DISCLAIMER: I ONLY OWN MY CHARACTERS NOTHING ELSE

Warning this chapter holds Fili/Leila fluff!

X

The company was running across the highland. Although Radagast was doing well in leading their attackers off they some how kept stumbling into their path and had to hide. Gandalf began to lead them into land that seemed familiar to her, but she couldn't remember why. They hid behind a boulder, but a warg and orc scout found them. Kili took out an arrow and shot the warg, it was bloody, as the rest of them stabbed it. It let out a blood curdling screech, and Leila knew the rest of the pack would not be far behind. They were on the move again. "Where are you leading us?" Thorin asked. Gandalf just looked at him. Soon they were cornered, and they drew their weapons. There was chaos everywhere.

"Move!"

"Run!"

"There they are."

"There's more coming."

"Kili! Shoot them!"

"We're surrounded."

"Where's Gandalf?"

"He's abandoned us."

"No he hasn't." Leila screamed.

" Stand your ground." Thorin ordered, scowling at Leila.

The orcs were closing in and fast. They were cutting them down but not fast enough.

"This way you fools." Gandalf said, popping up from behind a boulder.

They all ran and slid down into a cave like space. Leila jumped in right after Fili, and ended up rolling right on top of him. They laid there for a moment, then scrambled to their feet, crimsoning.

"Kili! Run!" Thorin screamed.

They could hear the orcs, and wargs coming for them then a horn sounded, and Leila knew exactly where they were. She looked to Gandalf in disbelief. She couldn't believe he would bring Thorin of all people to this place, especially since Thorin was going to kill him. Then an orc's body slid down their shaft with an arrow pierced right into it's jugular. Thorin leaned down and pulled the arrow out, "Elves." he said disgusted.

"I cannot see where this pathway leads. Do we follow it or not?" Dwalin asked.

"Follow it of course." Bofur urged. The company began to descend into it. Leila followed just behind Bombur, and there were times when she was afraid he was going to be stuck. To make matters worse Fili was following just behind her, so if Bombur did happen to be stuck they would be quite near each other. Fortunately that did not happen. At last she saw the end of the path, and smiled. She was so glad to be back, to be home. The rest of the company came out into the little ledge, and they caught their breath. The city sparkled with the light of the late afternoon sun. Leila could feel the familiar aura of peace, and tranquility. It was soothing.

"The valley of Imladris." said Gandalf, "In the common tongue it is known by another name."

"Rivendell." Bilbo whispered, in disbelief.

" Here lies the Last Homely House east of the sea."

" So this was your plan all along to seek refuge with our enemies." said Thorin in a rage.

" You have no enemies here, Thorin Oakenshield." Leila snapped, " The only ill will to be found in this valley is that which you bring yourself."

"You think the elves will give our quest their blessing? They will try to stop us."

"Of course they will. But we have questions that need answering. If we are to be successful this will need to be handled with tact. And respect. And no small degree of charm. Which is why you will leave the talking to me."

They made their way down to the bridge, and passed through the gates. For the first time in a while Leila felt as though she could let her guard down here, that she was safe.

"Mithrandir." her dear friend Lindir said, as he descended the stairs.

" Ah Lindir." Gandalf greeted.

" Stay sharp." Thorin whispered harshly. Leila rolled her eyes at this. Thorin was being paranoid for no reason at all.

"I must speak with Lord Elrond."

"My lord Elrond is not here."

" Not here? Where is he?"

Just then the clip clopping of horses hooves sounded, a patrol of elves, with Lord Elrond at the front was heading for them.

" Close ranks." Thorin shouted.

The dwarfs tightened together as the horses started to circle them. Leila had been pushed into the middle by Dwalin, and was beginning to be crushed by Bombur's rather large backside. She was furious, at everyone! At the elves for purposely trying to scare them. At dwarfs for being so damn pigheaded.

"Gandalf."

"Lord Elrond."

"Strange for orcs to come so close to our borders. Something or someone has drawn them near."

"That may have been us." It was then that Elrond truly looked at the group, although Leila was sure he couldn't see her, because Dwalin, who was rather tall for a dwarf, was standing in front of her.

"Welcome Thorin, son of Thrain. I do not believe we have met. I knew Thror when he ruled under the mountain."

"Indeed? He made no mention of you."

Elrond turned to Lindir and began to speak his native tongue.

"What does he say," said Gloin haughtly, " Does he offer us insults?"

"No," Leila spoke up as she pushed her way to the front, and turned to face the dwarfs," He is offering us food."

The dwarfs discussed for a moment before saying, "Well in that case, Lead on."

Leila turned to face her host and smiled.

"Monelwen." Elrond said affectionately, " It had been a while since you have graced us with your prescence."

