AN: The plot bunny says thank you for all those kind reviews! He gives you all virtual slices of carrot cakes. :)

IMPORTANT: Pls note that yes Alysae can fight. I mean what did you expect? Legolas is her brother. Of course she can fight. And rather well at that. (she can defend herself. period) However, it does not mean that she can best an elf (she is a human! humans are slow and awkward on their feet, at least compared to an elf), she is much better than the average soldier tho. Although she can fight, she is not a warrior. Nor will she be. She fights because she must, not because she enjoys it. She would much rather be reading a book than battling stinking Orcs. Also, she has never been in real battle before. The occasional orcs and spiders on the occasional patrol is not the same as facing thousands of warrior Orcs. She would be scared as hell. But anyways, now that that's cleared, on to the story:

. . . Chapter 3- Imladris . . .

" For sure so fair a place was never seen,

of all that ever charm'd romantic eye :

It seem'd an emerald in the silver sheen

Of the bright waters ; or as when on high,

Through clouds of fleecy white, laughs the coerulean sky. "

John Keats, 'Imitation of Spencer'

.~.

"Are you ready?" Alysae turned around to see her older brother in the doorway of her chambers. "Nearly so," she replied, neatly folding the last of her tunic. Sprawled on her bed, was a mess of clothes and bath products and books.

"You're not going to take all of this with you, are you?" Legolas gestured to the mess on her bed.

"Nooooo, of course not," she laughed nervously. "Right?"

Legolas rolled his eyes. "We are not going to stay there for a year, Alys. Adar said we could stay a few weeks at the most."

"Right," said Alysae eying her sprawled clothes. She took some of the clothes out, mostly evening dresses. "How am I going to fit all these books in there?" she muttered under her breath.

"What? You cannot be serious," he asked holding out one of her books.

"But I need my books!" She tried to snatch it back, but he held it high above her head. "Give… It… Back!" she said between jumps.

"No more than one book," he said sternly.

"But I need to give Arwen's book back. Can I take two?" she pleaded. "Please?"

Legolas sighted. "Fine." He put the book down. "But no more than two!" Sometimes, he was too easy-going, he thought. She could plead with those huge eyes of hers and he'd do anything for her, no matter how ridiculous. Once, when she had been younger she had managed to coerce him into wearing a dress for a day. He remembered how ridiculous he had looked; their Adar had even burst out into laughter and would not stop laughing for days afterwards.

"Yes!" Alysae had a wide smile on her face, her silver-blue eyes twinkling.

"I do not know how on Arda you find the time to read all those books," he shook his head.

"Well, if you weren't too busy embarrassing yourself or showing off with the bow, then perhaps you would have time to do intellectual things, that require actively thinking."

He narrowed his eyes. "How low of you. I have had centuries, centuries, to read all those books you have and even more! Besides, I am not the one being the damsel in distress."

"Damsel in distress!" she said in disbelief. "You know very well I am not a defenceless maiden! You have trained me ever since I got here, twelve years ago. Twelve years. I can very well hold my ground," she huffed, chin held high.

"You are right," he admitted. "You are better than most humans; however, twelve years is but the blink of an eye for me, so do not expect me to be impressed." As soon as he said the words, he instantly regretted them, for a somber expression had crossed her face. She looked down and tucked a stray curl behind her ear.

"Forgive me, gwathel," he said, regret on his features. "I did not mean to pain you."

"All is forgiven," she muttered, not looking at him and returning to folding her clothes.

Realising that his presence was no longer necessary, or welcome, he sighted and left the room, only pausing when he reached the door to say over his shoulder, "We are to depart in one hour."

She nodded even though she knew he could not see her.

After silently staring at her messy bed for a few minutes, she decided on what would be in her bag. Since she was part of the royal family and a guest, she would need evening gowns and simple jewellery. She would also bring her riding clothes and her simple tunics, just in case. Slightly humming under her breath, she chose three evening dresses, simple yet resplendent and magnificent still. One was of a pale blue colour, like a clear sky in summer; another was a light purple with golden rims; and the other was an astounding silver that would contrast well with her dark golden locks.

With that, she took a small velvet pouch, where she slipped a silver bracelet adorned with sapphires, her simple circlet, and finally the silver-chained necklace with a single moonstone on it. She gave a satisfied smile when it all fit nicely in her leather bag. The next thing she added was two bars of lavender scented soap, and a wooden brush. The last thing, was two books –that could barely fit in- with softly worn covers. One belonged to Arwen, and she needed to give it back. The other was her favourite book, the Great Tales, which depicted her favourite story: of Beren and Luthien.

Finally, she was ready.

"Calarel?" she called, knowing that the maid would hear her. A moment later, Calarel appeared, her dark hair tucked into a cap. "Yes, My Lady?"

