Sorry for my absence. I thought I would have more time to write this summer, but as always, I kind of overloaded myself. I'm finishing up three jobs, four classes, and two major papers this summer. But I finally took some time out to try and write a few chapters, just in case I fall behind again. Thanks for your patience and I promise to try harder to update my stories faster. J

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Gandalf walked into the pub and looked around. He found the man who was looking for easily. He had a certain regal bearing about him, even if he continued to deny it. He was young but Gandalf could tell that beneath that youthful gaze was years of experience. As Gandalf walked up to him the man looked up and immediately narrowed his gray eyes. May I sit here?" Gandalf asked before sitting down in the seat across from him before allowing the man to answer.

"Do I know you?" the man asked tensely.

"No," Gandalf admitted. He turned in his chair to stop a waiter and order a drink. "But I know you," Gandalf continued as he turned back around. "Strider, Ranger from the North, leader of the Dunedain. You also go by Estel, or your true name, Aragorn, son of Arathorn."

Aragorn's eyes widened and then narrowed intensely again. "Who are you?"

"A friend," Gandalf said simply. He took a sip of his drink. "Very good. I am Gandalf the Grey."

Aragorn's eyes widened again but this time in recognition. "Lord Elrond told me about you."

"And he told me about you," Gandalf said.

"What do you need from me?" Aragorn asked as he relaxed slightly and started eating again.

"I need you and your Rangers to do something for me." At Aragorn's raised eyebrow Gandalf continued. "I need you to guard the Shire."

"The Shire? Where the halflings live?" Aragorn asked. "What's at the Shire?"

"I'm not absolutely sure," Gandalf answered honestly, "but I have a feeling that in the future, whatever it is will be very important."

Aragorn eyed Gandalf carefully. During his travels he had heard stories of the strange but powerful wizard. Deciding to trust him since Elrond did, Aragorn nodded. "Very well. We will guard the Shire."

They drank in silence for a few minutes before Gandalf suddenly announced, "I am on my way to Rivendell. I heard that a little girl lives there who has stolen the hearts of many."

Aragorn smiled softly at the thought of the little redhead. "You know of Lia?"

Gandalf nodded. "I ran into Tauriel soon after her birth but I've only met the child once after."

"Would you do me a favor then?" Aragorn asked. He rummaged through his sack until he found what he was looking for and pulled out a folded-up piece of paper. "When you see Lia, will you give her this?"

Gandalf nodded and took the letter. "I would be honored."

After finishing their drinks and some small talk, they parted ways for their respective journeys. Soon Gandalf came upon the entrance to Rivendell. He was immediately greeted by a smiling Elrond. "Gandalf, welcome! It's good to see you my friend," Elrond said as they clasped forearms.

"And you my Lord Elrond," Gandalf replied. As Elrond led Gandalf inside, Gandalf said, "I believe that it is time for me to meet a certain little girl."

"Lia is out with Legolas and the twins but they should be back soon. Come, I'll take you to Tauriel."

They found Tauriel in the library where she could usually be found when not with Kiliana. She looked up from her book and smiled as Elrond and Gandalf approached her. "Gandalf! How good to see you." She stood to give him a friendly hug.

"It's good to see you as well my dear," Gandalf returned the sentiment. "May we talk?"

"Of course. Is anything wrong?" Tauriel asked as they sat down.

"It is about Kiliana." Tauriel stiffened but Gandalf shook his head. "There is nothing wrong with her. I was merely wondering if you have given any thought to telling the child of her father and her lineage. She does come from royal blood."

Tauriel frowned. "I thought that we agreed that keeping her heritage a secret was the best option."

"And it was," Gandalf said. "But she will need to know eventually."

Tauriel wasn't able to answer before the library doors were forced open and a little girl came running in followed by three adult male elves. "Mama, Mama! We went horseback riding and my horse got to trot and-." Kiliana skidded to a stop in front of the table when she noticed the company sitting with her mother. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said politely.

Gandalf chuckled warmly. "It's quite alright little one. I actually came here to see you. I've wanted to meet you for quite some time."

Kiliana's eyes widened dramatically. "You're here to see me?"

Gandalf nodded. "I am Gandalf the Grey. We've met once before."

Kiliana gasped excitedly. "I remember you! Mama told me about you! You're a wizard!"

"I am."

"Can you do magic?" Kiliana asked.

"I can."

"Can I see?"

"Lia," Tauriel nodded. Gandalf chuckled again. "It's quite alright but perhaps another time. Right now I have something for you." He reached into his cloak and pulled out the letter. He handed it to Kiliana.

Kiliana unfolded the letter and smiled widely. "It's from Aragorn!" she announced. Before reading the letter she looked at Gandalf, hesitated briefly, and then hugged him. "Thank you," she said sincerely, as if he had just delivered the most precious thing in the world to her. Of course, to the little girl, this letter from her "big brother" was currently the most precious thing in the world.

Gandalf smiled and hugged her back. "You are very welcome my dear." When she pulled back Gandalf suddenly saw Kili in her place. Even with her dark red hair and pointed ears, Kiliana's eyes and demeanor were all her father. He couldn't prevent a tear from escaping his eye as memories of the young dwarf prince came flooding back to him.

Kiliana frowned and rubbed the tear away with a soft thumb. "What's wrong? Did I do something?"

Gandalf shook his head. "No little one. You just remind me of someone I knew long ago."

Kiliana was about to ask who when Legolas stepped forward and placed his hands on her small shoulders. "Why don't we let your mother finish talking with Lord Elrond and Gandalf? We can read your letter from Aragorn," he said bringing her attention back to the paper in her hands.

"Right! It was nice to meet you Mr. Gandalf. Bye Mama! Bye Lord Elrond!" Kiliana said in a rush as she took Legolas's hand and began to pull him out of the library.

Tauriel mouthed a thank you to Legolas as he allowed the child to drag him out. Legolas knew that Tauriel would relay anything important to him later. As soon as they left Gandalf said, "She is a lot like her father."

Tauriel could only nod. Kiliana was friendly, kind, and carefree. She loved everyone equally and could capture the heart of anyone, no matter who it was. But she was also reckless like Kili and that was what frightened Tauriel the most.