Hooray this chapter has been updated! I know this took so long and I hope you all enjoy it!

xxRinielxx: Wow thank you so much! Haha I actually gushed a little bit over this review!

Aralinn: I really, really appreciate the regular reviews. Positive feedback is a strong motivator to continue writing!

To everyone else who reviewed, THANK YOU. I'm kind of running out of ways to express gratitude. Sorry for the late-ish update, the weather has been horrible and there have been a lot of power outages. This chapter was definitely one of the more challenging ones to write. I'm not sure how frequently I'll be able to update within the next few weeks. There might be one every week there might be one every two weeks. Hopefully I'll soon be able to start regular updates again! I hope you all had a wonderful New Year and here's Chapter 17.

Eredhel walked along the treetops, swinging from branch to branch whenever a large gap appeared. Wind rustled the leaves and the sound soothed her aching heart. Already she regretted her words to Legolas. He had had only said those things out of concern and she had scorned him. Eredhel sank onto a thick branch and pulled her knees to her chest, running her fingers through her hair as tears streamed down her face. If it had been anyone else saying those things she would have brushed them off, but because they were his words they had cut her like the edge of a sharp knife. She cared so deeply for him, more than he would ever know and now he thought she was a coward. Her chest tightened as a sob escaped her lips.

He was strong, intelligent and humble, with eyes that had the power to both ignite and shatter her heart. She had always noticed the way the elleths in Mirkwood and Rivendell looked at him, he could have had any of them if he liked. His prowess in battle and flawless physique only added to their admiration of him. He was almost perfect, his only weakness being that he had chosen her. A vagabond, found more often in the forests or taverns of men than in the company of her own people. She could not really blame Thranduil for disliking her, she would only mar his son.

Eredhel suddenly sensed a presence nearby and looked down, scanning the clearing below. Soft footsteps could soon be heard and she realized it was Legolas. She took a deep breath and gathered herself, preparing for what he would say when he found her. She couldn't hide from him forever, soon enough they would be leaving Lothlorien and it would be dangerous to be at odds with one another. "I'm here Legolas" she said softly, her voice carrying down to him. He looked up in surprise, his eyes troubled.

"Where have you been I've been looking for you for over an hour," he scolded, attempting to lighten the tension between them.

"And now you see that persistence and patience reaps rewards," she answered, a small smile spreading onto her face. He could hear the familiar smugness in her voice. This reassured him, he had been afraid she would refuse to speak to him.

"Well are you going to leave me standing here or can we go inside?" he asked, searching for her among the treetops.

"Well you know I would linger out here all night but as you wish," she answered, suddenly behind him. Legolas spun around, unsure of what to say. She passed by him without a word and he followed her through the trees until they reached her flet and ascended the ladder. Candles were lit on the table and shelves, casting a warm glow around the room. Eredhel moved towards the balcony, earning a few moments to compose herself. Once Legolas had shut the door he joined her, glancing over at the elleth as she stared up at the sky. He realized that she had barely looked at him since he found her in the forest.

"Eredhel," he started softly, but she refused to meet his gaze. Legolas sighed. "Eredhel, look at me," he said, his mouth caressing every syllable as he tried to gently pull down the wall she was fighting so desperately to maintain. The unexpected tenderness in his voice made her turn, forgetting why she had been avoiding his gaze. When she looked him in the eye it only took her a second to remember. In the moonlight he looked surreal, like a celestial being that belonged among the stars. Another ache radiated through Eredhel's chest and tried to harden will, to forget that she had ever felt anything for him. It was then that Legolas saw the redness in her eyes and his heart stopped. He had done that to her, never before had he seen her shed a tear. He took a few steps towards her, his face pained.

"Please, I am sorry, my words were harsh and driven by my own frustration," he started. The elleth retreated from him, not trusting herself to be within reach of his arms.

"No Legolas, do not apologize. I should not have turned on you. Your intentions were genuine, I should not have let my emotions run unchecked."

"No matter whether either of us was right or wrong, I hurt you and for that I am deeply sorry."

