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Living in one place for an extended period of time took some getting used to but Kiliana quickly adjusted. Arwen became just like an older sister despite the fact that she was a lot older than even Tauriel. Aragorn became her older brother and the two of them showed Kiliana around, showing her the secret passages in the city and simply spending time with her as she explored Rivendell. Elrond acted as a father figure, always willing to put aside his paperwork and make time to tell Kiliana a story or teach her how to play chess. He would be the first to admit that he missed having a child's presence around. Kiliana was a breath of fresh air in a world that was gradually being shrouded in darkness. Kiliana made quick friends everywhere she went, from the residents of Rivendell to visiting elves.

And then there was Legolas. Legolas was an older brother, a father figure, a best friend, and more all rolled into one. Legolas wasn't sure how it happened, but somewhere along the way in the past year, Kiliana had found a way into his heart. Maybe it was because she was so much like Tauriel, or that she was always smiling and had an infectious laugh, or the fact that she could be as graceful as an elf at times and then trip over her own two feet in excitement at others. Something in him stirred when he saw that little girl. It was rare to see Tauriel away from her daughter; it was even more rare when Legolas wasn't close by.

It became a common sight, like this day, to see the two of them practicing in the archery courtyard. Kiliana had grown another half an inch and although she was still small, she had begun to display more proficiency with the bow and arrow. Tauriel wasn't sure if that was from being half elf or because Kili had been naturally talented. Today was one of those days that Tauriel entrusted Kiliana to Legolas and was spending most of the day in the library. Tauriel trusted Legolas with her life but it had taken longer than she cared to admit to trust Kiliana with anybody but herself. After taking care of Kiliana by herself for nine years, it was hard for Tauriel to leave her alone with anybody else.

The thud of an arrow hitting its target echoed through the courtyard. "Good, very good!" Legolas praised.

Kiliana beamed. Using a bow and arrow felt as natural as breathing. She loved using a sword as well but she much preferred the feel of a wooden bow in her hand and the feathers of an arrow slipping through her fingers.

Legolas smiled proudly as Kiliana pulled another arrow out of her quiver. She still wasn't big enough to use a full size bow or strong enough to shoot more than a few dozen feet, but she still displayed significant talent. Kiliana was about to shoot again when Legolas noticed Aragorn standing by one of the pillars watching them. Aragorn raised an eyebrow at him. "Take a break," Legolas told Kiliana. "I'll be right back. Do not shoot."

Kiliana watched curiously as Legolas went to talk to Aragorn. She wished that she could get closer but she knew that there was no way she would be able to sneak up on both Legolas and Aragorn. When Legolas returned his expression was odd. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing. Let's get back to your training."

"You're leaving?" Kiliana exclaimed. Aragorn had requested a small dinner with just Elrond, Arwen, Legolas, Tauriel, and Kiliana to tell them the news, although Elrond and Legolas already knew. Arwen looked just as upset but didn't express it verbally.

"Lia!" Tauriel scolded her.

"It's okay Tauriel," Aragorn said. "Lia, I have a duty to my people. I have to take my place as Chieftain of the Dunedain. You'll understand yourself one day."

"But what about us?" Kiliana argued. "How can you just leave us?"

Aragorn sighed. "I don't want to leave but I must."

"But-."

"That is enough Kiliana," Tauriel said sternly.

Kiliana opened her mouth to argue some more but a sharp look from her mother stopped her. She speared her vegetables angrily but stayed quiet as they finished eating.

That evening after her mother had gone to sleep, Kiliana slipped out of their bedroom. The halls were dark and quiet with a couple of lanterns lit every few feet. Kiliana made her way to Aragorn's room but stopped just short of it when she heard voices.

"When do you think you will be back?" Kiliana held her breath as she listened to Arwen and Aragorn talk.

"I'm not sure, but I will be back," Aragorn said softly. "Your father was right though. I cannot continue to ignore my responsibilities."

"And Gondor?"

There was a pause before Aragorn said, "I have no duty to Gondor, only the Dunedain."

"You cannot accept only half of who you are," Arwen argued.

"You should not be listening in on other peoples' conversations," a voice said behind Kiliana.

Kiliana jumped in surprise and turned guiltily. Legolas stood behind her with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms. "I-uh…just wanted to talk to Aragorn," she stuttered.

Legolas led her away and back towards her room so that they wouldn't disturb Aragorn and Arwen. "You won't be able to change his mind," he said. "He is doing what he needs to do."

Somewhere deep inside her, Kiliana knew that it was the truth, but she just didn't want to admit that her "big brother" was leaving her behind. "It's just not fair," she whined pitifully.

Legolas frowned. "Life isn't always fair. You'll learn, sometimes you need to do what is right for the sake of others, and not just yourself." They made it to Kiliana's bedroom. "Now, go to bed. Aragorn leaves in the morning and I am sure you will want to say goodbye."

Kiliana put her hand on the door handle but before turning it she looked back at Legolas. "Will you ever leave me behind?" she asked in a quiet voice.

Legolas smiled softly and ruffled her hair. "Not if I can help it," he promised.

Kiliana smiled slightly. "Good night Legolas."

"Good night Lia."

The next morning Kiliana stood glumly as Aragorn said his goodbyes. She tried to ignore him as he finished up as extra long goodbye with Arwen but her eyes started tearing up as Aragorn moved to stand in front of her. Aragorn kneeled down so that they were eye-level but Kiliana defiantly turned her head. Aragorn chuckled softly and turned her head so that she was looking at him again. "Lia, we will see each other again, I promise. And I will find a way to keep in touch."

Kiliana's brown eyes glistened as she looked at him. Her lips trembled slightly but she managed to say, "You promise?"

Aragorn nodded with a warm smile. "I promise. Someone will have to teach you how to sneak better since Legolas is obviously failing in your training." Kiliana blushed at getting caught. "You are not losing me Lia," he added firmly.

A tear escaped Kiliana's eye. "But why do you have to go?" she tried again.

Aragorn wiped the tear away with a gloved finger. "I have a responsibility to the Rangers. I can't ignore that anymore."

Kiliana sniffed and nodded. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too little one," Aragorn said as he hugged her close. He stood up and nodded to all of them before hoisting his sack onto his back and taking the trail out of Rivendell.