, and waited expectantly for whomever it was to enter, but no one had.

On another occasion, even Dain had come to say his goodbyes before journeying back to the Iron Hills. Tauriel had teased Valisilwen, saying the dwarf had a crush on her, causing Valisilwen to roll her eyes and shake her head.

It was another conversation that Valisilwen had with Tauriel that lingered in her mind though.

"What will you do when you're able to leave?"

"I don't know, probably return to the Dunedain and recommence my duties there," she had replied, rolling her shoulders back to try and keep her muscles supple and loose. "I don't see what else there is to be done."

"I have heard Lord Elrond has asked that you return to Imladris?" Tauriel asked, looking at the Ranger with raised eyebrows at her answer.

That had made Valisilwen chuckle. "He always asks that of me," she replied. "Although, Elladan did say that he had a special duty for me to fulfil. Something about one of the Dunedain." She thought for a moment, wondering if it had anything to do with what had been discovered in Dol Guldur.

Tauriel shrugged, leaning back onto her arms to stretch out her legs on the grass, cocking her head to one side while thoughtfully looking at Valisilwen. "What of Rilien?"

Valisilwen furrowed her brows in confusion. "What about him?"

Tauriel raised her eyebrows before crossing her legs and leaning forward again. "Have you really not noticed?"

"Noticed what?"

"Valisilwen, Rilien cares very deeply for you," Tauriel spoke plainly, she rolled her eyes at the dark haired elf. "You're so oblivious to the very obvious to those around you."

"I'm pretty certain he's just doing as asked by his King," Valisilwen said matter-of-factly, trying to ignore a niggling thought at the back of her mind.

"In case you hadn't notice, we went rogue from the king the second we left the kingdom against his orders. Rilien had every opportunity to return. He always chose to be with you."

Valisilwen pursed her lips, unable to respond to the auburn haired elf.

Tauriel's words had been lingering on her mind, while she watched the sky change as the sun set, through the entrance to her tent. It was only a moment later that Rilien entered, carrying two bowls of steaming stew for them.

"Dinner is served," he said, carefully handing her one. She accepted it gratefully, blowing off the steam that rose from the food, as Rilien settled on the grass beside the stretcher facing the entrance. This is what she had grown accustomed to the last few nights. Rilien would always enjoy a meal with her before urging her to rest, and he would stay within the tent with her until morning.

She ate quietly, lost in her own thoughts as she enjoyed the warm stew.

"The city is almost cleared and the dwarves are returning to the mountain from the Blue Mountains, King Thranduil believes the elves will return to Greenwood very soon," Rilien chatted as he ate.

Valisilwen nodded, although she wasn't really paying attention to what he was saying.

"Gandalf and Bilbo said they will leave when he leaves."

"I see," she replied, still lost in thought.

"A flock of Were-bats are attacking the camp."

"Ah...wait...what?" she asked in alarm, finally realising what he had said and whipping her head to look from the elf to outside the tent.

Rilien scoffed and shook his head at her, putting his now empty bowl to the side. "What's wrong?"

Valisilwen felt ashamed at being caught out but shook her head. "Nothing," she replied simply, taking the final spoonful of food in her mouth and looking back out the entrance of the tent.

"You've been less than conversational with me these last couple of evenings."

She shrugged. "Only so much one can talk about when she's cooped up in a tent all day." She looked pointedly at the elf, the slightest of smirks spreading across her face.

Rilien grinned at the jab. "Well, maybe tomorrow, you've healed pretty well, but you're still going to be sore and bruised, so nothing strenuous."

Valisilwen smiled at the elf gratefully, nodding. "I can manage that."

He soon encouraged her to sleep, staying by the stretcher until her breathing slowed to a blissful sleep.

oOOo

Rilien snuck out before the sun had even begun to rise, ducking into a tent and exiting just as quickly. As he walked, he thought back to the conversation he had overheard between her and Bard the Bowman, soon to be Master of the City of Dale.

'The animal in me wishes to live a life of freedom, not contained within walls or to the beck and call of people. I appreciate nothing more than watching the sun rise over the land with the freedom to see it from wherever pleases me.'

He smiled, remembering as the Bowman had attempted to proposition her, although it had brought a little jealousy overhearing him speak to her as he had. The feeling had left him rather surprised, but he had been quick to quell the odd emotion, especially when he had heard her reasoning.

It had saddened him to hear her thoughts on settling somewhere. He himself had always thought that he had wanted to eventually settle when Legolas eventually took over as King of the Greenwood Realm, only because he couldn't even consider leaving his friend without someone to watch his back.

