Living Like Heroes

Namaarie, Meleth Nien..

Rated PG for mild violence

Prologue
Hushed whispers and furtive glances accompanied the coming into the world of the tiny baby girl. Even her mother did not cry out in pain. It was a dark time of new evils, only now surfacing in the midst of black treachery. As the Lady Galadriel took her newborn child into her arms, she could not keep her eyes from the pearlescent shimmer of the ring on her finger. Oh what treachery lay in its faceted surface and what evil it drew to it. She tore her gaze from its deceptive glow and looked lovingly on the baby. She could no more escape the tear from falling on the child's face than she could stop the sob that shook her hunched shoulders. She raised her face to cast an anguished glance her husband's way. His usual regal stance was haunted with an overwhelming sense of drearyness as he slowly nodded in response to her silent question. She could only close her eyes under the silent weight of her grief as she clutched the baby closer to her. Hours passed, or maybe minutes as she rocked the infant, who still had not cried. Her placid face seemed to reflect a knowledge of the great evil in which she now lived. The silence was heavy, filled to bursting with the burden of unspoken words.

"Galadriel." Lord Celeborn's voice broke the calm. " Even the woods of Lothlorien are not safe from Mordor's gaze. These are not times in which to raise a newborn babe." His voice, though sad, carried an authority and wisdom that even love of a child could not mask.

"What should we,..........I do? she asked, her voice soft. "I have planned it. It is best you not know, lest you are someday forced to tell it."

She nodded, understanding this necessity. Sauron would search her out, to steal her ring of power. He would try to use her child against her. But, if she knew not where the girl was, then there was no way she could be forced to protect her by speaking her location. If she knew nothing, she could tell nothing. "When?" she asked, knowing full well that Celeborn would understand her question.

"Now. I have also found a nursemaid for her." "Now?! But Celeborn, she is our daughter! Can't we just......." The look on his face showed that he understood, but necessity must blot out love. Again, she nodded and then leaned down to place a soft kiss on the baby's forehead. In a quiet voice, she spoke, "Namaarie, meleth nin."

With that, she handed the still-silent child to the waiting nursemaid and closed her eyes in sorrow.

Chapter 1
The roar of the waters of Bruinen drowned out all sound as they spilled over the precipice to fall furiously to the lake below. On a rock perched on the edge of the falls, an Elf maiden sat with legs crossed. Her hands rested palm up on her thighs and her long, light brown hair whipped about her face in the spray of water. Her eyes were closed against the noise and her lips moved in almost silence against the din of the water. A single silver diadem hung in the center of her forehead, the rest of her hair caught in two braids at her temples. Unlike most female elves, her hair was straight and came to her waist. The flowing gown she wore was a silver-green with a low scoop-neck and lightly belled sleeves. It was simple, with few accoutrements aside from a draping belt of delicately carved leaves. An opalescent, leaf-shaped charm decorated her throat on a light silver chain. Her mutterings suddenly grew in volume until even the waterfall could not overpower them.

"Bruinen, vilya. Lasto beth nin." The force of the river and air seemed to slow. "Sedho."

To any casual observer, it would seem as though time had suddenly been trapped. Drops of water hung suspended in the air and the roar of the water ceased. The gentle breath of wind froze in place, leaving her hair sweeped back as if it still fluttered in the air, but there was perfect stillness. Her eyes stayed closed to this and her mutterings became nonexistent. With one flowing gesture, she raised one hand, then dropped it saying, "Rimmo nen a vilya."

The torrent of water that had been stopped rushed forth to meet this command and the wind took up its quiet blowing. She placed both hands back on her thighs and began to speak new words but was stopped by a call to her.

"Maegquareiel?"

She turned to look at this newcomer. It was Rinvilyaiel, the handmaiden to the Rivendell princesses. As usual, she was dressed simply in a gown of blue and green. Her wavy blonde hair was left down with nothing to hold it back and her green eyes flashed in the early morning sunlight. Like most, she flinched when Maegquareiel looked her way. Her piercing stare combined with electrifying violet irises was enough to discomfort any Elf.

Rinvilyaiel cleared her throat uncomfortably and said, "The Princesses desire your company and wish to speak with you about some matter they would not share with me."

Maegquareiel nodded in response, in that slow confident way only she possessed. Her manner was so unlike most of the Rivendell Elves. Even after 3,000 years, perhaps more, one does not count after so many, she still had an air about her of the Wood Elves that even she could not explain. "Tell them I will be along shortly. Quel re."

Rinvilyaiel curtsied gracefully then turned to walk back to the Elven city, leaving the quiet Elf to her practices. There was so much about Maegquareiel that Rinvilyaiel did not know. Her life was spent serving and protecting the two princesses. This other mysterious Elf had come to them millennia ago, according to man's timetable, but from where, she did not know. But, Lord Elrond had always cared for her as though she were his own. Strangely, though, he had never asked Rinvilyaiel to care for the maiden as she did his real daughters.

Her contemplations halted as she re-entered her city, her home. The perfect placements and gleaming buildings remained beautiful even after thousands of years. Perhaps this was so because the city was as much a part of nature as a tree or the sky were. It was an extension of nature's beauty. Water flowed from every niche in the rock and a cool breeze was everpresent. The quiet voices of the Elven people sprang like music from the little clusters of people talking merrily as they walked. Rinvilyaiel greeted some with "Quel re" as she walked. Each Elf knew every other Elf, and Rinvilyaiel was no different. Although sometimes shy, she was well-loved and well-respected among her people.

She reached the palace of Elrond and was allowed inside with a smile from the guard. There was no need for such security, but memories of dark pasts made Elrond ever-watchful. She proceeded to the wing of the palace that belonged to the Princesses and was greeted with a flurry of movement and commotion. She could only smile at this as she stuck her head in the door to see Princess Ascafeniel running about, looking somewhat disheveled while Princess Haeorewen tried to calm her down. Princess Ascafeniel was usually so composed, but today was special.

Rinvilyaiel delivered her message "Maegquareiel comes shortly," then left the room shaking her head in mirth.

Chapter 2
"You can run about all you wish, Ascafeniel, but it won't make him get here any faster," Haeorewen said for the thousandth time, placating her sister.

She sat on the edge of her older sister's bed, her periwinkle-colored dress pooling around her waist. The bodice of the dress was a pure white which slowly bled into blue. The square-cut collar showed off a sparkling silver choker that captured the light inside its glinting surface. She shook her head in exasperation causing her long chestnut locks to sway all the way down to her waist, where they ended in a slight curl. Her deep mahogany eyes betrayed her true mirth, however and she stifled a smile.

"I don't care what you say, Haeorewe, I haven't really seen him since the Fellowship left Rivendell, and that was years and years ago." She paused as a look of pure fear passed her otherwise flawless features. "I do hope he has not forgotten me."

The cool clear laugh of her younger sister served to ease her fears and she was forced to chuckle herself. "Where is Maegquareiel? I need her help." She stood in front of her closet trying to decide on which dress would best suit the occasion.

"You asked to see me?" Maegquareiel's voice floated in from the door, melodic and smooth as she walked into the room. Ascafeniel sighed in relief. "Thank the Valar you are here. I need your help." "With what?"

Ascafeniel prepared to answer, but Haeorewen jumped in, "Legolas Greenleaf is coming and she does not know what to do with herself." Ascafeniel looked as though she would hit her, but instead looked to the quiet Elf with a pleading look in her eyes. "Well, first you must calm down," she said, leading her to sit on the edge of the bed. "Hi, lasto beth nin a hodo," she spoke in quiet, persuading tones and Ascafeniel could feel her inner tempest quiet. "Now, let us help you find something to wear." Maegquareiel stood from the bed and crossed to the closet. She stood there for a moment then pulled out a dress. "Put this on."

After an hour of preparation, Ascafeniel stood in front of her sister and her friend awaiting their judgment. The dress she wore was of the same style as her sister's, but with a scooped collar. The sleeves were a light pink that belled out at the wrists, bleeding into white at the shoulders. The white carried through to the waist where it gradually turned pink again as it became the skirt. A thin golden chain draped over her waist and then dropped to the floor. At her neck was a golden-carved rune meaning "Meleth" A golden circlet adorned her head at the browline and her long brown hair was only slightly pulled back at the temples, the rest falling in naturally flowing waves. She peered out at them through piercing green eyes.

"You look quite lovely, Ascafeniel," her friend spoke, to which sister replied, "Yes, beautiful." Ascafeniel smiled at this and said, "Thank you. I dare say I would never have finished without you two."

A knock at the door caused the trio to turn. Their stares were met by the shy countenance of Rinvilyaiel. "My Ladies, your presence is required in the Great Hall. The company from Mirkwood has arrived."

Chapter 3
The sun shone brightly through the trees as the party of horses came proudly out of the forest. At the head of the procession was a pearl-colored horse astride which was the heir to Mirkwood, Legolas Greenleaf. He wore a deep green tunic and leggings of a shade lighter. His short bow was strapped to his back aside a quiver full of arrows into which a pouch was built to hold twin daggers. His long, white-blonde hair was braided at the temples and then tied back at the crown and braided to the nape of his neck. His eyes shone brightly in the afternoon sun as he dismounted from the horse. He stepped back and extended a hand to the dark-haired Elf maiden behind him to help her get down from her dappled grey mare.

She wore a gown of silver and the circlet of Mirkwood. She was Vanawethwen, sister to the heir, though most knew not of her. She smiled gratefully at her brother who let go of her hand and smiled in return. He nodded to the Elven company behind them who then dismounted as one, their shimmering Elvish cloaks dispersing the sunlight.