"Despite that, you were right. I am a coward," she admitted. Her eyes fell to the floor and she wrapped her arms around herself. It shocked him to see her look so vulnerable, her moment of weakness only increased his desire to pull her into the safety of his embrace. Realization dawned on Legolas as he remembered the words of the Lady.

"No, Eredhel you are not." He moved to stand in front of her, if he lost her now he didn't know what he would do. He should have told her weeks ago, months ago, years ago. He had been alive for more than 2000 years and yet for all his wisdom he had not had the sense to simply let her know what she meant to him. "Listen, I have waited far too long, I do not want to wait any-"

"Please Legolas, don't, you have no idea how hard this is. I will not allow you to suffer the pain that I know all too well."

"Then let me help you, that is all-" His face suddenly contorted in pain and his shoulder tensed. Eredhel's eyes widened as his hands clenched and he leaned forward. She remembered him receiving a scrape from a goblin's sword in Moria but hadn't though it serious at the time.

"Has it not yet healed?" she asked, instinctively moving towards him.

"No, not quite yet," he admitted through gritted teeth.

"Did Aragorn not tend to it?"

"When we first arrived yes but since then he has been concerned about the others and grief has been heavy upon him. I did not think it necessary to trouble him." His explanation earned an eyeroll from the elleth. 'Always so selfless,' thought Eredhel and she felt a pang in her heart. It was one of the qualities she loved about him.

"Of course you didn't. Well now you're going to let me have a look at it."

"No thank you, I think I would prefer the pain to ending up poisoned because you mixed the herbs wrong." He smirked.

"Very funny. Believe it or not my father did manage to teach me a few things before I refused his healing lessons. Now sit," she commanded. Legolas shook his head and sighed in defeat. He slowly pulled his tunic over his head and draped it over a chair, wincing as the pierced muscle once again burned. Eredhel searched in cupboards while he eased himself into a sitting position on her bed. She settled next to him a moment later, placing a water filled bowl, herbs, and strips of cloth on the bedside table.

Eredhel's slender fingers gently probed the injured skin, assessing his injury. The cut in his chiselled chest had reopened, a few droplets of blood were now seeping from it, and the surrounding skin was raw. The blade must have been poisoned for an elf's body would usually heal such a wound within days. Legolas' skin was warm to her touch and she couldn't help but relish in the heat it brought to her fingers. She could have sat there for hours, running her fingers over every corded muscle. Eredhel internally grimaced and shook herself as she dipped a cloth in the cold water and pressed it against the wound. Though Legolas winced at first the coolness soothed his aching flesh and he relaxed. Once Eredhel had completely cleaned the area she crushed some leaves and petals into the water. She took some of the green mixture and smoothed it across the gash. Legolas sighed as the pain vanished and he heard a soft chuckle from the elleth. He watched her as she continued to apply the salve and wrapped a strip of cloth around his chest, noticing the sincere gentleness in her movements. With the constant danger of the past months he had grown accustomed to seeing her either constantly on guard or fiercely killing during battle. He had forgotten what it was like to sit with her in a field of starlight, or banter together as one of his father's feasts died down. He realized that he missed all of it dearly. Soon she was finished and leaned back from him, satisfied with her work. Her movement stirred Legolas out of his thoughts and he realized that he longed for her soft touch on his skin.

"Thank you," he said, gently testing to wound. Eredhel looked at him as she wiped her hands on one of the rags.

"Well I would hate to see you in any pain." She gave him a small smile and Legolas felt his chest tighten.

"If only you knew," he thought grimly. Eredhel retrieved his shirt from the chair and he stood to take it from her. As he was straightening the fabric she took a step towards him to brush away a small spot of blood from his chest with her thumb. Legolas held his breath as her cool fingers once again came into contact with his skin. To have her so close bordered on torture. His heart raced and he had to fight the urge to enfold her in his arms. Over the years he had been with quite a few elleths but none of them had had this effect on him. It felt like hunger, a deep rooted need to have her near. They were close now, with only centimeters between them. He could count each of her long black lashes and smell the scent of forest and thyme that seemed to cling to her skin. Eredhel met his gaze and his pulse quickened as she fixed him in her grey eyes. But she wasn't close enough. Oh Valar, she was nowhere near being close enough. Legolas let the shirt slip through his fingers as he closed the distance between them. "You are no coward," he murmured as he coiled a finger under her chin, tilting her face towards him. Eredhel's hand slid up to his bare shoulder as his lips tentatively brushed hers, barely able to restrain himself. Eredhel felt a shiver run through her spine at the contact, she wanted so badly to just give in, to stop trying to push him away. One of his hands slid to her neck and her resolve crumbled. Relief flooded through Legolas as her lips eagerly pressed against his. He kissed her more forcefully, his mouth crashing into hers as she wound her arm around his neck.

