Dear Readers,

I've another chapter for you. I hope that you enjoy it. Again, I thank you for your support and for your time in reading my stories. If you could kindly leave a review, it would be appreciated. By reviews, I can see if what I am writing is favorable or not. That, and I really would like to hear what you have to say.

Thank you and happy New Years!

~Anariel RR

Several days later…

Dearest Book,

The Orc hunt was not as much a victory as I initially thought it would be. In truth, I haven't written because I sustained grave damage during the fight. It almost killed me. Brethil had said, "If it were one finger's length closer to your heart…you would no longer have walked these woods." Inside, I was furious, for I have always been a good and careful fighter. When I was struck by the Orc with a morgul-blade, I immediately blacked out before I was able to register what had occurred. From what I have been told, members of the Guard conveyed my body back to the great hall and it was there that I was healed. The healers of Taur-e-Ndaedelos are proficient and amazing in their skills. I felt safe in their hands.

The only person that I am disappointed in is myself. It took me hundreds of years to transform my body into a weapon, to better myself so that I may fight like Prince Legolas. Following the event that occurred, King Thranduil ordered that I remain within the capital so that I may recuperate. I dearly hope that our beloved King hasn't become to question my competence and skill as a leader of the Guard. I worked so hard, eking out a living as a fighter in order to propel myself high into the graces of our king. The expression upon his face worried me. If I wasn't Captain then who would be? Laerorn or Brethil? Would Belegorn be awarded such a place of honor? I have striven to prove my worthiness, to prove my abilities far beyond that sluggard of a creature, Belegorn. All in Mirkwood know well that he desires my position but I will not surrender it without a fight.

When I had been completely healed, I was approached by one of the dearest of my friends, Ninimmien. She happens to be the only female with who I am close and she is quite an adept healer. We met when I was once a healer in the House of Healing many centuries ago. Consequently, Ninimmien is pledged in love to Laerorn and they are to one day wed. Many happy tears shall be shed when Ninimmien officially becomes the bride of Laerorn, when she begins her life as his lady. Ninimmien is a Sindarin Elf of high standing whereas Laerorn is as Silvan Elf, like me, who has raised himself to the position of a lord. He was formerly the Captain of the Guard before he relinquished his role for quieter pursuits, namely reading books. When I was in my bedchamber and Ninimmien had knocked on the door, I obligingly let her in. Her face was awash with color, her silvery golden hair a splendid waterfall in comparison to the deep pink hue of her flesh. She seemed agitated or excited about something. Knitting my brow, I stared at her quizzically, my mouth hanging open a little.

"Is all well, Ninimmien?" I inquired hesitantly, motioning over to a seat in an inviting manner. I was momentarily reminded of my mother's little etiquette lessons on being the "perfect hostess" but did not mention that at all. When Ninimmien was settled in the seat, slightly soothed, and I had offered her a goblet of honey-wine, she turned her gaze on me suddenly.

"Well? What is wrong?" I urged, blinking slowly as I myself became frustrated by her silence. "Mellon, tolo na naur. It is warm over here." A fire had already been blazing in the fireplace where I had been sitting for some time, diligently reading a book for the longest while. I settled into that chair then studied her curiously.

"We are betrothed, Tauriel." Ninimmien cried excitedly, dangling her bedecked hand before me. My mouth fell open as I regarded the jewel – a mass of diamond within a gold band, surrounded by small milky white pearls. It was beautiful, something of a dwarven semblance. "And…the King has consented." She laughed but her words astonished me.

"King Thranduil has given his consent?" I muttered dumbly, astonishment still written all over my face. "Can it be so?" It struck me as odd that a Sindarin pure-blood (or at least he attempted to appear that way) would allow such a match to be take place. It was honestly strange because, although he had great compassion for the Silvan people, he made a habit of pointing out that he was Sindarin.

"Yes, my dearest friend. We are to wed on Mereth-en-Giliath." She promulgated triumphantly, as if she had won a great victory over a terrible evil. "Love shall prevail."

"Oh Ninimmien…I am so happy for you. This is so exciting…such a blessed happening." I declared, managing a smile despite the fact that a small part of me felt sadness. Only within the pages of this book can I confess my loneliness as well as my fear of being alone in general. It feels as if I am constantly surrounded by so many wonderful friends but at times my heart seeks 'the one.' When Lúthien Tinúviel, the fairest of all Elvenkind fell so madly, so irrevocably in love with the Human Beren Erchamion, love was made incarnate. The love that they shared for one another, I hope one day to feel for another. Yet, in my position as Captain of the Guard, I've no time to focus upon any who have interests in me or the pursuit of love. Am I to spend the rest of my life very much alone? Such is a riddle that may never be solved.