Now, however, his friend had taken off on his own adventures alone, so he wasn't quite sure what he wanted anymore. His mind kept settling on Valisilwen whenever he considered his future, he wasn't entirely sure why he was drawn to the Shape-Changer, but for whatever reason, he knew that she would probably not be accepting of settling for him either.

He made haste back to his tent, not wanting to miss the sunrise. He quietly crept beside the stretcher where she slept on her stomach, her face seemingly blissful, before gently shaking Valisilwen's shoulder. "Ranger, time to wake up."

She groggily opened her eyes, before scrunching up her nose. Rilien had to admit, she looked very appealing as she struggled to rouse. "Rilien, it's still dark out." He looked over his shoulder, indeed it was still dark out, he was surprised she could see that considering she had barely opened her eyes.

"I know, come on, here's your gear, get dressed." He dropped her new clothes onto the stretcher, he had gotten the armourer and tailor to remake her clothing, similar to what she had but with the Greenwood elf touch, to be a little lighter. She looked from him to her clothes, still blinking as she tried to keep her eyes open.

"Why?"

"Just hurry." He left the tent, closing the flap, to allow her some privacy. A few moments later Valisilwen reappeared. Her hair out now, as she pulled the braid apart with her fingers. He took her hand before she had even finished, causing her to look alarmed and confused. "Don't worry about your hair, we aren't riding into battle."

He began to lead her through the elven camp, and then onwards to the other side of it, up towards the forests edge. Here he stopped and turned to look at her.

"Well?" she asked, an edge of annoyance to her voice. He gave her a small smile and he motioned with his head behind her, still holding her hand in his. She looked at him skeptically, before turning to look behind her.

The sky was already changing colour as they had topped the hill, and as she turned the first rays of sun were beginning to shine over the edge of the horizon. He saw her face soften and a small smile grace her lips as the sun's rays lit up her face.

As he watched her, the sun appeared to make a halo about her hair, the slightest of breezes catching her long, black hair, shaking it loose from the last of the braid. She closed her eyes as the sun rose higher, appearing completely serene once again.

He felt her hand tighten its grip on him, causing a thrill through his body. She opened her eyes and continued to watch the sun, the light catching in her right eye and making it seem to shine with golden flecks that took Rilien's breath away. He couldn't help but smile, before turning to watch the sunrise himself.

After a few moments, the sun had risen over the horizon and Valisilwen sighed, catching Rilien's attention again. She looked completely relaxed and happy, a small smile on her face as she blinked and looked down towards the camp.

"Happy?" he asked, drawing her attention to him. She turned to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "You got to leave your tent."

She rolled her eyes, but smiled. "It's about time." Her cheeks went a little pink as she glanced down at the hand that he held, although making no move to remove it from his grasp.

Rilien smirked a little. He was beginning to enjoy seeing the Ranger's cheeks become pink, knowing it was him that was causing it, but he released it. "Would you like to continue walking?" he offered, motioning towards the lake.

She smiled in return. "If we may."

oOOo

Valisilwen and Rilien walked along the banks of the lake, she savoured the freedom to move about again. Although, she found herself time and time again, glancing at Rilien, remembering what Tauriel had said to her. 'Rilien cares very deeply for you.'

She had thought about this many a free hour since Tauriel had mentioned it. She had found the elf to be good company and reliable during her forced bed rest and even during their travels, if not a bit protective of her during their journey. It was, however, a nice change.

Although an accomplished warrior with a reputation amongst the Dunedain, he did not treat her with any prejudice or consider her skills any lesser than his own from the very beginning unlike with the Dunedain. She had needed to earn their respect and prove her skill with them. He was different, he accepted her for what she was from the beginning. He was just, protective, there was no other way to explain it. Many a time, during battle, he had fought back to back with her and even relied on her occasionally. She was his equal, but yet, he still treated her with tenderness and care.

What was this? Why was it when she thought of his careful attention to her or even their first meeting in Mirkwood, she would feel her heart quicken ever so slightly. When he touched her skin, she would often feel a thrill shoot through her body, which as you can imagine, when he was putting healing salve on her skin it would become rather awkward.

She then thought about what Tauriel had asked. What would she do now? She never thought this day would come, to never again have to consider vengeance. Then again, there was still rumour of dark powers rising again, and she did have further a score to settle with he who would have given the orcs the power to walk the land as they had. She narrowed her eyes slightly in thinking about it. There was still evil to be laid waste to, and she would go where she was needed.