Legolas felt heat flush his neck as he pressed her against the wall, his hands at her waist pulling her closer. If he could have her it would be enough, he could do whatever else was necessary as long as she was his. Eredhel's eyes widened as she glimpsed blood on her fingers. Legolas sensed her hesitation and backed away, confused. "You're bleeding again," she explained. "It would seem your heart is beating a tad too quickly."

"Well it's a price I'm very much willing to pay," he said with a grin, once again eliminating the space between them. Eredhel's breath caught at his extreme proximity, her mind momentarily going blank. She could feel the heat off his skin, see the strong curve of his jaw and different shades of blue in his eyes. "Can we not just leave it until later?" he whispered, his breath tickling her ear as his lips brushed her cheekbone. Eredhel groaned, only he could offer such a temptation.

"No," she said firmly, forcing herself not to think about what she was currently turning down. "You're injured and I don't think it will help my case with your father if I let you bleed to death."

Legolas sighed and shook his head as she went to get more strips of cloth from a cupboard. He smirked and then rose, sneaking up behind her. She froze when he brushed back the hair from her shoulder, goosebumps forming on her exposed skin. His hands held her firmly against him, and she could not sum up the will to pull herself from his possessive grasp. His lips slowly traced the curve of her shoulder and then up her neck towards her jaw, his hungry kisses making her bite her lip in frustration. Eredhel inhaled sharply as his mouth got closer to her ear. "What was that you were saying?" he asked smugly, relishing in the effect he had on her. The elleth didn't answer, breathing rapidly as she fought to regain her composure. Legolas chuckled and spun her towards him, eagerly kissing her once more.

Frodo followed the Lady through the dark forest. It had been near midnight when he had awoken to find her silently gliding past the Fellowship's pavilion. She hadn't uttered a word yet there was no doubt in his heart that he was meant to follow her. Now he went quietly, wondering where she was leading him. His question was answered ten minutes later when they stopped in a secluded garden. Flowering shrubs encircled the small clearing and a river flowed somewhere to his left. A stone basin stood in the center and the rock it was crafted from was unlike any Frodo had ever seen. It was grey, with veins of silver running through it. It had a slight luster but also seemed very old as if weathered by countless storms.

As he watched Galadriel took a pitcher from beside it and filled it with water. She then poured the liquid into the basin, eying him curiously. When it had been filled to her satisfaction she replaced the pitcher and turned to him. Though he knew she was kind and gentle there was still something in her eyes that made him uneasy. "Do you wish to look into the mirror?" she asked.

"What is it that I will see?" His eyes flickered to the still water.

"Even the wisest among elves cannot tell. I believe this is what your folk call magic, in the Mirror of Galadriel one may see many things. What has been, what is and what yet could be. It can be perilous," she warned him.

"Would you advise me to look?"

"Seeing the future can alter one's fate. I believe however that you posses the wisdom and courage to hold true to your path. I will not advise you either way, the choice is yours alone." Galadriel retreated as Frodo weighed his decision. Finally he stepped towards the plinth and leaned over the shining mirror. The water began to swirl and he found himself looking into the Green Dragon. A pleasant crowd was gathered in the merry tavern and music played loudly. Suddenly there was an eruption of flame and the building was on fire. Hobbits ran outside screaming and Frodo saw that the Shire was crawling with orcs. He cried out and the scene changed, he was on a battlefield and he could see Aragorn and Gimli fighting against a tidal wave of enemies. Their sword and knives were stained with dark blood. For every one they killed two more seemed ready to take their place. Then it was a small room, occupied by three elves. Frodo recognized the flaxen hair of Legolas but could not guess the identity of the two others. He then noticed their attention was fixed on another person, a female lying on the bed. Frodo took in her battered condition and his eyes widened when he realized it was Eredhel. The elleth's eyes were closed and her abdomen was covered in bloodstained bandages. Frodo gasped and backed away from the mirror, stumbling slightly. The Lady was eying him gravely. "I know that which the Mirror showed you for it has been weighing on my mind since your arrival, and even for a good deal of time before that."