"You look sad, Tauriel. What ails you, my friend?" She frowned for a moment, her fair countenance exhibiting the tiniest hint of the sadness that burned through my green eyes. It is my purpose to be strong, to put on a brave face for others. Instead of telling my only female friend that my heart aches for love, I put a smile upon my face and replied, "Why nothing, Ninimmien. It is only that I feel anger over what transpired against the Orcs days ago. I have failed…I failed in saving one of the members of the Guard. We know that he wasn't slain but he is missing."

"Galhanar…it isn't your fault. If Belegorn had obeyed you and not wandered off, you would have been better prepared to repel the attack. King Thranduil will forgive you." She took my hand, her warm hand clasped around my cold one as I gazed into the fire.

"Yet I do not forgive myself…nor will I ever. Galhanar is godson to Thranduil our King, son of his most beloved friend. How do I make amends with such a failure?" I knitted my brow, sorrow swelling in my chest. Uttering such things was just short of saying: 'I am not worthy of being Captain of the Guard.' To do so was to admit defeat and I would never question myself or my abilities so openly. Some would call it pride or arrogance but I know full-well that it is confidence. As a leader, I must maintain confidence at all times, no matter what.

"I will find him before Mereth-en-Giliath. I pray that the stars illuminate my way and brighten my path." I half-said, half-whispered. Ninimmien rose suddenly from where she stood, walking slowly over to me, shaking her head slowly.

"Tauriel!" She whispered, her voice chiding but at the same time, supportive, friendly. "You cannot. Our King has forbidden for you to adventure into the forest. You mustn't. What if you are caught doing such a thing?" Horror registered on her face. She knows that great punishment befalls those who cross our mighty Aran – the mercilessness that he possesses alone. I shivered at the thought.

"I won't be caught." I assured her, foolhardy as the first day I held a bow.

"I see that there is no convincing you, my dear friend. Prince Legolas will be most displeased with this." She had assured me in her most admonishing tone, sounding very much like a mother. "Especially after everything that happened. You should have seen the Prince when you were wounded." I stared at her a moment, aghast, my whole face coloring quicker than the morning sky, "Ninimmien. Say nothing more."

Her silvery-eyes widened and a small mischievous smile tugged at her lips as she regarded me with slight amusement, "When you had sustained damage…it was the Prince himself who helped carry you back to the King's Hall. He stood vigil by you until you recovered. He has deep feelings for you, Tauri. You know not the depth of his feelings but do not doubt what you hear."

"Alas, Ninimmien…Daro! I won't hear another word of it. Curse your tongue…I cannot bear it…it cannot be." I hissed through my teeth at her, so fraught with emotion as I studied her, my heart beating fast within my breast.

"You moron! Echuio! Prince Legolas does not keep company with just anyone. Many an Elf maiden has developed feelings of an amorous nature…yet he has paid them no mind. Yet…you? He remained at your side when you were wounded…he desires always to be in your company. Fool! Fool! Fool!" She snapped at me, wagging her finger as she spoke her bothersome words. She was as a fly to me…a troublesome fly buzzing about in my ear, giving me no peace but only chaos and disorder.

"Never!" I returned, shaking my head as if attempting to convince myself of this fact. "If he harbors feelings for me…then those feelings will soon shift as the winds during Echuir. I cannot reciprocate those feelings…it is well-nigh impossible, mellon. Legolas is as a friend, a brother to me in childhood, but now a lover? Nay…it mustn't ever be."

"Such is your choice, Tauriel. Should you wish to ignore the attentions of a Prince…then that is your choice. We will speak no more of it." She brushed her hands against each other as if to state that she was washing her hands of the situation. An awkward silence had set in and we uttered nothing for a minute or two. Finally, she started, "Tauriel…I have been your friend for centuries…you have looked after me…you have saved me from an Orc or two…and you taught me how to fight. I am coming with you on your quest to uncover the location of Galhanar."

I opened my mouth to protest, but she interjected quickly, "I will book no refusal on this."

"Very well…that is your choice." I uttered softly, glancing around the room, slightly paranoid that we were being heard then continued. "Be ready just before dawn. We shall leave then. Bring with you weapons and healing supplies. We will be slipping out of here in the only way I know."