As they walked, she saw the elf glance at her from the corner of her eye. "You appear lost in thought, Valisilwen." Of course, that still had her wondering about Rilien. He was technically, banished from the realm of Greenwood due to disobeying the King's orders. Then again, Legolas should also have been banished, but he was kin, so of course Thranduil would not be so harsh on the Prince. Tauriel on the other hand, he had maintained she was banished, but this was fine to the red-haired elf now, she was happier away.

She looked to the elf and gave a small smile in return. "There's not much else to do these days." He furrowed his brows at her in confusion, to which she gave a small laugh and explained. "I never thought the day would come where vengeance wouldn't rule my heart. Now though, there is space there for something else. While i fear there is still darkness in the world, I can relax a little and pursue more joy in my life, i think."

Rilien's eyebrows raised and he smiled at her. "I am glad to hear that, Valisilwen. I'm sure your family would be proud of you." She smiled bashfully at his comment, noting he seemed to walk a little closer to her now. "I sense what you too sense, about the darkness in the world. It is a concern."

While sheltered in the Greenwood, no doubt, Rilien had not noticed the darkness growing outside the forest, his concern lying with his home. However, now that he was past the boundaries of the realm he called home, it would seem he was quite sensitive to the state of Middle Earth, which Valisilwen found quite intriguing. "What will you do now, Rilien?" she asked, looking back ahead and asking the question she had wondered for quite some time.

Rilien sighed a little, she heard the slight pang of sadness and her heart ached a little for him and she found herself tempted to put an arm about his shoulders to comfort him. "I do not know, I'm unsure whether i would be welcome back in the Greenwood, and I do not know where my lord, Legolas, has gone."

"You have no desires of which you wish to fulfil of your own?" she asked curiously. Tauriel had discussed with her at length how she wished to see a little more of the world outside Mirkwood and be with Kili, which did not surprise Valisilwen in the slightest. Tauriel reminded her a little of herself, she felt most at home while free to do as she pleased.

Rilien thought for a moment before grinning. "I guess there is much to the world I do not yet know, it might be nice to see it."

"You will not miss your home?"

"Naturally, but it will pass, and perhaps one day I should be allowed back to visit it," he said sounding hopeful. Valisilwen glanced sideways, she had to admire his courage and positive outlook, it was something she had struggled to have for quite some time. It was probably what made her a bit broody and sarcastic.

"I don't know how anyone could miss Thranduil," she muttered looking back ahead. There it was. She smirked to herself, glad to see that she hadn't changed. If she were honest with herself though, she was very aware that something had changed with her, and she had an inkling it had something to do with the elf who walked beside her.

Rilien laughed at her jab at the King, taking it in his stride it would seem. "He can be trying, but he has lived through much, i guess it would make anyone difficult." She rolled her eyes, she knew what he had lived through, but couldn't say she felt much remorse at her jab. "Where would you go first?"

She was thoughtful. "Perhaps i would return the Hobbit back to his home, and continue back to my brothers, the Dunedain." She glanced sideways again, noting that Rilien's eyes looked a little saddened at her words, she thought quickly but spoke slowly and hesitantly. "You know, the Dunedain are surprisingly welcoming, in their own way, we can use all the help we can get."

Rilien stopped walking and turned to look at her, she too stopped and looked back at the elf, although she could feel her cheeks burn as she met his gaze. He looked at her for a long moment before smiling happily at her. "I would be honoured to join you in your travels back to your brothers, princess," he said, putting his right hand over his heart in a fist, bowing his head slightly. He flicked his eyes up to look at her and she saw a defiant glint of mischief in his gaze, having used her official title knowing full well she did not like it.

"On one condition," she added, pursing her lips. Rilien laughed and stood straight again before looking at her expectantly. "You call me Valis, my brothers know nothing of my background, although, I'm sure word would have travelled fast."

Rilien nodded in understanding. "Of course, but as I said to you before, I will still treat you as you should be."

She rolled her eyes and turned to begin walking again. "I'm going back," she said huffily.

Rilien laughed at her, before quickly reaching out to stop her, grabbing her by the elbow gently. "Wait, wait..." he said with a laugh.

She stopped and looked at him expectantly, looking down at his hand on her elbow in surprise. As usual, she felt a thrill through her body, but did her best to ignore it. "What?"

He smirked again, before offering his arm to her, trying to contain his laughter. She narrowed her eyes, before considering him. She smirked herself then, before taking his offered arm and allowing him to lead her away. He placed his hand over her own that was draped through his elbow, brushing his fingers lightly along the back of her hand as they walked. He began to ask her questions about what to expect on their journey to The Shire and onto the North.

xo

Krayzee