He walked through the entrance to the Great Hall of Lord Elrond's palace and was met by the Princesses Ascafeniel and Haeorewen, behind whom was another Elf maided whom he had not met. He'd been here many times before, but had not seen her and now he wondered who she was. No matter. There'd be time for that later. He dropped to one knee before Princess Ascafeniel, took her hand, and kissed it lightly.

She could feel her face heat at the touch of his lips and she struggled to maintain her composure. "Legolas Greenleaf. It is a pleasure to have you again in our company."

He stood, still holding her hand. "The pleasure, My Lady, is all mine." He inclined his head toward her then turned to Haeorewen and took her hand and kissed it as well. "And it is also a pleasure to see you, Princess." "As always Prince, you are most welcome here, but please, do not feel inclined to include me in your welcome. I know for whom you are here," she said smiling as her sister's face turned a delicate shade of pink.

"Your frankness has always been a trait I admired you for, Princess. It is most..........refreshing." He smiled with unprincely mirth and turned back to Ascafeniel. "My Lady, if you would be so kind as to show my company and I to our rooms. The journey was long and tiresome and I am ready for sleep." "Of course. Rinvilyaiel?" she called to the handmaiden who had been standing off to the side. She bowed slightly and waited for instructions.

"Please escort the Prince, his sister, and the rest of their company to their rooms." "Yes My Lady," she answered, curtsying and turning to the company with a smile. "This way please." She turned and the group followed. But, not before Legolas cast Ascafeniel a very meaningful glance, then walked out.

Chapter 4
Some time after the palace had gone to bed, a soft knock sounded on Ascafeniel's door. She rose from the downy softness of her bed, putting on a pink silk robe over her long white nightgown as she did so. Sleep had not yet reached her, so its tell-tale signs did not mar her features. She crossed the cold stone floor to the door and opened it, already knowing who would be on the other side.

Legolas stood there, wearing a loose white shirt over deep green sleep pants. His hair was left undone for the night and his eyes held a trace of shyness in them as he slowly nodded to her. She nodded in return, then stepped aside to give him room to enter. She shut the door behind them, then turned to face him.

He cleared his throat. "It's been a very long time." "Yes, it has." Her answer was curt and cautious.

He looked down at the floor and shuffled his feet uncomfortably. After only a few moments of pregnant silence, his head snapped up and he crossed the few feet between them with quick, purposeful strides. His arms went around her back and his lips met hers in a deep, soulful kiss, making her gasp.

She froze in indecision for just a moment, then threw her arms around his neck and returned the kiss, passionately. Memories of former moments sprang to her mind as if they had happened yesterday, blocking out all vestiges of past loneliness. The warmth of his lips heated her to her toes until she finally pulled back, gasping for breath, her head on his shoulder.

One hand came up from her back and began to lightly stroke her hair as she stood there, arms around him. "Yes," she said, "I've missed you too."

She could feel his shoulders shake in laughter at her quip and he pulled away to look her in the eyes. "I didn't know how to ask," he began quietly, "except to discover if you still felt the same, but using..........this technique."

It was her turn to chuckle lightly, her laughter clear and ringing. "Legolas, what do so few years matter to one who has lived so many and will live many more." It was not a question, but a reflection of her immortality and the patience it brought.

He understood, and nodded solemnly, pulling her head back to his shoulder. "Still," he said, "these few years are still of interest to me. Please tell me about them. But first, who was that maiden who stood behind you and your sister when we arrived?"

Ascafeniel thought for a moment. For some odd reason, her mind had become suddenly hazy. "That was Maegquareiel. Surely you've met her. She has been a part of the family since before I came into the world, since before the first great battle for the Ring."

"Where does she come from? She has the mannerisms of a Wood Elf," he said inquisitively.

"No, surely not," she replied, "Maegquareiel has lived in Rivendell her whole life. Father raised her as his own, even though she is not. He has never once mentioned her origins, though." Her voice trailed off into silence.

She had never really contemplated the mystery that was Maegquareiel until this moment. Maegquareiel had never really mentioned any interest in her own past, so the subject had never been raised. So deep into her thoughts was she that she did not notice that Legolas had moved from her.

He was in front of the fireplace, starting a fire in it to help warm the cool space. She moved next to him and put on a hand on his shoulder, pulling him to the ground where they sat, his arms around her.

In silence, they say comfortably, listening to the occasional crackle of the wood in the fireplace, its spicy scent pervading the air. The subject of Maegquareiel was not brought up again, but its presence still lurked in Ascafeniel's mind. She shrugged deeper into Legolas arms and willed the thoughts to leave her, repeating the Elvish words Maegquareiel had used to help her relax earlier in the day. The peaceful, flowing state of mind she usually possessed gradually overcame the tumult in her mind. Her last conscious thought before sleep took her was that, now, all was well.

Chapter 5
Haeorewen rose early that morning with the intention of speaking with her sister. She put on a simple deep blue gown and brushed out her hair, adding her silver circlet as a last touch. She greeted the Elves she saw in the hallway with a cheerful smile and continued her swift work to her sister's room.

She pushed the door open with her sister's name on her lips. But the sight she was greeted with turned the "Ascafeniel" to "Ascafuh......" Her sister lay sleeping in the arms of the Elf prince who still sat, awake, holding her. Haeorewen cleared her throat. "Good morning, Prince. I trust you......slept well?" "In truth, Lady, I slept not at all, though your sister had little trouble doing so." He laughed lightly which caused Ascafeniel to open sleep-blurred eyes.

As soon as she was where she was, she sat bolt upright, her eyes widening. She turned to her sister and smiled patiently, standing as she did so. "Haeorewen, if you seek my council, perhaps it would be best if you returned later." She turned to Legolas, who by now had stood up, "Good Sir, I would appreciate a moment to get dressed for the day."

He nodded in reply, bowed to Haeorewen, and walked from the room, expecting her to follow. Instead, she shut the door behind him, quickly. Ascafeniel sighed, "Haeorewen, now is not the time."

"On the contrary, it is the perfect time." She sat on the edge of her older sister's bed, turning to peer intently at the composed princess. "What happened?" Ascafeniel's carefully gathered grace fell to pieces as she sank to the bed next to her sister. "I swear to you, Haeorewen, nothing happened. We talked, then sat down, and I fell asleep. That's all. I am sorry for him, for he must have stayed up all night."

She sat their in silence for a moment, quietly reliving the moments she remembered before peaceful slumber had conquered her. The bed shifted underneath her, causing her silent reverie to break, as her sister stood.

"I am glad you are happy, sister." Haeorewen left her sister where she sat on her bed, ned ol. (in dream)

Her heart was happy for the joy of her sister as she traversed the now empty halls to Maegquareiel's chambers. This news was not of the sort that one keeps in shadow. That Ascafeniel was in love with the Mirkwood prince was certain and there was little question that she'd loved him all along. But, did he return this love?

The thought stopped her in her tracks, at the threshold to Maegquareiel's chambers. If Legolas did not love Ascafeniel, she would be utterly heartbroken. But, he must, musn't he? He would not stay awak the whole night, pillowing her sleep if he had no love for her. The need to speak with Maegquareiel became far more urgent as these thoughts swirled in her head. Unfortunately, there was no response to her furtive knocking.

Unable to wait any longer, Haeorewen pushed the door open and peered in..........at an empty room. Well, almost empty. Rinvilyaiel stood, tidying the room.

"Rinvilyaiel, do you know to where Maegquareiel has gone?"

"She did not tell me, but merely asked me to wait here for you. Apparently she knew you would come here, isn't that odd? But, the message was even more strange," she trailed off. Haeorewen stood patiently, waiting for it. But, Rinvilyaiel did not speak it.

"Yes, I'm sure it was odd, Rinvilyaiel, but it would help me greatly if you'd speak it." She struggled to keep her impatience from slipping into her voice. "Oh, yes. She said to have hope. That's all, have hope. Now, isn't that odd?"

"Yes, Rinvilyaiel," she answered, her voice quiet, "very, very odd. I'm going to the river, Rinvilyaiel. She will probably be there." She made to leave, but paused a moment, turning back to the silent handmaiden. "I am sorry to have been short with you, Rinvilyaiel. You are a good friend to me and I wish never to risk our friendship."

"My Lady," Rinvilyaiel spoke, softly, "there will never be a time when I leave you."

Haeorewen smiled warmly at her quiet friend and guardian, then rushed from the room towards the open waterfall of Bruinen.

Chapter 6
After a brief council with his sister, Vanawethwen, Legolas decided to take a walk outside the city walls. After sitting in one position the entire night, he felt the need to stretch his muscles. His observant gaze took in the beautiful city that was so unlike his home. Even though the evil had been purged from it, Mirkwood would always be a dark place, overcome by shadows. Rivendell was as bright and airy as Mirkwood was dark and suffocated.

Legolas rejoiced in the play of the sun on his face as he walked through the forest to the boundaries of Rivendell. The mighty Bruinen could be heard at the edge of the woods, the crashing of its falls filling his senses. Ahead of him, the trees ended and beams of sunlight poured in to light his path. Parting the leaves in front of him, he faced the river's waters, clear blue in the morning sun.

He stooped to the water's edge to cup a handful of the cool liquid. He splashed it across his face, rejoicing in its purity. As he stood, wiping the clear drops from his face, he felt the wind grow stronger. Much stronger. It whipped his hair about his face and took his breath away. The tempestuous wind compelled his legs forward until he gave up trying to fight. He walked with it, sought, to where he knew the Bruinen culminated in a waterfall. He'd heard its crashing even before he'd entered the deep forest.

The incessant blowing finally ceased, but still Legolas felt the need to see the falls. His curiosity grew with each step of his booted feet, until, at last, the powerful waterfall came into view. Only then did he notice the maiden seated on a large rock at the edge of the cliff. She was sitting in a meditative pose, hands palm up on her crossed legs. She wore a sleeveless, mint-colored gown that draped in folds at the collar, but was otherwise plain.