"There is no other way out of the King's Hall but the main gate or…" Her face lit up, a smile now forming upon her lips. "The river…the river. Alas…I have discovered your secret."

"Please tell no one…discretion is our friend in this situation." I responded quickly, my tone urgent and careful. "Not even Laerorn…not even Prince Legolas."

"Of course…of course." She then burst out laughing, clapping her hands together as a delicious idea filled her mind. "Oh how cross Laerorn will be when he discovers I've gone into the forest without him. Surely he and the Prince shall come looking for us." She seemed delighted by the idea but I dreaded it secretly. Would Legolas catch wind of our quest quickly? He rarely sought rest and was constantly watchful when he wandered through the halls of the King's Hall. Mayhap he would be drawn to one of the many banquets and parties that were held in the Great Hall. I prayed that he was too busy to even notice.

"I would desire that not to occur." I retorted hastily, thinking for a moment then managed a small ghost of a smile. "If we succeed in our endeavor…we shall slip out of the city, find Galhanar, defeat the Orcs, and return just in time for Mereth-en-Giliath. The King always forgives and pardons prisoners during the high festivals…perhaps he will forgive us…or hopefully, our saving his godson will gain us membership back into his good graces."

"That is a long-shot. And I shudder to think of what will happen to us if we fail." She shook her head slowly then laughed softly for a moment, quite like a madwoman. "I cannot wait to give Laerorn such a fright. You know that the Prince will hasten after us as well. What an adventure we will have." Ninimmien elevated both eyebrows at once, giggling softly at the idea.

"Be gone with you, Nini. I will meet you an hour before the dawn…in the pantry." I whispered, a smile still lingering upon my face. I will not deny that my heart beat rapidly and that my stomach gave a leap of nervousness. The idea of two Elves going out to hunt down a party of Orcs is not just foolhardy but it is completely moronic. Anyone in the Guard would shake their heads at us or even call us cretins, but I was determined. And when one is determined, if there is a will, there is a way. I breathed a sigh of relief when I closed the door and Ninimmien had departed from my bedchamber.

With the rest of my evening, I set to working packing all of my items within a pack. That included: Hathelas, Cuvallorn, Egros, Telveg, a bit of lembas bread that I kept handy at all times (one never knows what ill will befall oneself), a change of attire, and ensured that I had my best brown leather boots on. They were very well-made and were exceedingly comfortable. I knew before I had retired back to my bedchamber that I would have to make an appearance at the banquet that night. The banquet was to celebrate a partnership between the Elves of Rivendell and the Elves of Taur-e-Ndaedelos. It was a very impromptu affair but it still was formal enough to be presided over by the great Thranduil himself. Of course, Lord Elrond was in attendance as well as his two sons, Elladan and Elrohir. I kept to myself, sitting at a table beside Brethil as he belched from imbibing a little too much honey-wine. I wrinkled my nose as I declared, "Every bit as much a Dwarf as those hairy rascals." Ninimmien, Laerorn, and Belegorn sat at the same time as well. However, Prince Legolas, the center of our little posse was situated at a table with his father and Lord Elrond, making conversation. I daren't lift my eyes to look up at him. Instead I fixed my gaze upon Brethil as if to make the implication that I showed him favor and attention.

"Methinks that Brethil could pass for a donkey." Laerorn always wont to torture our poor friend was quick to make the gibe, enjoying the dramatic responses by Brethil.

"Or even worse, a man." Ninimmien giggled as she spoke in her soft voice, akin to a tinkle of a bell in its substance.

"Well…Brethil is hairier than your average Elf." I mused aloud in a thoughtful manner, tilting my head as I considered it. "But then again…as you, Laerorn. You sometimes look like a bear." Ninimmien cackled so hard for she thought this immensely funny, wrinkling her nose as she beamed at her betrothed. I thought to myself how much she is like a madwoman.

"He is watching you." She hastily mouthed the words before guiding her lips towards the rim of her goblet, sipping at her honey-wine. I sighed, the hairs on my arms standing on end as I simply stared down at my plate, regarding all of the leafy delicacies.

"I wonder if Dwarves smell as unpleasantly as they look." Belegorn spoke suddenly in his baritone voice, catching us all off Guard. Laerorn, ever the clever Elf that he is, remarked, "Oh…so you aren't made of stone. I had quite thought that you were a Troll in the sunlight." Belegorn is always the person to take everything as an insult, perceiving everyone to be against him – the slightest gesture could be seen as an insult by him.