"The Shire! What has passed since my departure? Must my companions be doomed to go to war? And what happened to Eredhel?"

"Peace, I will answer your questions. All that you have seen is what shall come to pass if you should fail. Your home will be overrun, burned and pillaged. The Enemy will not allow the Shire to remain ignorant of his wrath much longer. Your friends knew in the beginning that they were going to battle but if the Ring is not destroyed there is no hope for victory. As for my granddaughter, if you are not successful she will have to make the ultimate sacrifice."

"My task is before me yet I do not know if I have the courage to continue," thought Frodo hopelessly. "Though it seems I must for I cannot allow such hardship to befall those who so willingly offered to help me."

"Yet you know that you must go on your own for to bear a Ring of Power is to truly be alone. The Fellowship is breaking, it has already begun. Even inside this forest the Ring works its evil on those around it. One by one it will break them, if they are not romanced by it then it will get inside their minds. It will whisper to them their deepest fears until they desert their path. Yet temptation should be your greatest worry for if the Ring falls into the hands of another, all is lost. You know of whom I speak. The Captain will try to take it."

"I am conflicted. If you wish, I will give you the Ring." Frodo extended his hand, the Ring shining in his palm. Galadriel leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the golden band.

"I have long desired the Ring of Power, and here you offer it to me freely." She began to reach forward and she seemed to glow brightly, dimming even the light of the stars and moon. Suddenly her face changed, it was no longer fair and gentle but treacherously beautiful. Her gown whipped around her as if in a great storm and the blue eyes darkened. "In place of the Dark Lord you would have a queen, breathtaking in all her power and beauty. Despair would spread over the land!" Her terrible appearance waned and the light returned to the sky. A small smile was on her now gentle face. "Ah, I pass the test. I will remain Galadriel and journey into the West. The Ring will have to be destroyed."

"I know what path I must take but I do not know if I have the courage to follow it," he admitted.

"Even the smallest person can have a great effect on the future. If you do not find a way to reach Mount Doom then no one ever will," she said solemnly. Frodo nodded and turned from the clearing, her words weighing heavily on him. He did not understand why he had been chosen to bear the Ring nor how he was going to succeed on his quest. The only thing he knew for certain was that he had to try, he could not dwell in Lórien much longer, and their stay was coming to its end.

The Fellowship was gathered before their hosts. The time had come for them to depart and the Lord and Lady were saying their farewells. Though their month long reprieve had been peaceful they now grew restless knowing the task that lay before them. Nine elves stood in front of them, each carrying a forest green cloak. "Before now we have never clothed outsiders in the garb of the Galadhrim. May these cloaks guard you from the eyes of your enemies," said Lord Celeborn. Haldir fastened the mallorn leaf pin at Eredhel's neck and then embraced her tightly.

"Novaer mellonin, nai tiruvantel ar varuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya, (Farewell my friend, may the Valar protect you on your path under the sky,)" his voice echoed in her mind.

"Galu Haldir, na lû e-govaned vîn. (Goodbye Haldir, until we next meet.)" She smiled and her attention was drawn by Lady Galadriel striding towards them. In her arms was a woven basket, covered with a white cloth. Even in the morning mist she had a soft glow. She came to a halt in front of Frodo. Removing the cover, she drew from the basket a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid. Placing it in his hand, she met his eyes and smiled as she spoke into his mind. Galadriel made her way down the line, presenting a gift to each member of the Fellowship and speaking silently with them. For Boromir a belt of gold, crafted in the likeness of linked leaves. Pippin and Merry were given silver belts and sheaths which contained elven daggers and to Sam she gave enchanted rope. The Lady stopped in front of Gimli and spoke out loud.