Indistinct words floated to his ears. They were persuading and melodic, and he felt himself straining to hear them. Again, the wind grew in intensity and he watched fascinated as her hair and dress fluttered in its wake. Her hands lifted slowly from her legs and the wind ceased. But what replaced it caused Legolas to gasp, audibly.

She dropped her hands to the water, dipping only her fingertips into its azure depths. But, when she lifted them from the water, it clung to her fingers, not in tiny drops, but in threads. Clear ribbons of water floated up from the river bed, detaching from her fingers to swirl about her body. They formed a criss-crossing mesh that flowed about her still form as her lilting words became a song. Her voice rose above the water's roar, its pure beauty dwarfing that of even the ribbons of water. These swayed and pulsed to the rhythm of her voice as it rose and fell.

Again the wind gathered strength, but this time it did not touch her. No strand of hair moved. No piece of fabric shifted. But Legolas was struck by it, full force. It hit him like a hammer forged in dwarf hands. He staggered under its power, raising a hand to shield his eyes so that he could keep them open. He felt unable to free his gaze from the water-shrouded syren who by now, had stood. The threads of water ceased their flowing and dropped to the river as she stepped down from the rock.

The water thinned where she stepped, allowing her to walk unimpeded. She made her way towards the flustered prince who still fought against the wind s onslaught. She stopped before him, raising her hand, then flinging it to the side. Immediately, the wind fled from him, and he was left coughing.

When finally he had composed himself, he said, "You knew I was here before I had even come close to the waterfall."

She nodded in response and then said nothing more. He opened his mouth to speak again but she raised a hand to stop him. "There is no need to ask questions of me, Legolas Greenleaf, for I could not answer them even if you were to speak them. I know not how I felt your presence, but I did, nor do I know how to control the wind and water, but I can. I am a mystery even to myself."

He could think of nothing to say to this so he simply peered at her. She was definitely the maiden he'd noticed yesterday, Maegquareiel. She stared back at him, and he could feel her eyes read his soul. He searched their violet depths, but could read nothing from them. She smiled, slowly, a look of understanding on her face.

"You have many answers for me, Legolas Greenleaf."

She stepped aside of him, and walked back toward Rivendell, stopping only briefly as Haeorewen came rushing over to her. They conversed quietly for a moment, then Maegquareiel nodded and continued on her way back to Rivendell.

Haeorewen walked over to Legolas' side. "I see you've met Maegquareiel. Interesting, isn't she?" she asked, good-naturedly, looking up at him.

"Yes," he said, almost silently, "interesting."

Chapter 7
Maegquareiel walked slowly through the palace to answer a summons from the Lord Elrond. Her countenance was peaceful and blank, but inside, her mind followed the currents of Bruinen, speeding about in a turmoil. The chance meeting with Mirkwood's heir had awakened old questions of her history. She was different, there was no doubt of that, but why? That single word plagued her thoughts until, at last, she reached the garden where she was to meet Lord Elrond.

He stood, resplendant in the sunlight, his silver crown glistening, a reminder of his position in their Elven society. He turned to her, not smiling, for he rarely did, and watched as she approached, her steps sure and smooth.

"You called for me?" she asked, when at last she reached him.

"Yes. I have received a message from Lothlorien."

For some reason inexplicable to her, the name Lothlorien made her heart leap in what could only have been described as joy. This emotion was replaced by one of fear, which was even more strange than the first. These passed in a moment and were forgotten as soon as they had.

Elrond continued. "I must send a company of Elves to Lothlorien, and you must lead it."

She fought the urge to recoil in surprise at this shocking news. "Ada(father or dad) this news is unexpected and I am not sure what to say aside from why me?"

"Because it was you that was asked for," he answered.

"Me? But why? I know naught of Lothlorien nor the way to get there. I have seen little of battle and have scarce left these walls."

Her voice became somewhat frantic and Elrond was taken aback. Maegquareiel was never flustered, but here was acting like a frightened child.

"You do yourself injustice, Maegquareiel. You have been trained extensively in the ways of combat. Besides, you will not be alone. I have already spoken to Ascafeniel and Haeorewen who will join you, and I'm sure you will find friends along the way."

There was little more she could say, so she nodded in acquiescence, and turned to leave. As she walked, the question of when sprang to her mind. To her surprise, Elrond answered from behind her.

"Three days. You should be ready to leave by then."

"How did you know I would ask that?" she asked, puzzlement in her voice.

"Because I heard you say it, as you walked from me," he said, an equal amount of confusion in his voice.

She concealed her surprise at his response, curtsied, then walked from the garden, her thoughts plaguing her. She knew for a certainty that she had not spoken, but Elrond had heard her question. Could she have mastered telepathy? No, surely not. This odd talent would have surfaced milennia ago, along with her elemental abilities. Elrond had the power of foresight, perhaps telepathy as well. Yes, he had heard her thoughts. That was all it was.

So troubled was she, she rounded a corner in the hall and walked right into a passing Elf. She sputtered an apology only to look up into the face of Legolas. He had heard her coming and had moved out of the way, just enough to catch her should she be completely caught off guard. And she was.

"An Elf caught off guard? I am surprised Lady." Mirth crept into his voice.

"My thoughts are troubled, Prince. I fear I forgot myself for a moment."

He looked intently at her face, noticing how her emotions were plain to see. Few Elves were so easily read. His mirth was replaced by concern.

"Are you alright, Lady?" he asked, turning her face to look at him.

"My father.........Lord Elrond has decided to send my sisters and I.........my friends and I to Lothlorien. I know now why, but I fear the journey." She moved her face from his hand, and returned his stare.

"I assume you mean Haeorewen and Ascafeniel?" he asked, and continued at her affirmative nod. "And it will just be you three?"

"I imagine so. We are all combat-trained, so I fear little in the way of battle. I can not place it, but an unknown threat shadows my concious. I can feel its pressure all around me. It is a burden, that, even now, weights on me, and I only just learned of it." She put her head in her hands, trembling visibly.

He moved to put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but she lifted her head before he could.

"I must go to the river to think on this. Thank you for offering you comfort, Legolas." She smiled warmly. "I'm sure Ascafeniel misses you. I am sure she does," she said, emphasizing 'sure'. She smiled one last time and headed in the direction of the Loudwater.

Chapter 8
Before going to see Princess Ascafeniel, Legolas headed in the direction from which Maegquareiel had come. He stopped only once to ask a passing maid where he might find Lord Elrond. He moved at a brisk pace, somehow maintaining the look of flowing water or the wind in trees. When at last he reached the garden, he found Lord Elrond seated on a stone bench, holding a single rose to his nose for a brief moment.

He paused before entering, not wanting to interfere in this quiet moment. But, of course, Elrond had already heard him approach.

"What might I help you with, Legolas Greenleaf?" he inquired, not turning as he placed the rose next to him on the bench.

Legolas bowed briefly, then answered, "I am sorry to interrupt, Lord Elrond, but I stumbled into a chance meeting with your daughter....well, with Maegquareiel. She told me of the journey she will make with Haeorewen and Ascafeniel. I ask you now to let me accompany them."

Elrond seemed to consider this for a moment and stood to confront the visiting Elf. "Maegquareiel will face challenges on this journey that even her friends, almost her sisters, will not be able to help her with. Can you help her, Legolas?" he questioned, a serious, almost grim expression, painting his features.

Legolas' expression betrayed none of his confusion as he mulled over an answer. Finally he spoke, "Life puts challenges in front of us all, some more difficult that others. I have lived through my own, becoming a better man because of them. I do not fear life's challenges and I will do what I must to help her."

His answer must have satisfactory, because Elrond gave a slow nod and then said, "And what of your company? Will they go with you as well?"

Legolas thought about this for a moment. "We will stay together until we cross Hithaeglir (Misty Mountains) Then they will return to Mirkwood. I do not want to endanger Vanawethwen. She is strong in combat, but I do not wish to put her in harm's way."

Again, the Elf Lord nodded his assent, but this agreement was followed by a sigh. "I have no choice but to allow you to go with them. May the Valar protect you."

Legolas bowed the the somewhat troubled Lord, spun on his heel, then walked out, finally on his way to speak with Ascafeniel.

Chapter 9
Ascafeniel's hurried preparations were suddenly halted by an appearance from her handmaiden. Rinvilyaiel's skin looked sickly and her eyes held more than a little fear.

"Were you going to tell me?" she asked, her voice louder and more powerful than usual.

Ascafeniel was slightly taken aback and was unsure how to answer. She knew, of course, what the woman spoke of, but how to tell her the truth?

"I do not know, my friend. I feared your reaction, and I was right to do so," was her answer and upon hearing it, her friend's face fell.

"How could you go without me? I must go with you. I will go with you." Her voice was strong with no tremor of doubt.

Still, Ascafeniel knew she could not ask her friend to risk her life for her. She meant to say as much, but Rinvilyaiel stopped her before she could.

"No Ascafeniel," she almost shouted. She never used the Princess' first name. "I am going with you. You will need me, if only because a friend is needed. I intend to speak with Lord Elrond on the matter in only a few minutes. I hope to be able to tell him that I have your permission."

Ascafeniel sighed. "I can not stop you. But, I suppose the trip will be less bleak should you be there to add your own light to the dark paths. Yes, Rinvilyaiel, you have my permission."

With that, Rinvilyaiel bowed and murmured a quiet "thank you" before leaving, heading in the direction of the garden.

As soon as she'd gone, Ascafeniel resumed packing, but slowed at the sound of approaching footsteps. She pretended as if she didn't notice, for she recognized the quiet footfalls. At the last possible second, she dropped the item she was holding and spun around, flashing out with a hand palm-out, to his stomach. He caught it easily and pulled it behind her back, pulling her to him in the process.