"Watch who you're calling a Troll!" He hissed through parted lips, her face furrowed with rage. Everyone at the table had begun to choke with laughter, some hiding it in their drinks and other in their dinner plates. It was Laerorn who laughed exactly in his face.

"Your betrothed will soon find himself on the edge of Eithor, speared like a pig on a roasted spike." I observed, giggling softly as I exaggerated the name of Belegorn's sword. He let everyone know that it was a mighty sword and a family heirloom.

"Ah yes…mighty Eithor." Laerorn rejoined, his face red with laughter.

"All bow down to the mighty Eithor." Brethil started in as well, thoroughly enjoying the fact that for once he wasn't the butt of every joke.

"What is this of Eithor?" Prince Legolas's voice broke through the wave of good-natured hilarity as it had set in moments before. We were all settled in our respective wooden chairs and quietly I cursed, as no one was sitting off to my right. Belegorn sat next to Brethil, who was to my left, and we had faced Laerorn and Ninimmien.

"Come join us, mellon." Laerorn cleaned up his act a little as he gestured to the chair off to his right. Legolas had lingered there for a couple moments before he settled gracefully and quickly into the seat directly adjacent to me. I wanted to scream. All of the things that Ninimmien filled my mind and, at that particular moment, it came filtering back to me.

"Belegorn is speaking of the merits of his mighty Eithor." Laerorn started then added. "You know…his mighty Orc-stabber. That one he slays so many Orcs with." It was a known fact that Belegorn, despite the fact that he bragged at how great a warrior he was, had a dreadful fear of Orcs for some reason. The whole table erupted into laughter, Prince Legolas smiled at that, his laugh throaty and not overly drawn out like our other companions. During that moment, Legolas offered the smallest and subtlest of smiles, his sharp, piercing gaze falling upon me if only for a moment. I smiled in return but quickly averted my eyes. I didn't want him getting any ideas. My eyes went wide as I stared directly at Ninimmien, who only turned a deep crimson red, giggling in response to my shock.

"Is your hair braided, Tauriel?" Legolas had finally posed the question when the laughter had finally died down. I froze suddenly, slightly frightened of this sudden question. Why was I frightened? I know not. Legolas isn't some wicked Orc or a dreadful Troll. There was absolutely nothing to fear from him because he has ever been my friend. However, I find myself in utter dread of this newfound attention. I had braided my hair in preparation for the quest that is to transpire in the morning because I always left it wild and unbound. The clothing that I wore was a fighting dress of deep hunter green with a large green cloak with gold embroidery on the collar. It was one of my more subtle and modest outfits.

"Why yes, ernil vuin. I am trying something new." It had to have been the weakest response let alone the weakest excuse. Ninimmien, the instigator that she was, winked at me then added, "I think that Tauriel looks ravishing." My jade green eyes went wide with fear, with astonishment. Stupid Ninimmien to stir things up for me.

"It looks very nice." Legolas declared as he smiled somewhat of a deeper smile, his gray eyes settled upon my own. I forced a smile upon my face then returned, "Thank you." I pat my hair self-consciously and glanced down at my plate, quite unsure of what to say. What was there to say? Was Ninimmien correct?

Brethil and Laerorn started in with one of their crude jokes. Ninimmien flushed a deep pink with both embarrassment and amusement but I simply shifted my gaze between Brethil and Laerorn. I was determined to avoid eye contact with Legolas. We are friends…that is that. No questions asked…whatsoever!

At the close of the night, well into the early morning, I excused myself to return to the bedchamber. The rest of our friends remained in the Great Hall, Ninimmien and Legolas included.

Thus here I am writing in my book within the confines of my safe, quiet bedchamber. We make for the forest in an hour. Part of me is frightened but I know this is right. We need to track down these Orcs and we need to save Galhanar. It was under my watch that he was captured and it is natural that is I who saves him. In truth I find relief in the fact that my darling friend accompanies me. Ninimmien at time drives me mad with her antics but it feels so lovely to have a friend. I will write when I can.

May the blessings of our beloved stars go with us…may they guide us through darkness and through tumult.

Tauriel

Sindarin Translations:

Daro – Stop

Echuio – Wake up/Awake

Echuir – Stirring (An Elven season between Winter and Spring)

Eithor – Stabber

Ernil vuin – My prince

Lembas – Elven traveling bread

Mellon – Friend

Mereth-en-Giliath – Feast of Starlight

Taur-e-Ndaedelos – Greenwood the Great/Mirkwood

Tolo na naur – Come to the fire.