"I am sorry Gimli, son of Gloin. I knew not what a dwarf would ask of the elves, what is it that you wish for?" Gimli was startled by her offer but quickly regained his composure.

"I would ask for nothing but to look upon the Lady of Light one last time, for she gleams far brighter than any gem or jewel beneath the earth." He bowed deeply and the Lady let out a musical laugh. He then straightened, an idea coming to his mind. "Actually my Lady, if I could have one thing, it would be a single strand from your golden head." At this her smile widened and she obliged, placing not one, but three blonde hairs in his palm. Next came Legolas, and to his amazement she produced a bow. It was crafted of dark wood and covered in silver vines. He tested the string and bowed his head in gratitude. Second last was Eredhel and the Lady met her gaze. She pulled from the basket Eredhel's silver pendant and chain, Eredhel felt around her neck and was shocked she hadn't realized it was missing. A light now seemed to come from within the veins of the leaf and it sparkled in the pale sun.

"For my eldest grandchild, you go to battle while many of your kin leave these shores for there still rests within you some faith in Men. I have infused your leaf with the purest of light. May it shine for you when hope has faded from your heart." Eredhel dipped her head and Galadriel hung the chain around her neck. She thanked the Lady for her gift then turned her attention to Aragorn. He was standing with Lord Celeborn, out of earshot from the others. He beckoned to her and she joined them.

"The farther you journey from our borders the greater the danger will become. It is unusual for Orcs to travel out in the open and under the sun yet these beasts of Isengard do not fear daylight." Celeborn turned to Eredhel, "What did you see with the Wardens?"

"They are far larger than any Orcs I have seen and immensely strong. They are smarter and faster, it will not be easy to outrun them," she replied.

"Yes so you must travel by the river but take heed! The Orcs are not the only things pursuing your company, you must watch for the creature."

"Yes, he has been following us since we entered Moria," said Aragorn. Once they were finished speaking the Lord bid them farewell and gripped Eredhel's shoulder tightly, his frown deepening as his eyes swept over her one last time. They made their way down to the boats and she was just about to step into one with Aragorn when she heard a cough. Turning, she found Legolas standing expectantly by his and Gimli's boat.

"I'm afraid there's already three people in the other boats. You will just have to come with us," he said in mock disappointment. Eredhel chuckled as he allowed her to get on first then hopped in after her. The grey boats were laden with food, drink, supplies and a great deal of lembas. It was a special bread made by the elves, wrapped in thick green leaves. It could last for many cycles of the moon and sustain a full grown man for a day's long journey. They soon pushed off and began paddling down the river, while the voices of the elves slowly faded behind them.

They followed the river for several days, stopping on the shore at nightfall for a few hours rest. Though they did not spot any Orcs, they could feel the presence of their enemies. A deathly silence hung over the forest and flocks of birds would suddenly take flight from their perch in the trees. It had been five days since they their departure from Lórien and the Fellowship had set up camp on near the river bank. The boats had been hidden in the bushes and a merry fire was crackling while Sam boiled hunks of meat and potatoes. Eredhel noticed Frodo sitting on his own, staring at Aragorn and Boromir intently. She too was listening to their conversation, it seemed there was tension between them.

A small dark shape caught her eye from across the water. Gollum had been following them, she could see his small boat behind a boulder. He was growing bolder and that made her uneasy. Eredhel returned her gaze to the shore as Sam went to offer his master some food. Frodo turned it down, forcing a smile. The other hobbit turned away disappointed, going back to the fire. Eredhel frowned and went to take a seat next to Frodo.

"Sam's right, you should probably eat something." Frodo said nothing as his gaze fell from the two men to the dirt at his feet. "The Ring wants you to feel alone Frodo. It wants to make you feel secluded and unwanted, to turn you against those who would help you. Look what it did to Gollum. I know what you are planning on doing."

"Are you going to try to convince me to do otherwise?" he asked.

