Hello Everyone, as promised here is the next update! I actually pulled off two chapters in two days! WOOT! I can't promise another one right away because school this half of the semester is ridiculous but I will try to keep them frequent, plus, I have to update Forever Yours before I do this one to be fair to its readers. (Sigh, the disadvantage of doing two fics at the same time). Enjoy!

-B

Chapter 9: Change of Tides

"Why is everyone convinced he likeeeeees?" I ran into some one and fell on my butt. Great now I've embarrassed myself. To make matters worse, I looked up to see familiar blue eyes. I let out a deep sigh.

"Lina, what is the hurry?" He asked laughing as he offered me a hand to get up.

"I'm frustrated with everyone around here!" I said brushing the dust off my dress.

"About?" He asked raising an eyebrow

"Honestly?"

"Of course, I wish to help you." He said with that smile of his.

"It is late, but how about we go riding tomorrow?" I asked trying to be smooth about my request.

"I would love to, however, did I hear Lord Elrond correctly that you had your first ride just days ago."

"You heard correctly and honestly I have never ridden on my own. But, I have need to learn rather quickly. So I figured a new approach besides the twins' idea of throwing me to the wolves."

"I see…" He paused to think.

"Meet me in the stables at dawn." He said picking up my hand to kiss it gently.

"Until then my lady, sleep well this night." Then he was gone.

"Sleep well Legolas." I said closing my door.

The sun rose early that next day and I quickly ran a brush through my hair and pulled on riding clothes similar to the first time I tried to ride. I didn't know how today was going to go. I hadn't exactly conquered my fear of horses yet. But, I was willing to try for Legolas. He was going to give up at least part of his day to go riding with me.

When I got to the stables, it was quiet and I let my ears roam for any sounds. I heard very light steps among the neighs and sighs of the horses.

"Legolas?" I asked quietly.

"Over here Lina." He said leading two horses out.

"This is Raina, she is my sister's mare and your ride for the day. She is very gentle, unlike her normal rider. She will be great for your first ride on your own." She was a brown and white mare with a white mane. She was much smaller than the white and grey stallion he had beside him.

"And this is Arthion, my friend since he was a foal. We have been through a lot together over the years." I smiled at the compassion as he looked at his horse. I wish I wasn't afraid of the animals. They seemed amazing when bonded with a rider.

"Come on let's get started. I figured you would want to be gone before the children of Elrond awake for the day."

"Yes please!" He came closer before dropping Arthion's reins to pet Raina as they stopped before me. I actually took a step back out of reflex.

"You fear them." It wasn't a question.

"Yes, but I am trying very hard not to."

"It will come with time. Even I was scared as an elfling."

"I wasn't raised around them so…"

"I understand Lina."

"Give her this, the best way to any animals heart is their stomach." He held out a red apple. I took it and held it up to Raina. She took it from my hand and nodded her head gently in gratitude as she enjoyed the treat. Feeling brave, I reached out my hand to touch her nose. It felt weird but as she finished her apple, she pushed her head against my hand. I smiled and brought my other hand up to scratcher her behind her ear. She whinnied softly and then I felt Legolas' hand on mine.

"Ready to give it a try?" I looked at his encouraging blue eyes and then at Raina's warm brown ones.

"I think so…"

"Okay so the basics are to go, push your heals into their side, the harder you push the fasters she will go, to slow down, pull straight back on the reins, to go left or right, pull the reins the desired directions. Should she rear up, hold still as possible and do not let go of the reins. She will guide you away if there is danger. But always remember, you are in control." I nodded and actually felt ready to try it. I don't know if it was because he took the time to actually explain things or if he was just better with the horses than Elladan and Elrohir.

"Swing right over." He said offering his hands as a step. I noticed Raina had a saddle and Arthion doesn't.

"The sattle will help you learn your bearings. Then we can try without it if you feeling daring."

I took a deep breath and with a quick look at the horse, I was up on her back and still. Raina stood unmoving under me.

"You okay?" Legolas asked.

"Yes…surprisingly"

"Good now, have her move forward slowly." I slightly pushed my heals into her side and she took a couple cautious steps. Then Legolas mounted his horse and came up beside me.

"How do you feel?"

"Okay, still really nervous but not as bad as when I rode with Elrohir."

"Ro, can be a wild rider, the twin sons of Elrond probably not the best to taking riding lessons from."

"Thanks for the warning. It's about two weeks too late."

"You are in control now, be gentle and respect the horse and they should do the same."

"I see."

"Come, let's take a trail nice and slow."

It seemed like riding wasn't that bad when there was a saddle and I knew what I was doing. I trust the twins, especially Ro. Heck, he got me on a horse for the first time; but lessons were not their strong point with me that's for sure.

At first he never left my side, making sure I was comfortable and balanced. He answered questions I had honestly and showed me some tricks. We rode for what seemed like hours through the paths of Rivendell. We would just walk the horses or try to make it to a trot before I pulled Raina to a stop and Legolas flew by. He usually noticed moments later and came back to make sure I was okay. I was a nervous wreck most of the time but as the time passed, I relaxed little by little. Around noon we stopped. The twins showed me this clearing often. A creek ran beside the long grass and tree line. It was probably one of my favorite places in the valley, although it was on the furthest tip of the realm.

"Let's take a break. I am very tired from riding so long and I don't think my nerves can take much more." I said as we entered the clearing.

We dismounted our horses and let them roam for a while to graze. They would not go far.