"It's just like coming home."

It was at that moment that Arwen came running down the steps. She caught sight of Leila, and let out a small excited shriek. She ran and embraced her in the human fashion, which was rare for an elf. "It has been so long, come your rooms are just how you left them. Let us get you cleaned up. Have you been sleeping well? You look tired." Arwen spoke so quickly it was hard to keep up, she had dropped her usual composed and calm exterior, as she usually did when around Leila, And so she followed her to her rooms on the far side of the palace.

X

Leila entered her rooms, and was filled with nostalgia. Her oak bed was tidy, her desk had a few possessions on it. It was simple by anyone's standards, but it was just the way she liked it. She didn't need a lot to be happy. She was shown to a hot bath, and was told that there would be a gown set out on the bed when she was finished. She didn't really like dresses or things related, but she was like any human, she could enjoy luxury's of life from time to time. She just might go mad if it was a regular occurrence. She undressed and lowered herself into the hot bath, and watched the water immediately turn brown as the filth washed away from her body. She pulled the lavender oil from it's place and poured a little into her hand, and began to wash. The more she scrubbed, the more filth came off of her. It wasn't as though the company didn't bathe, but it was hard for her to find a place of privacy away from the group but not too far away. So there had been times when she had fore gone the luxury of bathing. She submerged herself under the water, and washed all the dirt, and gunk from her hair.

She pulled a white silk robe over her, and walked to the small vanity in the room. She began to massage scented oils into her damp hair. When she was finished she did it in a simple braid, and weaved strands of silver thread into it the way her mother had taught her and Celeste to. When she was finished she thought she might look even regal. She turned to the dress that was lying on her bed. It was unlike any of the dresses you'd see elf maids wear. It was white satin, with a deep blue sheer fabric over the top, the sleeves were not quite as long as the usual elven dress, and it did not have a very long train but it was still elegant, she slipped into it, and was just finishing the fastening when there was a knock at her door. She opened it to reveal Lindir. His jaw dropped a little and he smiled, " Never fail to take my breath away."

"That is an easy thing to do." Leila said smiling, and made a playful jab at his stomach.

He offered her his arm and began to lead her to the dining area.

"Whime care- tye linne- as sí nórë Monelwen, yare tye sinte tye could fírima? Mana na- i purpose -o a meaningless quest? " (Why do you go with these people Monelwen, when you know you could die? What is the purpose of a meaningless quest?)

"-yes na- vamme meaningless ana tien or ana me. Ni sinte mana -yes na- ana n- er, ana have lala er. Ar lala where." (It is not meaningless to them or to me. I know what it is to be alone, to have no one. and no where.)

"Tye have símen, ar tye have me. " (You have here, and you have me.)

He stopped in the corridor, and kissed the back of her hand. She smiled affectionately.

"Ni have told tye Lindir, ni would vamme care- tye anime tare happime than tye would care- me. Ni consider tye a verime melin nur indeed, ar cherish our lú o-. Mal ve úqua tare than friends. " (I have told you Lindir, I would not make you any more happy than you would make me. I consider you a very dear friend indeed, and cherish our time together. But as nothing more than friends.)

"Alas ni estel er amaurea tye lótesse ahime- your ore." (Alas I hope one day you may change your mind.)

She smiled at him, and they proceeded to the dining room. The moment they entered the room fell silent, they stared at her in awe. She hid the grin that threatened to break lose. Dwalin was looking at her with hate and disappointment. Fili was filled with something that she had never had someone look at her before with; she had seen it when men had looked at Celeste, even women, but she had never seen anyone look at her like that, it was..jealousy.

X

Fili watched as Leila was friendly and carted off by the she elf. He was confused. Why did she know them so well? How did she know them? Why had she not told him? The dwarfs were then ushered to a large room that connected with a large balcony. They wandered and looked around until they heard the door open, and in walked Gandalf. They all had a million questions.

"How does our ranger know Lord Elrond?" Thorin demanded.

"Who is she really?" Dwalin also asked skeptically.

"Everyone sit and quiet down. I will tell you everything you want to know. If only for the sake of Leila."

He paused as everyone took their places. He sat down in a large chair, and sighed.

"Leila, as you know, is a ranger. She, as you also know, had a partner. That partner was her twin sister, Celeste. They were the best anyone had ever seen, they were like the yin and yang, they balanced each other out perfectly. About, oh I dunno, maybe five or six years ago. They had a mission. I don't know all the details but I do know that it was a trap, and events took place that cost the life of her sister. She lost her will, and took hardly any jobs, but she did become a teacher and she has trained a few bright young pupils." Gandalf paused to light his pipe.

"So far you have answered none of our questions." Thorin said aggravated. He did not like the wizards round about way of speaking.