"No, nor am I going to lie to you. Though you are a Ringbearer and you carry the burden of the Ring, do not recoil from the friendship that is currently offered to you. It will only make you more miserable. You are not as alone as you believe." She gave him a pat on the shoulder and then rose and went to join Legolas on a log. Just as she was crossing by the fire the wind changed, blowing smoke in her face. Her eyes stung and her lungs burned as she inhaled the hot air. Gasping, she stumbled and tripped on a loose stone, falling backwards. Right before she hit the ground two strong arms grasped her under the shoulders and hauled her back to her feet. Eredhel rubbed her eyes and looked around only to find Legolas behind her with an amused smile on his face. Everyone laughed and Eredhel grumbled a thanks before taking a seat to nurture her wounded pride.

"So much for the grace of the elves!" Gimli snorted and she growled at him.

"I don't know if it's safe to sit there Boromir," said Aragorn as the Captain was about to take a seat next to her. He chuckled and laid his bowl of food on his knees.

"Personally I think you handled that quite well," he said quietly and Eredhel smiled. She had grown quite fond of him, he was kind and their conversations flowed easily. They spoke often of the battles of Gondor and the White City. She was about to reply when her eyes widened and she stiffened. Boromir looked at her in concern, "Eredhel?" He went to lay a hand on her shoulder when Legolas stopped him.

"Wait, she is seeing something. Do not distract her for it may be of importance." A moment later she exhaled and rubbed her knuckles against her forehead. "What was it?" asked Legolas gently as Aragorn joined them.

"A group of soldiers, fighting Orcs by a great river. It was at the Fords of Isen," she explained slowly and their eyes widened.

"My people?" suggested Boromir.

"No, it was not the tree of Gondor on their chests. From their bearings they looked to be men of Rohan. One of their leaders fell, he bore a strong resemblance to the descendants of the house of Eorl. I believe it was the son of King Theoden, a spear pierced his stomach."

"It will be a hard blow to Rohan," said Aragorn, "but we cannot worry about it when we ourselves are being pursued. Are you alright?" He looked at Eredhel.

"Yes I'm fine, it's just I came across him once in my travels." She got up, "I'm going for a walk." No one argued with her and she made for the trees. They watched her weave her way among the thin trunks until the forest became thick and she was lost from view. When quiet fell around her she climbed up a thick trunk and settled between the branches. Moments later Legolas was in the clearing below, searching. He looked up but could not make out her shape among the bright green leaves.

"It is not polite to keep a Prince waiting," he called and Eredhel snorted.

"Ah, the advantages of being royalty," she answered sarcastically. He scaled the tree and took a seat in the main curve of the branches beside her. Eredhel leaned into his shoulder.

"So."

"It is maddening to know someone is going to die but be powerless to prevent it from happening. We talked about him as if he were already dead yet at this very moment he draws breath. Theodred has no idea he is going to die."

"He may not yet die, the future is not set in stone but even if he does he will have died because his time has come. You know this." She sighed and Legolas pressed his lips to her forehead. "A war is coming, we will all experience loss before it is over. We already have."

"I fear that we will have great need of Gand-" Her words were cut short by the sound of footsteps. Legolas' hold on her tightened and they peered through the leaves at the ground below. Two dark forms came into the clearing and Eredhel realized it was Aragorn and Boromir. They were whispering harshly but her elven ears picked up the words easily. Looking over at Legolas, she put a finger to her lips and they listened to their arguing companions.

"We are being tracked by dangerous enemies. It would be wise to strike a path for Gondor, we could replenish our strength before continuing to Mordor," said Boromir.

"Your words are well reasoned yet I do not believe that Gondor will avail us," argued Aragorn.

"You trust the elves yet not your own people! Too long we have been condemned for our weakness and frailty." Aragorn turned away but the Captain grabbed him by the arm. Eredhel's muscles tensed at his motion and she gripped the hilt of her knife. "In Gondor there is strength and honor but you are too cowardly to see it!" He released Aragorn in disgust but the Ranger turned back, fire in his eyes.

"I would be a fool to lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city!" He stalked back towards their encampment, leaving Boromir behind. The Captain's hands curled into fists and he struck a tree. After a few moments he regained his composure then followed Aragorn's path back through the trees. Once they were sure he was gone Legolas and Eredhel shared a look. Both of them were thinking the same thing, already the Fellowship was weakening, cracks were beginning to appear. All too soon it would be beyond repair.