"Trying to sneak up on me, Prince?" she asked softly, his eyes searing her soul.

"No. But, perhaps to surprise you."

"Ah, but good sir, to surprise on Elf is close to impossible." Her voice was almost silent now, but the humor in it stood out.

"Ah, 'tis true. But, I think I have succeeded in doing so on a previous occasion."

She could feel her face heat at the mention of that, yes, surprising kiss the night before. He chuckled softly at the delicate pink her cheeks had turned and she was forced to smile in return. The grip on the arm behind her back had, by now, become a soft touch that carried up her arm to rest on her face.

"You are so beautiful, Ascafeniel," he breathed, quietly.

Before she could respond to this out-of-nowhere compliment, his lips met hers and her breath was completely taken away. She could only sigh softly, as her arms travelled, of their own accord, up his back to curl around the back of his neck, her fingers playing in his hair.

The warmth of his arms around her dimmed the cool of the room in which they stood, as he held her even more tightly to him. But, he pulled back, making her look up into his eyes in surprise.

"I spoke to your father, Ascafeniel," he said, his tone suddenly very serious.

"Why? What did you need to speak with him about?" she asked in return, her eyes still somewhat clouded.

"I am going with you, to Lothlorien."

Her heart leaped at this, for, now, the journey did not seem so dark.

"I am happy to hear it. The trip was going to be quite lonely, but now, my heart is less heavy."

When he did not comment at this, she looked into his eyes, seeing only worry there.

"What is it?" she questioned as he stepped back to sit on her bed.

"Something your father said. He said that Maegquareiel would face challenges that even you could not help her with, but I would have to. I fear it. Your sister............well, friend, I suppose, wields a great deal of power. How can I help her wher you can not?"

Ascafeniel moved to sit next to him. She put her head on his shoulder. "You will know, when the time comes."

He stood from her, and took her hand. He placed a light kiss on it then said, "Now, I must prepare and tell Vanawethwen of my plans. Until later, Ascafeniel."

He bowed and walked from the room where she resumed her packing as if nothing had happened.

Chapter 10
Three days flew by as if on wings, and the party assembled to leave. They stood in a straight line, all dressed for travel. Legolas wore the outfit he'd arrived in, with the addition of a green cloak. Ascafeniel stood aside him, wearing a silver tunic and pale green leggings. A bow and quiver of arrows were strapped to her back and a curved sword lay in a hilt on her waist. Haeorewen was dressed the same. Rinvilyaiel wore a plain green tunic and leggings and carried only her bow and arrows on her back.

Maegquareiel stood at the head of the company. She was dressed to stand out, to make her position of leadership known. She wore what looked to be a corset, but was in fact leather armor in a forest green that tied in back. It covered only her midsection and middle of her chest, where it became a flowing white shirt which dipped at the collar and could be tied, tighter or looser. The sleeves were loose, and lightly flowing. The shirt could be seen at the base of the armor, where it fell to her waist. She wore leggings of the same color as her armor.

Strapped to her thighs were twin, curved daggers attached by tan leather bands which buckled on the front of her leg. A bow and quiver of arrows was strapped to her back. But, even with all this finery, her eyes still held an uncertainty at her newfound authority and the question of whether she was equipped to be in charge burned in her mind. She put these thoughts to the side as Elrond approached.

"We are ready," was all she said and he nodded.

"Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya," he said. (May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky.)

With that, the company turned, and as one, mounted their horses. The road to Lothlorien would be filled with peril, but, perhaps, they should have feared it more.

Chapter 11
The party was silent as they moved through the still woods. The only sound was the quiet swishing of wind in the leaves, and the occasional snort from one of the horses. Gentle beams of sunlight trickled through the tree branches to play lightly on the lush vegetation of the forest floor, stirring small animals who ran from the passing entourage. The perfect silence of the woods was almost oppressive, but none made an effort to break it. Instead, they kept glancing at the woman who led the group, trying to put faith in her.

As if to quell the rising tide of their fears, Maegquareiel raised a hand to stop them. In little more than a whisper, she called, "Legolas!"

He moved his horse to stand next to hers and waited patiently for her to speak.

"I know this area very little. I would be most grateful if you would help me find the way."

He nodded an affirmative, and started again, but now, sharing the lead with the silent woman. He knew the way to Lothlorien, and had thought she would, too. But, it was entirely possible that she'd never left the boundaries of Rivendell before, even though she had lived for milennia. He could not imagine living such a secluded life and marvelled that she was able to have such an existence. She was not unlike him, and if this was the case, then the call to adventure must have made her ache inside. And yet, she seemed nervous, spooked, yes, even afraid of what was to come.

A low whistle from the rear of the company snapped him out of his contemplations to a realization that night had fallen. Maegquareiel's horse had stopped, and his had too, without him even noticing. That was odd. Legolas was always alert and completely observant of his surroundings.

Maegquareiel dismounted from her horse and signalled for the rest to do the same.

"We will make camp in that clearing," she pointed to said place. "Rinvilyaiel! Take Haeorewen and find firewood. Ascafeniel, take out the lembas and bedrolls. Legolas, assign watches for the rest of the night. Each person will take one. I am going to ride ahead a little ways to scope out the terrain. I shall return soon."

She climbed back up on her horse, who whinnied softly in protest. She leaned down close to the animal's ear. "Do not worry, Himwathion, you will be able to rest soon. Just a little longer, my friend."

She gave the horse a soft pat on the neck and turned to her friends who stood in indecision. "Attend to your tasks. I shall return soon."

With these words, she whispered a soft word to her horse and they took off down the path, leaving the rest of the company watching in her wake. No one moved.

"You heard the Lady. To your tasks!!" came Legolas commanding, yet soft voice.

The group immediately scattered, setting up camp. Legolas moved to his sister's side.

"Vanawethwen, you can take the first watch, starting now, if you'd like."

She nodded and moved away from her brother, towards a stand of trees bordering the clearing. Choosing one, she quickly climbed high into its branches and perched there, her keen eyes taking in everyone's movements.

Below, she spotted Rinvilyaiel and Haeorewen, picking up firewood. They were speaking quietly, almost furtively as they chose suitable branches.

"I'm glad you were able to join us, Rinvilyaiel. I fear I would be very lonely without you, my friend."

"I also am glad to join you, but you would have been fine had I not. You are close to Maegquareiel. She would have kept you company."

"Aye, 'tis true. But, she does not understand me. Sometimes, I fear no one does. But, if anyone has ever come close, it's you." She smiled warmly, and returned to picking up fallen branches.

These turned out to be an excellent source of fuel, and burned brightly in the dark forest. Night had, by now, blackened the woods until the darkness was as a blanket. They spoke quietly, eating, and enjoying each other's company. Strangely, though, Maegquareiel had not yet returned. Vanawethwen had long since been relieved of her watch, as had Haeorewen and Rinvilyaiel. So much time had passed, in fact, that some of the Elves lay sleeping.

A quiet call of "Maegquareiel returns!" woke them and all snapped to attention. The sound of horse's hooves came from the path, but they were at an easy pace, no threat could have followed the animal. Maegquareiel gave no call for assistance and the look-out could see nothing amiss with her, so the anxious Elves slowly calmed.

The gentle, luminous glow of the, now-tired, horse stood out like a beacon in the blackness. Its languid shimmer slowly came closer and closer to the camp until, at last, Maegquareiel was able to dismount. She stepped in front of her horse, taking its muzzle gently in her hands.

"My thanks, mellon nin."

She turned to the waiting group whose inquisitive stares drew her attention.

"News such as I must tell you is best told in daylight. Until then, I must sleep. Wake me when it is my turn to stand watch."

With that, she moved closer to the fire, laid out her bedroll, and murmured a quiet "good night" to those closest to her. The stars were all but dimmed when she finally fell asleep.

Chapter 12
Legolas sat quietly in the dark, atop little rise near the clearing. It was a perfect place from which to have his watch, no threat could get by without him seeing. Fortunately, there was no sound or threat from any direction, so he sat, in peace. His mind ached to discover what it was Maegquareiel had seen on her trek into the forest, but he willed it to be quiet.

No sooner had he done this when quiet, almost silent footsteps approached. He made to jump up, but recognized the soft footfalls as Ascafeniel's. He settled back down and waited for her to sit beside him. She did not wait long to interrupt the quiet.

"I feel as if I have not spoken to you for a long time. I am sorry if I am distracting you, but the necessity of seeking your counsel was becoming more and more urgent."

When he did not respond, merely looked at her intently, she forged on.

"Legolas, I have known you for a long time. Long by any standards and when I am with you, I feel more like myself, more complete than with any other Elf I know."

His heart was happy to hear it and he smiled, a soft smile. When she saw this, her hand came up to her neck, without any thought of it.

"I fear what this trip may hold in store, though I have no logical reason for feeling such. I do not want to lose you, Legolas. I need you to know how important you are to me."

With that, she slowly lifted a delicate silver chain from her neck.

He recognized it at once. A Vanimle pendant. All the women had begun wearing theirs upon leaving Rivendell. His heart leaped into his throat at the sight of it. The pendant dangled from the chain, glimmering in the dark. It was thin, made of silver which had been made to look like three ribbons whose ends curled up on themselves to loop and meet at the top. Between each silver loop was a white-blue crystal that sparkled alluringly. It was so beautiful, he wanted to reach out and touch it. But, when she tried to hand it to him, he recoiled.

His heart wrenched at the awful pained expression on her face, but he could not take the pendant from her outstretched hand.

"Ascafeniel, I care more about you than almost anything else in the world, but I do not love you. I can not love you, even though, at times, I wish I could. To take this pendant from you would only hurt you in the end and I do not want to cause you pain."