"Can you please help me get ready?" she said, sitting down on the velvet stool in front of her large mirror.

Calarel was already moving towards her. "Of course, my Lady." She gently brushed Alysae's golden locks, before plaiting the long strands in a single thick braid that swung down her back. Her fingers worked quickly and efficiently, effortlessly weaving the soft curls together. She secured the long braid with a strip of leather.

"Thank you," she smiled at her maid, and dear friend. "I shall miss you when I leave."

"So will I, my Lady." Calarel added the finishing touches, securing a few strands with bronze pins. When that was done, she stepped back to admire her work. "It should not come undone easily, even if you shake your head wildly like you usually do."

Alysae turned around on her stool and put her arms around the elleth. Calarel blinked in surprise. "My Lady! 'Tis not proper!"

"I couldn't care less," she said tightening her arms. After a few seconds, the elleth returned the embrace, a smile on her fair face.

-xxx-

The majestic stallion buried its snout in her golden hair, softly snorting as she brushed its butterscotch coat. It had been a while since she had last seen him, her beautiful horse. His long white mane had been braided in an intricate pattern and she added a few wild flowers to the various knots.

"There," she said stepping back to look at her masterpiece. "You look absolutely magnificent, Celeg."

The stallion snorted and gently bumped his snout on her shoulder. Alysae put her arms around his head and inhaled the comforting scent of fallen leaves and sunlight. On its back, she had strapped her green saddle decorated with golden patterns of twirling leaves. In the saddle bags, she had put all her belongings, the clothes she was to bring with her to Rivendell, and food (lembas bread and apples) with water.

"Are you ready?" She turned around to see Legolas, walking towards his own horse, with his saddle thrown over his shoulder.

"All good to go," she smiled, to show him that she was not angry with him anymore. Although it had hurt, she knew he hadn't meant to pain her, and to him it was only natural anyways. Elves lived forever, and the lives of humans were nothing to them, just the blink of an eye.

He smiled back at her, almost hesitantly. Her silver-blue eyes twinkled with laughter at the so majestic Captain of the Archers looking hesitant and unsure of himself. "All is forgiven, gwador," she chuckled. "I know you did not mean to say anything to pain me, although you really are obnoxious!"

"Hey!" He frowned before noticing her silent laughter. "Ha ha ha, this is extremely funny." He moved to strap his saddle on his own horse, a white stallion named Doron. His hands were quick and in a few seconds, his horse was ready to be mounted.

"Let us go," he said climbing swiftly onto Doron.

Alysae rolled her eyes. Curse those elves that can seem to jump high in the air like some sort of lean frog. She grabbed a little wooden stool and used it to mount her own horse. Celeg snorted softly.

Alysae draped her green travel coat behind her, a long silver dagger strapped to the side of her dark legging. She had opted for a tunic, simple yet elegant, perfect for riding. Doron stepped forward, nickering lightly, its white tail swinging in the soft breeze.

She beckered her horse to move forward and follow her brother.

"Halt!" a voice said behind them. She pulled on the reins, Celeg stopping almost immediately, and noticed Legolas doing the same. Her braid caught on her shoulder as she twisted in her seat, trying to see behind her shoulder who the caller was.

"Adar!" the words left her mouth in excitement. "What brings you forward?"

In front of her stood the Elvenking, his midnight velvet robes pooling around his feet, long silver hair falling down his back. A circlet adorned with sapphires sat upon his fair brow. His icy blue eyes twinkled as he approached his two children on their steeds.

"I wish to see you depart, and tell my goodbyes." His deep melodious voice rang in the clearing. In his hands, he held two packages carefully wrapped in white linen; one long and lean, and the other of medium size. He stopped in front of Alysae, and held out his hands, offering her the smaller object. Wordlessly, she accepted it and carefully unwrapped the gift. Staring back at her were two long knives, silver blades shining in the sun. Careful patterns of leaves were engraved on the hilts, and when she squinted her eyes –for her eyes could not best an elf's- she could see her name engraved in elvish on the blades.

"For you my daughter," began Thranduil, "I bestow you with those twin blades, and may they never fail you in battle."

Her eyes prickled with unshed tears and her voice failed her. She threw her arms around his neck, his head reaching her shoulders, and he returned the embrace. "Thank you, Adar," she choked out. His hold tightened around her for a few seconds before he let go.

His palm touched her cheek lightly. "I shall wait for you, iell nin."

Then, he moved to where Legolas sat upon his stead, only a few meters away. "To you, my son," Thranduil brought the other package forward and placed it into Legolas' waiting hands, "I bestow you, with what I hope will be of great aid to you." Legolas carefully unwrapped the white linen, not once betraying any thoughts or emotions. A great sword sat in his hands, gleaming along the sharp edges. Alysae could not see it well from where she sat, but she knew his name was engraved as well.