I sat down under a tree and Legolas came to sit beside me. He produced a leather pouch and pulled out some lembas. I had never had the bread before but heard many stories of it. It was very hard actually, similar to the texture of crotons back on Earth, but lacked the garlic and cheese flavors, it was more herbal in taste. It definitely only took one bite to feel full. Another mystery of the elves I will never solve.

I leaned back against my tree and looked at the scene around me. In a week's time, I will leave this sanctuary and be on my way to the Golden Woods. Though I am excited to go to this legendary place, I am not quite ready to leave the place I have called home for nine months. I am just starting to trust those around me. When I get there, I will have to start all over.

"I will miss it here."

"You are leaving?" He asked stopping chewing his piece suddenly.

"The Lady Galadriel has summoned me to Lothlorien. I leave with Lord Haldir and Lady Alywen in one week's time. Arwen is also accompanying us."

"Is this why you were so frustrated last night?"

"Partially; I learned a lot last night from Lord Elrond. Things he had kept from me. Inadvertently, of course but kept it from me nonetheless."

"What did he tell you? If you do not mind sharing…"

"As I told you before, if I tell you everything right away, how is that developing trust and friendship? But I will tell you this, some of my past was lost to me. Elrond gave me this ring last night and my memories returned."

"This is good news, why are you frustrated by it?"

"He has had the ring since…I came to stay with him. I had no memory of its existence until I touched it." His hand reached down to mine bringing the ring into his vision.

"It is beautiful. You're not betrothed are you? My mother has a ring looks similar to it but with an emerald." He said eyes widening.

"No I am not betrothed." I said laughing.

"Good, so I have time to sweep you off your feet." He said very literally as he pulled me up into his arms and twirled me around. I squeaked and held onto his shoulders tightly and hid my face in his neck. He smelled amazing, pine mixed with something I couldn't place.

Then his words rang in my ears again. Am I that blind? Is everyone right? Does Legolas like me? I took a deep breath and contemplated the conversation I wanted to start but felt unnerved. What if everyone was wrong? What if he was teasing just now? After tomorrow I may never see him, so why not?

"Legolas, can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Have you taken to any elleths lately?" He didn't respond immediately and looked indecisive.

"One but I don't think she's noticed me." My heart dropped. So maybe everyone was wrong, even me. He has an elleth picked out already. He is a prince so she couldn't deny him at least a courtship.

"How could she not notice you?! You're the prince!"

"I am not her prince."

"A Lorien elf?"

"Nay, she's from Rivendell."

"Did you see her during the festival! I'm sure if you talked to her…"

"I've talked to her many times." He said coming to sit beside me looking neutral.

"Did you tell her?"

"No, I fear her reaction for we haven't known each other long. I feel as though I know almost nothing about her but at the same time, I'm so drawn to her. I am a moth to her flame and she has no clue."

"Tell her before you leave. Times are changing, things that were once lost have been found. Things that were once hidden in shadow have come to the light once more. Darkness is on the move again."

"You sound like Gandalf." He said laughing. We sat in silence for some time just watching the wild life around us. As the hour drew on, I noticed the birds stopped chirping and the wind blew cold.

"About that advice, Lina, it's…" I heard a branch snap behind us and turned my head to face the sound. All I had with me was a small dagger tucked in my boot; I had no skills of use with a sword yet and haven't even touched a bow. Legolas slowly and silently, pushed me against the tree and hiding me behind his body. He then leaned over and drew a single blade from the saddlebag next to the tree before surveying the area around us.

I jumped as another branch broke to our left followed by a third. I was almost shaking by this time. Legolas turned towards the sound and soon a creature that made Peter Jackson's orcs look like flower girls, appeared from brush. The creature was at least six feet tall, with skin as black as night with greenish yellow eyes. It's teeth were black and it held a blade twice the size of Legolas' sword.

"Lina, when I engage him, run for the horses and get back to the city." He whispered.

"I'm not leaving you with that creature."

"As Prince of Mirkwood I command you to go! Now!" He said swinging at the beast. It parried his blow easily and swung at the elf prince. I stood shocked as I watched their battle of cat and mouse. I was more than relieved when Legolas pushed his blade through the creature's stomach and it fell backwards dead. I was still cemented in place as he turned to me. He came up to me and put a hand to my cheek.

"I promise Lina to never let anything hurt you as long as it's in my power. But you must listen to me. If I had failed, both of us would be dead." He said very serious.

"I'm sorry, I just couldn't leave you to die. I know what you are capable of but I just can't…" I said looking at the ground.

"Come, Orcs never travel alone. We should get back to the city and alert the guards." He took my hand and we started walking back to the horses to ride to the city. But I still felt as if something was watching us…

We had been riding for about fifteen minutes, when without any warning I felt something slam into my right shoulder and looked over at it to see a black arrow piercing my skin, blood soaking my tunics. Legolas drew his bow and fired back in the direction that it came from. He spoke something to me but I couldn't hear them. I felt the reins slip from my hand as I slid off the saddle, onto the ground. Then everything went black.

***Hides behind laptop***

Sorry for the cliffee. You have to have a couple to keep the readers in suspense for a good story! Besides, what's a LotR fic without an Orc attack? Hope you guys enjoyed the Legomance set up there… The real fun starts in a couple chapters…

Anyways, Reviews are always appreciated and makes me more motivated to update quicker!

Until Next Time!

-B