The look on her face told him he'd already hurt her, more than he could ever make up for. His assumptions were only proven true when, instead of placing the necklace back around her throat, she tipped her hand, letting it fall to the ground. Before it even hit the soft grass, she'd leaped to her feet and begun to run back to the camp.

No tears clouded her eyes, but the overwhelming affects of grief did. She'd never known such heartwrenching pain in her life, and it tore through her, making her gasp. She felt betrayed and lost and so alone that when she reached the camp, she almost stumbled past it. But, a reassuring hand grabbed hold of her.

Maegquareiel's serious, questioning eyes grabbed onto Ascafeniel's tremulous ones. No question was needed, Maegquareiel could easily read the pain in her friend's face. Instead of questioning her, she led her to the bedroll laid aside for her, next to Haeorewen and placed a blanket over her. With a nudge and quiet explanation, Maegquareiel woke Haeorewen, who moved to her sister's side, to comfort her. Heartbreak was a dangerous enemy to an Elf, as dangerous as any sword. Ascafeniel could not be left alone.

As soon as Maegquareiel was sure that Ascafeniel would be well watched, she stood and went in search of the Elven Prince who had to hurt her friend, her sister, with grim determination painting her countenance.

Chapter 13
When she crested the rise in the hill, she found him witting there, quiet, his head in his hands. She did not speak or make any mention of her presence, but still he spoke,

"What have I done?" His voice was strained, sad, heavy even.

At his question, she moved in front of him, staring down at him until he was forced to look up. His courage was made obvious when he met her fiery gaze, unflinchingly.

"I didn't want to hurt her," he said, his voice reasoning with her.

"Then why did you?" Her voice was determined, controlled, rage swimming behind her carefully measured speech.

At his trembling sigh, she sat in front of him, kneeling so that she was slightly below where he was seated.

"I know you can feel the anger in my voice, but perhaps it was premature. You carry some sort of pain that you are unwilling to share."

His gaze finally left hers at this and so she forged on, knowing she'd struck a nerve. "I deal with this sort of emptiness every day. Let me help you bear it. Tell me." Her voice, was soft, pleading with him to explain his actions so that she would not have to hate him for hurting Ascafeniel. She did not want to have hate; she knew that something plagued him.

He was silent for a long time, but Elves are patient, so she waited, still and pensive. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, controlled.

"I care for Ascafeniel immensely, but I was afraid to allow myself to love her. I know this had pained her, but it is for the best, her best."

"Why Legolas? Why is this best for her?" she questioned, when he didn't speak for a few moments.

"I fear to be alone, Maegquareiel. Someday, many years from now, Ascafeniel will board the ships and will travel to the Undying Lands. But, I won't. I will stay in this land until I am destroyed by some force, be it sword or arrow. I can not leave this place, for I long too much for adventure. I do not want to be lonely in my stay in Middle Earth. I will not be left to die of a broken heart. I fear to lost a part of me that I love, and if I were to allow myself to give my heart to her, I would have to snatch it away later. Can you see how this would hurt her? I know she hurts now, but that pain will cease after a time. I hope she knows this."

He stared off into the foret, peering above her head, as though to look into her eyes would reveal his inner turmoil.

"Now, she does not, and it will take a long time for her to understand your reasons. I myself do not completely understand them. You have never known loneliness in your life, how can you fear it so?"

She flinched as turned toward her, suddenly, his eyes flashing angrily. He didn't speak, but she immediately understood.

"You've lost someone."

The fire in his eyes diminished, and he slumped, defeatedly.

"Who?"

He paused so long that she realized her question was painful to him.

"I am sorry, Legolas. It was not my place to ask such a personal question. I did not mean to add to your grief."

He nodded, accepting her apology and said, "My mother, Maegquareiel. My mother. She never even said goodbye. How could she leave me?"

There was no room for a response, so she eased his torment simply by adding the comfort of her presence. In the calm, she noticed the pendant Ascafeniel must have dropped and she picked it up.

The pain of the moment and the new discovery were suddenly forgotten, as Legolas jumped to his feet, alert, staring into the distance. But, it was Maegquareiel who spoke, putting the chain into a pouch on her waist,

"Perhaps I should not have waited so long to tell you what I saw in the woods. Something draws near, and it is more terrible than we are prepared for."

Chapter 14
As soon as she finished speaking, a quiet hooting could be heard from the forest ahead. It was made by no animal, obviously a signal. In unison, Maegquareiel and Legolas both turned for the camp and began to run in its direction. When they reached the clearing, most of the Elves, save for Ascafeniel, had risen and drawn their bows. Maegquareiel ran to her place next to the fire, and retrieved her bow and quiver of arrows. Ascafeniel still had not risen, so Maegquareiel knelt next to her, and took her hand.

"Find the strength to continue, my friend. Le naa belegohtar (you are a mighty warrior), now is the time to show it." With that, she pulled Ascafeniel to her feet, and placed the recovered Vanimle pendant in her hand.

"Be strong."

Ascafeniel nodded and retrieved her own weapons, turning to face outwards from the fire, as had the rest of the group. Legolas had moved to stand slightly ahead of his sister, who had also brandished a bow. They were, all of them, perfectly still, each holding their bows at a forty-five degree angle from their waist, arrows pointing to the ground.

Remembering her place as leader, Maegquareiel moved to the front of the group just in time to hear a slight pounding of drums. The company shifted slightly toward the sound and raised their bows to a ninety degree angle, but waited for a signal from the woman who stood at the head, her face blank and pensive.

"Tangado haid," (hold your positions) she whispered softly, keeping the force behind her at bay.

A sudden crackle from the fire at their center reminded them of its light and noise. Maegquareiel closed her eyes and muttered a few words of Sindarin, catching the group off guard as a rush of rain poured forth to cover both them and the fire. It lasted only long enough to blanket both the flame and its smoke, when it slowed to a drizzle and finally stopped.

The group had remained vigilant throughout the brief storm and now, even with such superb hearing, strained to pick up sounds of approaching enemies. There were none, no drums, no signals, but they maintained readiness for several minutes.

When at last she was sure that no threat approached, Maegquareiel lowered her bow and motioned for the rest to do the same.

"Double the watch, Legolas, but first, I must tell you that which I was unwilling to, before."

The group turned toward her as she sat on the ground, atop the water-resistant material of her bedroll.

"Deep into the forest, I came upon a fragment of a white handprint, pasted onto a rock. The sign of Saruman. We all know he's gone, but some of his fighting force still lives, albeit a small amount. Even farther into the woods, I came upon the remnants of a camp, but the ashes of the fire were not yet cooled. Thankfully, the Uruks, for that is what I expect they are, were nowhere to be seen and so I believe they know not that we are here, but now, we must be extra careful. Double watches the rest of the night, I will share it for the rest of the evening. Be careful, my friends."

The night passed without anymore interruptions and when the sun shattered the oppression of the night, the Elves rejoiced and were soon on their way. But now, the threat of the Uruk-Hai made them even more guarded and ever watchful.

Fortunately, days and nights passed with little adventure and soon the travelling party had left Vanawethwen and the rest of the company in Mirkwood, leaving only Maegquareiel, Ascafeniel, Haeorewen, Rinvilyaiel, and Legolas, to face the dangers of the road.

They were well-equipped, however, so when night found this severely reduced group, Ascafeniel was set on watch while the rest slept. Or, at least, seemed to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, Maegquareiel rose and joined her friend, who did not turn to acknowledge her presence.

"I will not love again, Maegquareiel," she said, after a long silence.

Maegquareiel had no answer to this, and could not read her friend's eyes and understand, for her friend was staring at some distant place. Her hands moved slowly, so Maegquareiel looked at them, and discovered that her friend was holding her pendant, slowly moving it in her palm.

Maegquareiel reached out and placed one hand over Ascafeniel's to stop the movement. She then took the pendant from her and said,

"Perhaps you will not, but someone will love you, Ascafeniel, and you will be forced to realize that time erases pain."

She then lifted the pendant and placed it around her friend, her sister's neck. Ascafeniel still did not look at her, but, emotionlessly she said,

"I am so alone, Maegquareiel."

With that, she slowly turned to look at the pillar of strength and comfort beside her, revealing the liquid shimmer of tears, threatening to fall.

"No, have hope," was all Maegquareiel said in reply.

At her quiet reassuring words, Ascafeniel broke down, tears rushing from her eyes. Her shoulders hunched, and her head hung, spilling the clear drops onto the ground. Unable to bear seeing her sister in such pain, Maegquareiel leaned forward and put her arms around her, anchoring her with the sympathy of the hug.

"Have hope, mellon nin, have hope."

Chapter 15
The sun found Maegquareiel and Ascafeniel emotionally spent, but ready to face the day. Their horses needed rest, but the necessity of getting to Lothlorien quickly made their discomfort bearable. Besides, they were not far from the city of the Lord and Lady, so they did not feel guilt at the weariness of their mounts.

It was about noon, the sun beating down mercilessly, when Maegquareiel suddenly put a hand up to stop the group and sat up straight on the back of her horse.. In one fluid movement, her feet touched down on the dirt road, and she crouched down, her hand falling to the soft turf. A quiet voice came from behind her.

"Something is coming." It was Ascafeniel, who by now had moved to her side.

She gasped, audibly at what Maegquareiel was looking. Footprints, large and threatening.

"Uruks, there is no doubt of it now."

She stood and notched an arrow to her bow, the rest following suit, forming a circle. The horses moved to the edge of the road, on instinct, trying to protect themselves from the threat they could sense. Their movement could not have been better timed, for suddenly, dark black arrows flew towards them.