"May this blade always strike true in your hands." Thranduil gestured for his son to bend forward, and kissed lightly his brow.

Then, the King stepped back and clasped his hands. "Now leave my children, for you are awaited." He gestured to two elves who stood on steads besides him. They wore warrior clothes and each had a sword at their hips. "These are to be your guards. Their names are Miraven," he pointed to the dark-haired one, "and Erkas." It was the one with auburn hair.

"I trust you will be in good hands and will arrive safely to Imladris." The King stepped back, and after giving a quick nod to his father, Legolas departed first.

"Go Celeg! Noro!" said Alysae as she jerked on the reins.

-xxx-

The first day passed with no troubles; they only stopped a few times to rest their mounts. That night they drew camp under the covers of large stones, and slept on makeshift beds, the Misty Mountains a dark line in the distance. The stars shone brightly overhead, each light a promise of hope.

The next day came by with no trouble either. They only encountered one Orc, which greatly troubled Legolas. "Orcs do not travel alone," he had muttered. Alysae had felt uneasy, could there possibly be more Orcs roaming around or hidden close to them?

So passed the rest of the week, each day spent with only riding and pausing for breaks, encountering no real menace, safe for the looming shadow that was the Misty Mountain around them, until they were the day before the last of the trip, where they were finally off the mountain and back on less rocky grounds.

Fresh dew glittered on the blades of grass on the morning of the next day. They were to reach Imladris at the end of the day if they were quick, or in the morrow if they encountered any trouble. Unfortunately for them, it seems that trouble had a penchant for them.

They had been travelling for hours now, not once encountering any creatures. The horses gently marched to a steady pace, snorting softly. Alysae caressed Celeg between his ears and played with the flowers in his white mane. She couldn't help but think about her Adar. What was he doing right now? He was probably in a meeting, she thought. Or perhaps, he was annoying Galion to great end, his faithful butler who had to endure him for all those years. She chuckled.

Because Legolas was right in front of her, she saw him tense first. She furrowed her brows. Not a good sign, she thought.

"Orcs," he grabbed his bow from where he'd swung it on his shoulder.

"How many?" asked Alysae, reaching for her knives.

"About ten of them."

She sighted in relief. Usually Orcs travelled in much larger packs, and if they had encountered the usual amount of Orcs, she wasn't sure they would have survived the encounter. But ten? That was manageable, she thought. Even more after the few Orcs they had quickly dispatched during the week. Still, a little flicker of fear grew unsteadily in her heart. Fear is natural, her brother always told her. It is what makes one a warrior. Trust in fear, but do not let it control you. She exhaled.

A few seconds later, she could hear the distant clamour of approaching Orcs. She waited in tense silence, stroking Celeg so as not to frighten it. The Orcs emerged from the trees, wielding sharp weapons above their heads. Before she even had time to blink, an arrow embedded itself in the neck of the first Orc. Legolas had his bow out and was already reaching for another arrow.

He had shot two more arrows, which all reached their mark, by the time she shot her first. The arrow embedded itself in the chest of an Orc, spreading black blood down its middle, and the creature fell. Realising that the Orcs were coming closer –much to close for a bow to be of use- she hopped off Celeg and drew out her long knives. Besides her, Legolas had done the same, and unsheathed his sword which glinted wickedly in the sharp light. The two guards, Erkas and Miraven, were on their feet as well.

And then, the Orcs were on them. Grunts and feral shrieks followed suit, a horrid stench filling the air. Don't think. Act. Alysae used her knife to block at a black crooked sword that a creature had swung at her, its dark scarred skin shining with sweat; her muscles tensed and she felt her arm scream against the brunt force of it. She twirled and slashed her knife across its neck. It gave a gargled cry and slumped on the ground.

Glancing around, she saw Legolas fighting against a heavy Orc who wielded two wicked swords. The sound of metal clashing against metal was all around her. Erkas held his ground against one of the foul creature but Miraven was slumped on the grass. Her heart jumped in her chest.

"Alysae!" she heard Legolas yell.

Pain flared in her arm and a warm liquid dripped down her skin. Her heart jumped. She whirled around, knives flashing. Two yellow eyes and a crooked nose stared back at her, filled with maleficent cruelty. She parried and blocked as it swung its sword at her, slashing the air around her, her muscles straining against the brute force as her heart pounded. Filled with rage she kicked its broad chest, sending it staggering back and struck the place where its heart would be.

Panting, she looked around her once more, to see Legolas beheading the last of the Orcs. She tucked a stray curl behind her ear and closed her eyes. By the Valar was she exhausted. She took deep, measured breaths. The stench of dead Orcs was overpowering, and she fought over the nausea that swept in. Breathe in. They have no souls, she told herself. They would have killed us. Breathe out.

"My Lord!" called one of the guard, interrupting her musing. She opened her eyes. Erkas was holding Miraven's slumped form against his chest, Legolas running towards them.

"He is bleeding!" said Erkas, his voice rising with fear. Miraven had a large cut across his stomach that oozed crimson blood. His eyes were closed, his breaths laboured. Legolas tore open his tunic with a knife to get a better look at the wound.

"Alysae!" he shouted, never getting his eyes off the cut. "Get me the pack!" He didn't have to explain himself for Alysae to understand. The bag in question, was where they kept all their healing supplies. 'The pack' had sort of become a code name for it over the years.

She ran over to the horses, gently nuzzling Doron on the shoulder before grabbing the small pack. When she got back, Legolas was inspecting the wound critically, one hand on the poor elf's wrist to listen to his pulse. Knowing what her brother would ask next, she tore open the small bag and retrieved clean bandages which she gave to him.

"There's poison in the wound," said Legolas grimly. Thick dark liquid coated the edges of the cut.

Erkas' breathing hitched before he took hold of his companion's hand. "Will he live?"

Legolas looked at the deep cut once more, the palor of Miraven's skin. "I know not," he admitted.

Erkas closed his eyes.

"I must dress the wound," continued Legolas. He reached for the strip of white linen that Alysae had given him. His hands did not shake once, not even when Miraven let out a moan of pain. Soon the wound was bandaged tightly so as to stop the blood flow.

"We must get to Imladris for I fear without aid, I shan't be able to stop the poison from taking effect," said Legolas standing up. "We must go, now."

Alysae wordlessly took the healing pack from she'd left it on the dusty ground and followed the elven archer to the horses. Her arm stung a little when she moved it to softly stroke at Celeg's mane.

"You are hurt," a voice said softly behind her. Legolas' cool fingers were immediately on her arm, inspecting the cut. Alysae knew it was nothing serious so she hadn't mentioned it.

"It doesn't hurt that much," she reassured him. He did not reply and continued with the small task that was lightly bandaging the cut.

"At the very least, it shall not get dirt in it," he said stepping away. Alysae nodded in lieu of thanks, knowing very well that her brother did not care about thanks. Besides they had to get moving.

Walking back to the two elven guards, Legolas announced, "We shall arrive at Imladris by nightfall." Doron and the other elves' horses were trailing behind him. Elven steed were swifter, stronger and lived far longer than those of men. The trip from Mirkwood to Imladris that would take weeks on human horseback, could be done in merely days with their elven horses.

He had removed all the packs from Erkas' horse to strap them on Miraven's. "Erkas, you will take Miraven with you," said Legolas, bringing a mousy brown stallion to stand in front of the two guards, one laying on his back, the other supporting him.

Erkas nodded and got to his feet. The next few moments were spent carefully lifting Miraven onto the horse's back. Every movement seemed to cause him pain, and he moaned often, eyes closed. The auburn-haired elf winced every time a cry of pain sounded from his friend's lips.

Soon they were all mounted on their horses, with one carrying two elves, and another bearing no rider. Alysae knew the stallion would follow them.

"Noro!" Legolas urged Doron. They all galloped hard.

-xxx-

Finally, when the sun had disappeared beneath the earth and the last of its ray touched the sky, they reached the trees that marked the beginning of Rivendell. Alysae closed her eyes and relished in the feeling of the buzzing nature around her. The forest here was not as dark as in Mirkwood, still full of life and joy. It surprised her a little, like every time she had come here, that there were no unexpected attacks of giant spiders or foul Orcs.

She glanced back to see Miraven's ashen complexion, contrasting with his dark hair. Legolas nodded grimly at her. If they didn't reach Imladris in time Miraven would most likely not make it.

They urged their horses to go faster.

After what felt like hours –although was much probably a few minutes- they reached Imladris. There, standing upon the carved stones, with streams of water billowing out like lacy curtains, in the twilight stood the mighty place. Even though it was late, birds still soared in the sky and sung in chirped voices.

Some part of Alysae resented the peacefulness of Rivendell. Why was it not suffering like Mirkwood was? But she quickly shoved it away. Now, all she could do was stare at the beautiful sight in front of her.

-xxx-

gwathel - sister

gwador - brother

noro- run

iell nin - my daughter

just in case you wanted to know: Celeg means swift and Doron means oak in Sindarin. ;)

AN: (another one! gasp!) I know, I know. To get to Rivendell from Mirkwood, one would need to cross the Misty Mountains. But. I took some liberties. *shrugs* sorry peeps! (Edited as of 30/10/2020: I have gone back and changed it so that it took a week instead of three days, and made slight allusions to the Misty Mountains)

sorry that this is kinda a filler chapter. oh well. Im not entirely satisfied with the fight scene, but whatever. hope you enjoyed!

Edited 30/10/2020