"Yes, yes. As to how she knows Lord Elrond, he is her uncle. Her father was an Elf, and he was a fine man. You might have known him Thorin, his name was Rainion." Thorin was stunned, he did remember the elf, he had always been kind to his father and grandfather, and himself. He had never treated anyone as though they were lesser than he. Then his thoughts hardened as he remembered that Rainion had also been no where to be found when his people needed help. He was selfish just like all the rest.

"I do, and yet where was he when my people were starving, when we had no home?" Thorin demanded.

"Dead I imagine, a few years before Smaug attacked, he had been killed by an orc raid on his villiage. He married a very lovely woman by the name of Dona. Donatella Ferngrew was her name, and there was and has never been a human beauty like hers. Although many attributed her beauty with the fact that she was infact a Dunedain, or part. Her grandfather had been an elf. Well anyway, when her and her sister were about 12 or so. Orcs attacked their villiage, and her father died protecting them. A year or so later their mother died of heartbreak. They were on their own for a while, and then they were recruited by the rangers, and trained more indepth. And that is her story, and all you need to know."

"You mean to tell me, " said Thorin barely containing his anger, " You put her in our midst even though she is an enemy."

"How is she your enemy Thorin Oakenshield? She is not an elf, she is only part elf, which is why I cannot see why you have an issue with her. She is a hard worker and a true warrior, and might just save your life one day, or maybe the life of your kin."

Fili was shocked. She was part elf. He was angry, but also hurt, he wanted her to tell him so many things. even though they were strangers. He wondered what this meant. He wondered if she might possibly be his One.

At that moment Lindir, or what ever his name was, said that their supper was ready, and he lead them to a grand dining hall. The elves were playing some dreadfully soft music. Fili was more of a sing along kind of dwarf himself. But the music was not the worst part of the place, they all looked at their bowls full of greens. Dwalin began sifting through his, " Where's the meat?" He said disappointed. Dori was trying to get Ori to try it, but he was having none of it. The way things were looking, bark off a worm infested tree would taste better than what they were being served at that moment. Fili looked around and saw that Leila wasn't there. he wondered where she might be at that moment. It was then that he noticed how silent it was, even the musicians had stopped playing. He turned around and there in the door way was Leila in the most stunning dress he had ever seen. The dirt was off of her face, and the twigs were out of her hair, and she looked exasperatingly beautiful. her eyes seemed to gleam, and her smile looked magical, and warm, but she came in on the arm of Lindir, and Fili found himself glaring. He felt something that he couldn't quite put his finger on, he wanted to be the one to escort her places, he didn't like the fact that she was looking content at Lindir. He especially hated the fact that she looked so stunning, but he liked her better with her hunting clothes on. He felt she looked more comfortable that way. Although the dress she wore brought out her stormy blue eyes, he felt he liked her better with a dirty face, and little twigs and leaves poking out of her braid. He realized she was looking at him in confusion, and he whipped away so fast that one of his braids came up and hit him in the eye. He grabbed it and bit back a curse. He began to angrily shove the bland leaves into his mouth.

X

Leila sat down next to her uncle, and smiled. But her smile immediately faded when she saw what was before her.. greens. She pushed her plate away, and grabbed a fruit.

"Is there something wrong?" Lord Elrond asked, glancing at her plate.

" I know you don't eat meat, uncle, I however cannot stand the leaves you pick straight from the trees."

"We grow these leaves special. They do not come simply from trees, they come from the ground." he scoffed.

"Ground or not, they still do not agree with me."

"Lindir would you go to the kitchens and tell cook we need some meat up here. Lady Monelwen especially requested it."

Lindir left to procure the the request. Leila carefully sliced her pear and and took careful bites while listening to the conversation. The table she was at was speaking of politics, something she cared really nothing for. The dwarfs were complaining about everything, the music, the food, where they sat. Then Bofur got up and said, "Well lads there's only one thing for it." Everyone at her table turned to see what was about to happen. Then Bofur stepped up onto a SACRED PEDESTAL, and began to sing:

There's an inn, there's an inn

There's a merry old inn

Beneath an old grey hill

And there they brew a beer so brown

The man in the moon himself came down

One night to drink his fill.

The Olster has a tipsy cat

That plays a five stringed fiddle;

And up and down he string his bow

Now squeaking high, now purring low

Now sawing in the middle.

The land lord keeps a little dog

That's might fond of jokes;

When there's good cheer among the guests

He cocks an ear at all the jests

And laughs until he chokes

By this time all the dwarfs had joined in and began to through food at one another. Leila was a bit embarrassed, but also amused.

They also keep a horned cow

As proud as any queen;

But the music turns her head like ale

And makes her wave her tufted tail,

and dance upon the green.