They hit nothing but air, as the Elves moved out of the way and retaliated with a volley of their own arrows, rewarded with the heavy thuds of fallen bodies.

There was no time to let loose another barrage of these deadly missiles, for their invisible enemy leaped, suddenly from the trees. All but Rinvilyaiel, who had only her bow, replaced their arrows with swords or daggers.

The grotesque, white hand-printed faces of the Uruk-Hai frightened the Rivendell crew, but Legolas seemed completely in his element. Holding his daggers backwards, with the blades facing his forearms, he cooly dispatched Uruk after Uruk. He felt someone back up against him and recognized the ties of Maegquareiel's armor. She was fighting much the same way he was, using the daggers previously strapped to her legs.

He smiled for the new protection at his back, and whipped out with an attack to the mutated Orc in front of him. The dagger caught the enraged creature under the shoulder where the armor was weak, giving Legolas enough time to slash the howling Uruk's throat.

He took the moment he had to risk a glance at the rest of the fighting force. Ascafeniel was faring well with her sword, taking careful, measured strokes that caused the most damage, while Haeorewen used broader, swinging attacks, clearing a path. Rinvilyaiel had moved to a higher vantage point, firing carefully aimed arrows, picking off targets one by one. Things were looking good for the group.

Legolas was snatched back to his surroundings by a stinging, warm pain across his abdomen. The wound enraged him, and doubled his attacks, overwhelming the Uruk who had wounded him. Just at the point of defeating the monster, Legolas faltered, clutching his stomach in pain.

The Uruk-Hai raised his sword in triumph, only to fall to his knees in pain, an arrow in his back. Behind him, with bow raised, was an Elf Legolas had not before seen.

He was tall and thin, dressed in much the same way Legolas was, save for a dark green cloak held together in front by a magnificent, gold-laced quartz stone brooch. His hair was held back at the top by a braid, and was dark brown, his eyes a deep hazel, flashing in the sunlight.

Legolas nodded his thanks and resumed the battle, noticing a few extras added to the group. He recognized only one, Haldir o (of) Lorien. The other with the two men, was a woman with hair the color of Haldir's and eyes such a cold, bright blue they glared at her enemies. Her hair was tied back the same way Haldir's was, but it fell to her waist, whipping about her as she fought fiercely.

Legolas did not realize he had stumbled until he felt hands under his arms. He stood straight and turned away from the fierce woman to look into Maegquareiel's concerned eyes.

"I am fine," he said, curtly, noticing that the threat had thinned.

Haldir slowly moved towards him, with his easy confident pace. He stood before Legolas and said,"I trust you are the head of this group." It was not a question, and Maegquareiel smiled at his arrogance as she moved in front of the quiet Elf Prince.

"No, he is not. I am."

Haldir's face showed little suprise as he said, "And you are?"

"Maegquareiel o Rivendell."

He bowed politely to her, and introduced himself, then turned to the two who accompanied him. He gestured, first toward the cloaked Elf, "This is Lostalcarion," and then to the now-calm maiden, "And this is Linaewen."

Maegquareiel introduced each of the members of their group in turn, then looked to Haldir with an inquisitive expression. "We are grateful for your assistance, but how did you chance upon us?"

"It was no chance, Lady. We were sent to you by the Lady of the Wood. Galadriel."

At the mention of the Lady, Maegquareiel gasped and took a step back, as the image of a pair of penetrating blue eyes, set in a perfect, porcelain face imprinted itself in her mind. It was momentary, fleeting, but it left her trembling all over, taking slow ragged breaths.

Haeorewen approached her from behind, putting a hand on her arm.

"Maegquareiel, are you alright? What is wrong, my friend?" she asked, her voice full of concern.

She put a hand up to the bridge of her nose, rubbing it as if she'd suddenly been assaulted with a headache.

" 'Tis nothing. Do not worry Haeorewen, but your concern is much appreciated."

Although somewhat unnverved by Maegquareiel's unexplained display, Haldir spoke again, "We will now accompany you to Lothlorien. Our added strength should assist you on your path."

Chapter 16
The road had become less visible, lit only by peaceful starshine, but still the company pressed on. Haldir had made the point that the group should continue through the night. The quicker they got to Lothlorien, the better. He rode at the head of the group aside Legolas and Maegquareiel.

At the rear, Linaewen rode between Haeorewen and Ascafeniel. Her horse was astoundingly beautiful, being a deep black with a grey mane and tail, all softly glowing.

"What is his name?" Ascafeniel asked, wanting to make conversation.

"Brilruth, spirit of war. Yours?" she asked in return.

"Pherthoron, evening starlight?"

"And the rest of you?" Linaewen asked, not wanting to exclude anyone.

"Mithlain, deadly arrow," answered Haeorewen after which Rinvilyaiel chimed in with "Belegulma, light in dark places."

Linaewen nodded in recognition then asked, "Why are you going to Lothlorien?"

None answered, for none knew. But Ascafeniel finally spoke, saying, "We were summoned, although we know not why."

Lostalcarion spoke up from behind them. "That is odd. We were not told why you were coming, either. Only that we should find you."

"The Lord and Lady have the gift of foresight, correct?" questioned Rinvilyaiel.

"Aye, but the Lady more so. She has a strange interest in getting you safely to the woods," answered Linaewen.

"It has something to do with Maegquareiel, for it was she that was asked for. That is all we know," came Haeorewen's reply.

"That is, at the very least, more than what we know. All we know is that we must help you on your way."

"And we are grateful for that, Lostalcarion," Ascafeniel was ever the diplomat, "but I have only one question. Why are the two of you here, and Haldir at the forefront?"

Linaewen shrugged in reply and said, "He likes to think he is in power." She chuckled, "Do not misunderstand. He is a good man, but he can, at times, be overbearing, if you aren't used to him, although your friend Maegquareiel seems to be faring well."

In truth, Maegquareiel was paying little attention to the Lorien Elf, for something more important weighed on her mind. Even in the inky blackness, it was evident that Legolas' skin had become ashen and he swayed unsteadily on his horse.

"Haldir," she said, interrupting him mid-sentence, "We must stop."

He opened his mouth to protest, but she interrupted again, "I know that it would be best to go through the night, but after today's battle, we need rest. Besides, with your keen senses, we won't be caught off guard."

He smiled at this and called out to the group to stop and make camp off the road.

Once everything was unpacked and a fire started, Maegquareiel moved to Legolas' side.

"Legolas, speak in truth, how are you?" she asked, her voice demanding the truth.

"Lady, I am fine. I assure you." But, his voice was listless and his words slow.

On impulse, she put a hand against his stomach and he hissed in pain. When she took her hand away, a light film of blood dusted her fingers.

"You are not fine. You need help, now, before this gets worse." Her voice became urgent and she called the group to attention, just as Legolas stumbled and fell to the ground.

Maegquareiel immediately dropped to his side, supporting his head in her lap. Ascafeniel looked on the edge of panic at seeing Legolas in this state, but Maegquareiel distracted her by sending her to fetch bandages from their supplies. The rest she soothed with a quiet reassurance of, "Do not worry. I have practiced some as a healer. I can at least help him enough to get him to Lothlorien. Haldir, I need shelter. A lean-to, tent, something to cover us as we work. Haeorewen, get me blankets and Rinvilyaiel, find me a fresh set of clothes from Legolas' pack."

While Haldir and Linaewen hastily put together a shelter, Maegquareiel whispered calming words to Legolas while gently stroking his hair. She looked up from him and smiled comfortingly at the still-worried Ascafeniel.

"He will be fine, Ascafeniel. Trust me."

From behind them, Haldir called to say that the shelter was ready, so Maegquareiel slowly stood, motioning for Haldir and Lostalcarion to help carry Legolas inside. They placed him on a bedroll and turned to the grim-faced woman, awaiting further instruction.

"You must now leave. I need to be alone to do this. I have not studied extensively as a healer for a long time, so I must have no interruptions."

They nodded, and left leaving her to attend to the slowly fading Elf Prince.

Chapter 17
His eyes were open, but he was only partially lucid as she came to kneel next to him. He watched as her hands moved to the base of his tunic and slowly lifted it from his body. He made a feeble attempt to stop her, but she took his hand and said, "Legolas, I need your strength now. Help me, do not fight me."

With an effort, and some help, he sat up and she pulled the tunic over his head. Under it he wore a white, buttoned undershirt. She undid only the bottom-most buttons, respecting the fact that he might be embarassed, even if it was only his upper body.

The buttons were blood-slicked and slippery, but she undid them as quickly as possible exposing the gash on his abdomen. She gasped at seeing it, realizing the need for her to work quickly, as blood poured freely from the wound, covering her fingers.

Unfortunately, the wound ran higher than she'd expected. But now, modesty was not an issue. He would not die of embarassment if she saw his chest, though he might die if she did not. So, taking a deep breath, she ripped the shirt open, immediately laying a hand on the worst parts of the wound on his stomach and on his chest.

He gasped at the touch, for it caused him great pain and he thrashed from side to side, until she looked at him intently and said, "Legolas, you must be still."

With that, her eyes closed tightly and she began whispering, almost silently. All he heard was, "O Elbereth, Gilthoniel," before he completely forgot that she was speaking. A cool white glow had begun to emanate from her fingers, shrouding the gruesome wound in healing light. It was, at once, cool and warm, comforting and soothing.

Through the radiant glow, he could see the ragged edges of the cut slowly coming together under her hands. But, the warmth of the healing had diminished and now he was left shivering in the cool air. Elves were usually impervious to temperature, but he was weakened.

Feeling the tremor int he muscles under her hands, she slowly pulled back. The wound was mostly healed, but in order for him to be strong, he had to be warm. She pulled a clean undershirt and tunic crom the items Rinvilyaiel had gathered for her. Slipping her arms under his shoulders, she took the bloodied, ripped undershirt from him and replaced it with a clean one, buttoning it down to his abdomen. She left this part open. It was the worst party of the wound and still needed tending. Last, she pulled the tunic over his head, slipping his arms into the sleeves, but this too she left exposing his abdomen.

"Go to sleep," she whispered soothingly.

He smiled, slowly, nodding his agreement. His eyes drooped, but before he gave himself up to sleep, he managed to weakly whisper, "Thank you."

She smiled at this, resuming the healing process, placing her hands on his stomach. But, this time, when her skin came in contact with his, the same piercing blue eyes as before flashed into her conscious. But this time, words accompanied them. A deep, melifluous voice spoke, saying, "So, it has begun."

She snatched her hand away as if burned, but it was too late and she needed to continue, to block the image from her mind. The glow, now, was not as strong and she felt exhausted, her eyelids heavy, as if weighted. Only one clear thought incinerated her mind. The eyes, the image of the eyes and why it was happening to her. Why would she be the target of this image and what did it mean for her future?

She could feel the flesh under her fingers healing, coming together. She sat up and fetched a wet cloth, wiping her hands with it, to remove the blood. Once done, she rinsed out the cloth and brought it to Legolas' side, clearing the now-healed area of the blood that had dried there. She then buttoned the undershirt and pulled down his tunic to cover it, behaving like a practiced nurse.

At this movement, he woke and took hold of her hand, grabbing her eyes with his own, the immense gratitude easy to read. She smiled and moved to stand, to leave him, but he spoke.

"Please stay with me, Maegquareiel. Your presence is soothing." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, "It helps me sleep."

In answer to his subdued demand, she kneeled down next to him, still holding his hand. She smiled, for he was already asleep, his breathing deep and even.

His peaceful slumber only renewed her own exhaustion in her mind. She raised her free hand to her mouth, stifling a yawn. She could feel herself fighting a losing battle with her own eyelids, so she thought Perhaps if I just close my eyes for a moment........

Chapter 18
With the rising of the sun, Legolas woke, refreshed but somewhat sore. He thought to stretch, to ease the ache of him muscles but halted before moving.

Maegquareiel slept soundly, still kneeling at his side, but sometime during the night she had slumped forward. Her head lay on his chest, but her hand still rested in his, and he smiled at this. She turned, obviously uncomfortable, so that now she faced him. Her face was peaceful in sleep, and he marvelled at her beauty. She really was unique in her features, a rare gem............

He shook his head, clearing it of these dangerous thoughts. He'd decided not to go down this road with Ascafeniel so he could not change his mind now. To do so would be unfair to Ascafeniel, to himself, and most certainly, to Maegquareiel. He would not hurt them, or himself, again.

His thoughts were interrupted as her eyelids fluttered open, shocking him anew with the striking violet color of her eyes. These widened in surprise at her surroundings and she sat up quickly.

"I am so sorry, Legolas," she apologized profusely, "The healing must have drained me more than I thought."

"Do not be sorry, Maegquareiel," he said in answer, attempting to sit up, but she put a hand on his chest, pushing him back down.

"Hold, please, Legolas. I need to check this wound. I am not confident in my work, for healing is not my specialty."

She gently raised the edge of his tunic, peering at his stomach and chest, tracing a finger over the light scar that had formed there.

"How does it look?" he asked, calmly.

"Better than I expected. But, you will need a more accomplished healer to rid you of these scars."

He sat up after she'd replaced the shirt, letting it fall to cover his stomach.

"No need. Your work seems fine. But I still feel...........tired."

"You are probably hungry. We should go eat."

She stood and extended a hand to help him rise. He took it gratefully and stood, but slowly, one hand on his stomach. At her concerned look, he said, " 'Tis nothing. Just a bit sore."

Still, she kept hold of his hand, leading him from the shelter, where she dropped it and placed a guiding hand on his shoulder, instead. He smiled, a soft, grateful smile, first to her, and then to the group who had stood from their breakfast, inquisitive looks on their faces.

Haldir was the first to approach saying, "You look well, if a little tired." He turned to Maegquareiel. "You have more skills than any of us thought."

Her face, expressive before, had regained its usualy stony facade. She nodded to recognize his compliment, then turned as the rest approached. Most had warm smiles and kind words for the recovered Elf, but one was a little more subdued.

"It is good you are well, Legolas." Ascafeniel was decidedly uncomfortable in speaking to him, but, as befitting a princess, she stood her ground.

"Thank you, Ascafeniel." His words were backed by a slight sadness, but an even stronger determination, far from being harsh.

He placed a kind hand on her arm, but she shrugged it off, turning to Maegquareiel who greeted her. Oddly, though, Ascafeniel did not return her kind salutation. Instead, she inclined her head, slightly, swiftly, away from the camp, then walked in that direction.

Maegquareiel waited a few moments, then excused herself to follow the enigmatic princess, who, when she reached her, was seated on a fallen tree trunk, peering into the dense foliage.

"What is it Ascafeniel?" Maegquareiel asked, sitting down next to her.

"Perhaps I should not have come here," she said, her voice only a fraction above a whisper.

Maegquareiel chose not to ask why, merely sitting in silence.

"I knew I could talk to you, Maegquareiel. You have always been close at hand when I needed you." She turned to look the ever-silent maiden in the eyes. "I never said it before, but I think now is a good time."

"Tell me what, my friend? What is it?"

"That's just it, Maegquareiel, we are not friends."

Ascafeniel must have seen the pained expression on Maegquareiel's face, for she quickly amended her statement with, "We are sisters. I have spent thousands of years calling you my friend, but I know that you are more."

"I am happy to hear you say this, for I have always cherished our friendship.......but as something closer to blood."

They sat in companionable silence for a time, until Maegquareiel remember Ascafeniel's previous statement.

"Why do you think you should not have come with us, Ascafeniel? Your added strength is invaluable to us, all of us."

"Maybe, but I fear that my emotions control me now. Even today, though I know you are my sister, I could not keep the stab of jealousy from my heart when I saw you lead Legolas from the tent. My heart is far too strong, and I fear where it leads me."

"Fear not your heart, Ascafeniel, for it is the truest guide any one of us has. And, to be emotionless is to be empty inside."

"Maybe, but I see you, always calm and serene, and I wonder if that would not be a better way to live."

Maegquareiel could not answer this because the truth of the statement slapped her. Here she was, preaching about emotion, when she was often cold as stone. Oh, to be warmed by the strength of some emotion, some eye-opening experience.

But, oft times with fire comes the conflagration.

Chapter 19
The morning sun lay hidden behind a sheath of dark clouds, emitting little light as a blanketing mist of rain fell on the procession. They had donned cloaks of deep green and rode silently through the storm. All had raised their hoods, save one.

Haeorewen and Linaewen rode side by side, silent until the latter leanted forward and asked, "How is it she escapes the rain?"

Haeorewen did not ask of whom Linaewen spoke, for she knew already. "I do not know, nor does she. But she is master over the elements."

"Then, why does she not spare us its touch?" Linaewen asked, shrugging deeper into her cloak.

Haeorewen could only shrug her shoulders at this, but Maegquareiel provided an answer from the head of the group.

"I would willingly stop the rain to cease your discomfort, my friends. But to do so would deprive the woods of this much-needed refreshment." She raised her face to the sky, untouched by the drops. "Besides, this will not last much longer."

Her words were truthful, for soon after, they broke through the rain, feeling finally the caress of the sun.

Haldir leaned in to speak to Maegquareiel, and said, "Now may be a good time to pause. Legolas is still weak." Haldir pretended not to see the icy glare Legolas shot his way, continuing with, "He could use rest, and as for the remainder of us, we could benefit from a change of apparrel." He gestured to his cloak, which, because of its non-Lorien make, was sopping wet.

She nodded and said, "Make it so."

As he moved off to relay the order, Legolas nudged his horse next to hers.

"You are feeding his ego, Maegquareiel." His voice was slightly accusational.

"Not because of purpose to do so." She turned to face him. "Beware, Legolas, that your own hurt pride not cause you to pass judgment on others."

She let him ponder that for a moment before saying, "Do not worry, mellon. I am completely aware of his ego." She climbed down from her horse and led it off the path, towards a peaceful clearing.

The rest of the group had already begun to unpack their belongings in search of drier clothes. Maegquareiel did the same, pulling a few items from her pack and mvoing behand a stand of trees to change, but not before enlisting Haeorewen to undo the ties of her armo. With armor in hand, she moved into the trees.

When she emerged, the group looked entirely different. Ascafeniel had exchanged her silver tunic for a pale blue one whose front was fitted tightly. At the pleats where it was fitted, thin gold thread ran from the base to her chest, where it then looped around her chest to her back. Her leggings were a deeper blue and were accented by the light tan of the belt which held her sword.

Haeorewen, for once not matching her sister, had opted for dark, wearing a black tunic, whose sleeves, at the elbow, became a midnight blue. Her leggings were the same color as the base of her sleeves, but she'd chosen black, knee-high boots which laced up the front. Rinvilyaiel, contrary to her usual subdued nature, wore a blood red tunic and tan leggings. The sleeves of her tunic were split vertically at the elbow, where a material the color of her leggings puffed, slightly.

Legolas and Haldir had opted to changed into dry clothes that looked much the same as their former ones, but Lostalcarion had changed almost totally, save for the cloak and brooch. His tunic, now, was a deep amber color that mirrored the gold lacing in the brooch at his throat. His leggings were a deep green, though, highlighting the rich color of the tunic.

Linaewen had chosen a form-fitting silver-green tunic and pants, best suited for freedom of movement. She'd also pulled all her hair up, odd for an elf maiden, in soft blonde curls that fell to her shoulders.

They turned toward Maegquareiel, who approached wearing a dark grey shirt under a black leather corset that was threaded through with silver stitching. The sleeves of the shirt were fitted, unlike before, and at her wrists she wore black leather vambraces that extended halfway up her forearms. Her leggins were the same color as the stitching on her corset. She'd exchanged her green cloak for a black one which hung off her shoulders, connected at the throat by a silver chain.

"We will reach Lothlorien tomorrow. No stops tonight."

She whistled softly, calling Himwathion to her, climbing into the saddle when the horse reached her. She waited as the rest followed suit, then raised a hand to keep the silence.

"Our journey is close to its end, my friends. We must away while we still have light. Once we find the path, we can rely on the strength of our eyes, and each other."

She dropped her hand just as Himwathion reared up, creating a striking image of power. Before the horse had even settled back down, Maegquareiel had turned him towards the path and they took off down it.

Chapter 20
The darkness of midnight found the group pressing steadily onwards, their gentle light illuminating the path. Some time during the night, they'd broken through the wood, finding themselves on an open plain, dotted with boulders. Their mounts relished in the new, softer terrain, eating tufts of the crisp grass whenever it was allowed them.

But soon, the open fields became eerie and Linaewen found herself approaching their darkly-clad leader.

"We are frighteningly open to attack, my lady. And even our Elf eyes can not completely penetrate this gloom."

In the darkness, Linaewen could see the light purple glow of Magquareiel's eyes direct themselves toward her.

"I concede the point, Linaewen, but the safest possibility is to reach Lothlorien soon. Do not fear, my friend. We are str........"

She stopped midsentence as the beating of drums blasted through the silence of the open field. Before she could even draw her bow, though, an arrow sliced through the air to plant itself in her shoulder.

The pain of it made her vision blank as she half-fell from Himwathion, who snorted in terror. Strong arms caught her, and her vision cleared enough to see the green of Legolas' tunic. She straightened in his arms, standing on her own two feet. The arrow still lay lodged in her shoulder, so she grabbed the shaft of it, gritting her teeth as she removed it.

Tears of pain glistened in her eyes, and she cast them down in shame at her weakness. Strong, but soft, fingers lifted her chin and her gaze was met by eyes full of some emotion she had never before seen. For some reason she could not explain, it scared her.

There was no time to ponder this look, however, for the insistent whirring of approaching arrows sounded in the suddenly thick air. Ascafeniel, Haeorewen, Lostalcarion, and Linaewen moved to cover the rest of the group with their swords, deflecting the arrows from their deadly course. The remaining fired their own arrows at the targets they thought they'd previously neutralized. The situation was eerily familiar as their foe crashed into their line of sight.

Maegquareiel, ignoring the hot flash of pain in her shoulder, gripped her daggers at the hilt and glared determinedly at the Uruk who approached her. His eyes held a mirth she tried hard not to let disconcert her, but he spoke, not attacking her.

"That is quite a wound you have, pretty little Elf." His voice was deep and haunting, and its fire coursed through her.

"No such wound will keep me from gloating over your dead form, beast," she snarled, raising one bent arm out from her chest, the other at her waist.

But, still he did not attack, and she found this more unsettling that if he'd rushed at her. Instead he cocked his head and smiled, a cold smile filled with loathing.

Unable to bear the waiting any longer, she rushed forward, flinging her left arm towards his abdomen while the right came up to his face. The left he easily parried, but the blade in her right hand cut a deep slash across his face. She grinned ferally at his howl of pain before flashing out at the attack he aimed at her legs with the axe-like blade in his hand.

In the moment it took for him to recover, she sunk the blade in her left hand into his chest, the other coming up to slash into his throat. She stepped back, exhausted as he fell to the ground.

Haeorewen had watched most of this before her own opponent ran forward to meet her. Their swords clanged as he aimed to skewer her through the middle. She whirled away from the attack, turning her sword towards his legs before dropping to the ground to follow through with the attack.

He blocked it, and brought his sword up to behead her, but she'd already somersaulted backwards to avoid this. As soon as she stood, he took the few steps toward her, but she was ready. With one strong motion, one clean stroke, his head soon lay on the ground, his body after.

Haeorewen turned from the carnage, sickened by the killing she'd never before had to do. But turning only gave her a better view of the slaughter going on around her. Legolas and Haldir were back-to-back, dispatching Uruks as though it were a game. Linaewen was grinning fiercely at the wounded and bleeding Uruk before her, but still she brandished her crimson-stained sword as if to taunt it. Even Ascafeniel was surrounded by the bodies of ones she'd slain.

The futility of it all struck Haeorewen like a tempest, making her sway unsteadily on her feet. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of an approaching Uruk, but she was unsure if she could kill the beast. She had the skill, yes, but the heart, no.

Thankfully, he stopped several feet from her at some signal from his captain. In the next instant, the Uruks had fled the scene leaving only blood and bodies behind.

The exhausted group stood in the darkness, silent until Haldir spoke, saying, "Is everyone okay? Ascafeniel?"

"Yes."

"Haeorewen?"

"Yes."

He continued down the line, receiving affirmative replies until he reached Legolas.

"Legolas?" he paused as only silence answered. "Legolas?"

"I am here."

They turned toward the voice to find the Elf prince on the ground, with Maegquareiel in his arms. The maiden was shaking convulsively, her teeth chattering. Legolas looked up at the frightened group, his eyes concerned.

"I think there was more to that arrow than any of us though."

"Poison?" came Rinvilyaiel's voice, quaking audibly.

Legolas could only nod, then turned back to Maegquareiel saying, "She needs a healer."

"But she is the only healer among us," was Haldir's reply.

"Then I must get her to the Lord and Lady." He stood, lifting her easily into his arms. "It is not much more of a ride, but I must leave now."

He handed the woman to Haldir as he mounted his horse, then reached for her again once atop it.

"I will see you all there, hopefully with good tidings."

He felt a careful touch on his leg and looked down into Ascafeniel's eyes.

"Take care of her, Legolas, as she took care of you. Please."

"You have my word, Ascafeniel. I promise you."

With that, he gripped the reins, one arm on either side of her, her head on his chest. He leaned close to the horse and whispered, "Noro lim, Imelda, noro lim."

(Ride fast, war song, ride fast.)

Only a small cloud of dust and several worried faces marked his departure.

Chapter 21
As soon as the dust had cleared and the horse and rider had vanished into the dark, the remaining members of their group decided that making a camp was in the best interests of all. But, to make one right where they were standing was foolish. Perhaps the Uruks would return during the night to retrieve the bodies of their fallen brethren, and they did not want to be around if this were to happen.

After choosing a suitable place high atop a hill, they unpacked their belongings and assigned the watches for the night. Lostalcarion had the first watch, followed by Ascafeniel and then Haldir. Lostalcarion left the subdued Elves to the quiet crackling of the fire. They were only able to light one because of the large, moss-covered boulders surrounding the camp.

It was on one of these that Lostalcarion perched, his stance battle-ready and his eyes trained to every movement. Fortunately, though, the huge open plain was free of any motion or sound, so he settled more comfortably on the boulder, waiting out the watch change.

Some hours later, he spotted a figure approaching, but its distinctly female shape told him that it was only Ascafeniel coming to relieve him of his duty as sentinel. He climbed down from the rock and landed softly beside her.

"There is little movement, save for an occasional rabbit or bird. The best place to watch from is up there." He pointed to the top of the weathered stone, then looked back to her, "Good vantage point."

She nodded mutely, moving to stand next to the rock, peering up at it before grabbing a handhold and scurrying up its side. From the top, she could see the entire plain and she took a deep breath, inhaling its clean scent. She'd hoped it would help clear her mind of its buzzing contemplations, but it did nothing of the sort.

First in her mind was the fear she had for her sister. She knew this was probably unneccessary. Maegquareiel was very strong and Legolas would take care of her, but still she worried that the poison would carry out its ghastly purpose, and Maegquareiel would be no more.

Angrily, she shook her head against the pessimistic thoughts, but as soon as they were gone, even more hateful ones filled her mind.

She was not fool enough to delude herself into thinking that she no longer loved Legolas, for the ache hollowed her out, still. But, filling this void was an envy she never knew she could possess. She had seen the look in Legolas' eyes as he held Maegquareiel in his arms, when he'd promised to take care of her, and it made her seethe inside.

Her fists clenched involuntarily and she breathed deepy, trying and failing to empty herself of this irrational jealousy. Instead, she found herself dwelling on it, nursing the hateful emotion until it burned inside her. A hand on her shoulder snapped her from it.

"Ascafeniel? Are you alright? I called to you, but you did not answer." Haldir's face was softened, worried.

She turned to look at him and was startled to feel liquid warmth on her cheeks. She raised a hand to her face peering at it as if confused when she took it away, her fingers wet.

Seeing her tears, Haldir sat down beside her. "Do you want to tell me?" he questioned quietly.

Her voice came out hoarse and low when finally she spoke, "Maegquareiel is my friend, my sister, and I fear for her."

"Do not think you can fool me, Ascafeniel. You are shaking with rage, not worry."

His voice had been almost playful, but all it took was a flash of her cold green eyes to steal his mirth.

"Do not think you know me, Haldir of Lorien. Do not think you know my pain." Her voice came out as a raspy hiss, at once loud and devastatingly quiet.

But as soon as she was finished speaking, her shoulders hunched and she began to sob. Great racking moans spilled from her mouth, rocking her slight frame.

Unsure of what to do, Haldir sat in indecision. He was unaccustomed to crying maidens. Most of his life was spent as a sentinel, and what maidens he knew were fierce and battle-ready, like Linaewen. With her, he knew he would never have to deal with fragile emotions. