A/N Thank you Angel Bells and Narnia /Harry Potter 4 EVER! I'm writing more as we speak. Or rather as I answer you! I did not see your review till I had already posted the second chapter otherwise I would have posted my thanks and appreciation there! Cheers then to chapter three that started in the abrupt breaking of a wineglass! Two Computer keys flew off mid chapter as well. I am also sorry about the grammatical mess that was Chapter 2. I hardly ever reread these things. But I will from now on. Thus saving the masses from my rough rough drafts.

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord the Rings. It's all Tolkien

Chapter 3

Swing with Purpose

" Watch your aim Laddie you almost skewered our only Lass." Shouted a dwarf who then proceeded to shove Legolas out of the way.

" Hardly. She could have handled it. I was only testing her Gimli" Said Legolas smiling at me.

" Testing" huffed Gimli " By a hair's breadth! More like attempting a murder in broad daylight. It would be Elves shooting Elves around these parts. Not taking anything seriously."

As they reached us Aragorn took his chance and snagged his sword back from me.

" Ha!" He yelled holding both swords up in victory.

"That is not fair I wasn't paying attention." I shouted.

" Do you think Orcs will be fair to you Lassie? Do you think they wont kill you when you least expect it?" Shouted Gimli.

He poked me in the stomach with his ax lightly. On reflex I had my dagger at his throat in seconds.

" No, I expect they wont Master Dwarf." I said sternly.

I needed to prove to these men that I could hold my own amongst them and if being harsh was the only way to do it so be it.

" Perhaps it would benefit the young woman to be tested by each of us. So that we may correct her misgivings before they must be put to the test." asked a voice.

I looked up to see Boromir shield in hand along with his sword. He was smirking at me. If he wanted a fight he would get one then.

" Whose first then?" I shouted putting my hands up beckoning him forward.

I dodged a swipe to my legs by a heavy-handed dwarf.

" It'll be me Lassie." Yelled Gimli excitedly.

He lunged at my knees and I jumped over him quickly.

" She doesn't even have a weapon! Gimli stop this madness!" Shouted Aragorn.

" Nonsense Aragorn! Weapon or not there will be foes that this Lady must be able to fight." And so he swung again this time at my stomach as I cart wheeled out of the way. I crouched down.

" Come and get me Dwarf." I said menacingly.

I meant only to entice him it seemed to do more then that. He lunged at me full force and whacked me hard with butt of his ax. It sent me flying into a boulder. I tasted blood from where my lips had hit stone.

" No more games." I whispered in jest.

I ran at him full speed and jumped while flipping forward and kicking his back forward into the rock. I pinned him against it by holding his beard.

" Had enough Dwarf?" I asked sweetly.

I felt a sword come to my throat, an Elvish blade. It was Legolas.

" It is only to test you Lady Grace." Whispered Legolas.

I leaped forward letting go of Gimli and scampering up the tree.

" She goes to trees like a proper Elf. Hiding amidst their leaves! Come down and fight like a Man." yelled Boromir.

I felt my blood boil under his stare. He was certainly reaching into my jar of patience. I jumped down from the tree and Legolas backed up with his blades. He nodded at me to come forward.

I kneeled down and threw the yards grit up into the air distracting even the skilled elf. I had him in seconds pinned under his own knives.

I smiled above him. I had him now. He flung me over his body and I landed behind him. As I turned around he was already prepared for my next move.

We circled each other for a good minute before I felt a sword behind me jabbing lightly into my back. Legolas didn't look ready to give over his turn so easily though.

" Its my turn." Said Boromir. Standing back from me pulling his sword away.

Legolas was fast and he was at Boromir's sword in a flash. Their blades kissing, steel against steel.

" I don't think she's quite finished with me yet Boromir. You'll have to wait your turn." Said Legolas stiffly.

Boromir backed up gruffly and rested his sword back in his hilt. Legolas turned back to me.

" Where were we then Lady Grace?" he smiled at me.

He lunged forward his blades slicing through air as I dodged them left and right. I flipped over him and reached for the dagger at my belt. He pinned me down with his right blade. I rolled underneath it and off to the side.

He was fast.

I jumped at him and swung my leg forward while reaching for the open space hanging from his tunic. The fabric ripped as I fell on my butt.

I heard Aragorn sneak a laugh.

I leaned back flipping forward and skidded my outstretched legs at Legolas's feet. He was faster still jumping up to miss me and before long his blades were at my throat again.

" Enough Legolas!" shouted Boromir.

Boromir came at me and I kicked Legolas's knives out of the way. By now a small crowd had gathered to watch. Among them I saw the hobbits eagerly cheering me on.

" Get him Grace!" shouted Merry.

" Poke him in the eye!" yelled Pippin.

It took only a moment of distraction and Boromir shoved me hard in the gut with his shield. I slid back a good 3 feet. I took a running leap and flipped over him landing a handstand on his shoulders and shoving him onto his knees. He was not as fast as Legolas. I went to kick his shoulder to the ground when he grabbed my leg and threw me forward unexpectedly.

He was smirking at me again and as he twisted his body to a standing position I threw my dagger, pining his cloak to the ground. I took my chance and ran to grab his shield. I kicked it out of his hands. He ripped his cloak free and swung his sword at me in anger. I saw out of the corner of my eye Legolas was leaning on one of his blades and so I charged for it. I knew I needed a weapon to show Boromir my really skill. I snatched it from Legolas's hands. He was not surprised and I was fairly sure he had purposefully put in such an open place.

As Boromir came up to me with his sword, my own blade hissed through the air smacking hard into his.

Our faces came close together and I could feel that he still had a lot of energy for me. He shoved me hard backward but I kept my footing.

" What am I going to have to do to prove my worth to you?" I shouted.

He didn't answer he only stood there with his sword waiting for my next move. This was beginning to get ridiculous.

I went at him again and we parried each other at every move. Above the shoulders at the thigh, at the back it was a nonstop back and forth. Finally out of exhaustion I slammed my sword as hard as I could down on his blade. I felt the energy of bear shifting understand my skin but kept it in check. I wouldn't shift in broad daylight with all of Rivendell watching. Boromir's sword fell to the ground with a large clang.

It was quiet in the courtyard everyone had seen the power I had held behind my blade.

Boromir picked up his sword and stuck it back in his hilt.

" Not bad for a woman." Said Boromir forcing a smile as he put his hand out toward me. I took it and shook it, grasping it a little harder then I needed to.

" Your not bad yourself." I said.

" Boromir, I think Grace has more then proved herself to you and to us all. She will fight bravely along side of us defending Frodo." Said Aragorn .

He put his hand on my shoulder staring at Boromir fiercely.

" Indeed. It is best we all rest up before the start of our journey tomorrow." Answered Boromir and with that he walked back up through the stables.

I handed Legolas back his blade.

" Thanks." I said.

"It was not a problem." Replied Legolas putting his sword back onto his back with its twin.

" You fought bravely Lassie I must say. You've even stunned a dwarf!" Said Gimli smacking me on the back.

" So much for resting. Gandalf will not be pleased" said Aragorn smiling.

"I should think not." Answered a voice.

Our troop looked up to see Gandalf frowning down at us.

" It was only a bit of fun Gandalf. You said it yourself did you not that I would know myself better if I trained?" I said smiling wrapping my arms around Legolas and Aragorn.

" My dear Grace you will be quite the fire at our heels on our journey I should think."

I felt good from the fight, more rested and at ease. The ring's power was at bay for now.

" Gandalf actually do you think we could have a word?" I asked getting serious and letting my arms drop from Aragorn and Legolas.

" Certainly Grace, Come let us walk to the Library."

With that Gandalf and I left the rest of the Fellowship behind and walked peaceful.

" Quite the show you put on. Do you think it was wise?" He asked.

I was quiet thinking it through.

" Yes and no. I would need to prove myself to them sooner or later this way they may have more trust in me. But I admit Boromir tested my patience and I nearly ousted my secret all together."

" Mmm yes I saw. Your strength was quite impressive. No doubt Boromir was impressed."

" I doubt I will get through to him completely until his life depends on it."

"Stubbornness has knotted and tied the stewards house. His line is riddled with it." Said Gandalf huffing. " But what was it that you wanted to speak with me about? I do not think it was Boromir on your mind?"

We sat down at a curved bench built into the rock face. I felt the need to come clean, Gandalf would know soon enough there was not point in hiding it.

"Legolas saw me shift skins yesterday afternoon but I worried that you would find me-"

" No No Child, it is quite alright. It will be hard to keep such a secret whilst we are on the road. Soon no doubt the entire fellowship will know. My only wish was that no other elf or man would see. But I fear there was something else on your mind?"

I thought about my parents deaths, were they real. They must be. Luthien said the ring would drudge up my earthly past. That it would remind me of my suffering.

" Luthien came to me in the garden. She spoke of the ring awakening my past as a means to weaken me. But I wonder Gandalf are the ring's visions truly my memory or simply thoughts that have been twisted by the Sauron himself?"

Gandalf took out his pipe and lit it with his finger. The smoke smelled of dirt and warm leaves. I let it drift into my face and I breathed in deep. He passed the pipe to me and I inhaled deeply. We sat in silence for a good few minutes passing the pipe back and forth.

" I should think that the ring could not conjure such visions. I have only seen its unrest of anger and malice to create madness. However-" Gandalf looked to my eyes "the ring can act unpredictably. I think it is wise if you were to refrain from thinking on these visions at all."

He puffed more of his pipe. " Yes. I think it wise that you told me. It does not do well to dwell on nightmares for evil takes hold much faster then good. Especially in times such as these."

I rubbed my hands together hoping to ease my nerves. But to no avail, my body still felt pinned, like a butterfly under a microscope on a lab table. The ring would always be watching prodding and waiting for a weakness.

Gandalf could sense my unease.

" Do not be afraid Grace there is nothing to fear. For the world is full of hardship and of loss but we must meet it with courage."

I couldn't help it but I hugged Gandalf. My arms enveloping him and his smoky smell filled my nose. It reminded me of my mother's garden. He smelled of fresh tilled earth and violets. Rivendell was a beautiful place but I felt slightly homesick. Not for my house or for New Jersey but for the comfort of it. The beauty of waking up to the sounds of my parents making breakfast and my mother brewing earl grey tea. I wanted desperately to fall asleep to the sounds of the tv, the hum of people speaking and me not having to listen or worry only to be lulled to sleep by the sound.

Gandalf patted my back gently and I released him from my grip.

" Thank you Gandalf." I said feeling my eyes getting slightly wet at the thought. He had been so kind to me.

" Of course Grace. It should be me giving thanks to you. For you have renewed hope amongst us. It will be a pleasure to travel to Mordor with you." Said Gandalf while he stood up. " Now I will bid my fare well. I will see you bright and early in the morning at the start of our quest. It is best you get to bed early tonight."

" I will Gandalf not to worry."

Gandalf walked off to the Library no doubt to study some maps before our journey. I left to venture back into the Luthien's garden. I wanted to see it before we left. As I walked I had never realized how light my feet felt. My body was so much lighter then I remembered. As I reached the tunnel I saw that someone else was also enjoying the garden.

" Legolas?" I asked.

He turned around his hair flowing free down his shoulders and his eyes shining brightly.

" Lady Grace" said Legolas while bowing to me.

I couldn't help but laugh.

" I should be bowing to you not the other way around Prince Legolas."

I did the best curtsey I could muster but I felt slightly unsteady on my feet. He laughed at my sloppy form.

"Perhaps we should leave the bowing to Kings and Queens then."

" That would be wise ."

Legolas took a seat on a rock near the stream and I sat on the moss. I let the moistness seep through my fingers. I untied my boots and let my feet enjoy the soft greener under my toes.

" Are you nervous for the journey ahead?" I asked

Legolas looked at me smiling gently.

" I would be fool not to be. Death is not the nature of Elves and so many are stricken silent by it. Yet I feel strangely calm despite my worries. The world is ahead Grace and we must meet it."

I looked at the river, it's easy flow so free and effortless. How easy it must be to flow without care. Even the rocks and holes did not disturb the rivers movement it simply smoothed them.

" It rather nice being an elf." I whispered to myself.

I felt so aware of nature, how the trees would move as if in slow motion swaying and dancing. The rose blooms like white candle flames bursting from green vines.

" I always thought so." Said Legolas smiling to me. I smiled back.

" Well of course you would. You don't know anything different."

" Do you remember your life before the Elven light was cast upon you?"

" Not much but I do remember the weight. The feeling of being bound to the dirt that at any moment I could sink in to it and disappear from sight. Now I feel free of those chains as if I am the water that flows through all things. Almost as if I'm made of the ocean, washing up against the world but never bound to it."

" Elves are born from the shores of Middle Earth. We awakened by the cry of the gulls and are forever bound to it sound. The ocean is known to call us home. You may one day hear its call. Though I have not been to the sea in all my lifetimes."

"Why not? The ocean is truly beautiful. I used to live near it. Everyday I'd hear the sound of the waves washing over the black rocks. Stone beaches lining the coast like guards against the eager waves." I looked to Legolas. Watching his eyes cast over me in the same way they had at the council meeting.

"My travels have not brought me there. The river for now will do. I love the forest. Its roots like ladders that grow in both directions toward the sky and the earth. I would climb them all my immoral life unless some grief befall me in battle."

Legolas looked down at the moss before getting up and sitting closer to me.

" I love the moss." I said staring out across the stream, watching the petals of roses shiver at the breeze. " It grounds me." I said breathing out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding.

We sat there in a comfortable silence. The grumble of the river like a soft song hummed to the bed of moss. I laid back staring into the night sky. I gasped at all the stars.

" I can see them." I said shocked.

" See what?" Asked Legolas falling back into the moss beside me.

" The stars…their so clear… like crystals lit by fires." I said in awe.

Not even while wearing my glasses could I see the stars so clear. No amount of glasses would have shown me the beauty of the naked sky with my own eyes. The velvet blue blanket filled glittering holes. The way they shined was indescribable.

" Do they not have stars where you are from?" asked Legolas turning to lean on his elbow.

" They do only… My eyes weren't very good I needed help to see them and even then they were nothing like this. I feel as if the sky alone could swallow me whole."

" Then I am happy that you may look upon them with freedom Grace." Said Legolas.

" Thank you Legolas." I looked over to him. " Really Thank you."

He smiled at me and as we continued to watch the stars. A time went by close to an hour before either of us said a word. We watched the clouds move across the sky like mountains growing before our eyes.

" Its probably fairly late." I said picking myself up off the moss. " I promised myself I would get a good nights rest in before the start of our journey."

Legolas stood up just as fast.

" You are right. May I escort you to your room Lady Grace?" Legolas bowed and offered his hand.

" I thought we said no bowing?"

Legolas straightened up immediately.

" Sorry it is out of habit I'm afraid."

" I'll let it go this time." I said laughing lightly. I took his hand.

His fingers felt smooth against mine and I wanted desperately to hold on to them. To let them wander against my skin. We walked back to my room in a pleasant silence.

" Goodnight Grace. Sleep well." Said Legolas kissing my hand. " I look forward to traveling with you."

" As I with you Legolas. Sleep well."

He smiled at me and walked off. I shut the door quietly. I felt very content and relaxed and I could feel heat rising from my cheeks. As I slipped into my bed I felt relief wash over me. Sleep came fast and easy and before I could notice dawn was breaking.

" Grace."

"Grace"

" Mmm" I answered.

" Its daybreak. I have brought you some breakfast the fellowship is gathering at the front gate in an half hour you best be ready." Said a voice.

" Mmmhm." I answered pulling the warm sheets closer to my body.

Someone began to shake me.

" Grace!" shouted a voice.

I jumped up to see Arwen. I hadn't realized she could raise her voice in such a way. She was smiling at me.

" You need to be awake for this."

I nodded, yawning. The smell of hot tea and warm biscuits filled my nose. I ate quickly and dressed. I packed my things in my small sack when I found that a small necklace attached to the strap. A tigers eye stone hung from a silver chain. I recalled reading somewhere tigers eye would help to center your mind and body. I slipped it over my head and let it rest against my chest thought another thought. I would need all the help I could get on this adventure.

I took one last look at my room and walked down to the front gates of Rivendell. All the members of the fellowship were assembled ready to begin. I held in my slight panic. The realization that I would be marching with the one ring suddenly became a very real thing. But as I looked up from my feet I saw Legolas. He was helping Merry strap on some food to a pony. I saw Gandalf tiding something this in his cloak and Aragorn too seemed busy checking every inch of his assembly of weapons. I would be with friends and they would give me strength if not for myself then for them I would have courage.

" Good day to have an adventure don't you think?" I asked Aragorn playfully trying to ease my own nerves. Aragorn smiled.

" Yes. It is a good day." He handed me a sword. " You'll be needing this."

It was an Elvish blade, light to the touch with words inscribed on the handle.

"Astar imya bronwethiel, Verie imya le hannon" said Aragorn. " It reads loyalty through honesty, courage though truth. It will serve you well I think."

" Yes." I said grasping it firmly in my hand." Its perfect! Thank you!" hugged Aragorn gratefully.

" Your thanks I think are meant for Lord Elrond. He forged it himself."

I looked up to the stairs to see Lord Elrond smiling at me. I rushed to him and embraced him.

" Thank you My Lord I could not ask for a greater time then the things and people I met in Rivendell. I do hope I will look upon Imladris once more someday."

Lord Elrond held my shoulders.

" I should hope so as well Lady Grace."

I made me way back down to the Fellowship smiling ear to ear.

" The time has come for the Fellowship of the Ring to depart. May the blessings of Elves, Men and free folk go with you." Said Lord Elrond.

As we walked out of the safe walls of Rivendell I felt a part of me left beside the river. I wondered what would be in store for the rest our journey. I kept pace with Aragorn and looked back to see Arwen, tears trailing down her face. This would be a difficult journey but if we would survive I had no doubt that Aragorn would find Arwen in the end. But what would I find at the end?

I looked to Legolas , Gandalf, the hobbits and Boromir. What would we all find at the end?

" It feels good to be out in the wild again." Said Aragorn.

" Yes. The wild is a good place to be."