And O! The rows of silver dishes

and a store of silver spoons.

For Sunday there's a special pair

And these they polish up with care

On Saturday afternoons

The man in the moon was drinking deep

and the cat began to wail.

A dish and a spoon on the table danced,

The cow in the garden madly pranced,

And the little dog chased his tail.

The Man in the Moon another mug

And then rolled beneath his chair;

And there he dozed and dreamed of ale,

Till in the sky the stars were pale, and dawn was in the air.

Then the Olster said to his tipsy cat

'The white horses of the moon

They neigh and champ their silver bits;

But their masters been and drowned his wits,

And the Sun'll be rising soon!'

So the cat on his fiddle played hey-diddle-diddle

a jig that could wake the dead:

He squeaked and sawed and quickened the tune

While the land lord shook the Man in the Moon

'It's after three!' he said.

They rolled the man slowly up the hill

and bundled him in the Moon,

While his horses galloped in the rear,

And the cow came capering like a dear,

and a dish ran up with a spoon.

Now quicker the fiddle went dee-dum-diddle,

the dog began to roar,

The cow and the horses stood on their heads;

The guests all bounded from their beds,

And danced upon the floor.

With a ping and a pong the fiddle-strings broke!

The cow jumped over the moon

The little dog laughed to see such fun

And the Saturday dish went off at a run,

With the silver Sunday spoon.

The round Moon rolled behind a hill

as the Sun raised up her head.

She hardly believed her fiery eyes;

For it was day, to her surprise

They all went back to bed.

Bofur finished with a flourish, and the dwarfs applauded and cheered. Just then the servers came in with trays of Elk meat, and set them before their guests. Needless to say the dwarfs were much pleased. Leila dished herself out some, and was getting ready to dig in when Elrond touched her hand gently.

"Seeing that your friends took it upon themselves to amuse. I would like for you to sing us a song." Leila paled, Thorin looked surprised, and Gandalf chuckled.

"You know Celeste was the musician." Leila said looking at her hands, " I haven't picked up an instrument in years."

Elrond stared at her with raised eye brows, and a pleading look.

"Of course if you absolutely want me to, I will oblige." She stood, and walked over to the musician stool, and silence fell as she picked up the stringed instrument. She began to strum and sing:

Come home, come home , ye merry folk!

The sun is sinking and the oak

in gloom has rapped his feet.

Come home! The shades of evening loom

Beneath the flowers, and palely bloom

Night-flowers white and sweet.

She paused and continued to strum, then she moved into the song:

Oh! My love, my darling

I've hungered for your touch,

A long lonely time.

And time goes by so slowly

And time can do so much,

Are you still mine?

I need your love,

I need your love.

God speed your love

To me.

Lonely rivers flow to the sea,

To the sea,

To the open arms of the sea.

Lonely rivers sigh, wait for me ,

Wait for me,

I'll be coming home wait for me.

Oh! My love my darling

I've hungered for your touch,

A long lonely time.

And time goes by so slowly,

And time can do so much.

Are you still mine?

I need your love,

I need your love.

God speed your love,

To me.

Lonely mountains gaze at the stars,

At the stars,

Waiting for the dawn of the day.

All alone I gaze at the stars,

At the stars,

Dreaming of my love far away.

Oh! My love, My darling.

I've hungered for your touch

A long, lonely time.

And time goes by so slowly,

And time can do so much.

Are you still mine?

I need your love,

I need your love.

God speed your love to me.

She finished this last note, and it rang throughout the silent dining area. The dwarfs were dumbstruck, the elves were satisfied. Leila locked eyes with Fili, and blushed. He was staring at her in amazement. and slack jawed. She set aside her instrument, and walked back to her seat. She took a bite of her meat, and noticed everyone was still gazing at her. Now she was uncomfortable.

"Well," She said, " Are you finishing your food or not?" The clinking of dishes started up again. But nothing was as loud as before, and Leila knew it was because of her.

A/N: This concludes chapter 9. It's the largest chapter I've written so far. And I had something completely different in my mind when i began to write it. I was going to make their stay in Rivendel only one chapter, but it seems they should stay there a while, and let Fili and Leila get some quality time together. Also I know that the Rangers, are usually Dunedain, but in this story i made it so they could be anyone, and that is why they didn't suspect anything out of the ordinary with her. Btw did it surprise you that she is a Dunedain, or had you guys already caught on?

Also the songs that were sung do not belong to me.

1. The man in the moon

2. A stanza from a song that tolkien wrote.

3. Unchained Melody-Righteous Brothers

I highly recommend listening to Unchained Melody, if you haven't heard it before, to get a better grasp of how she sounded.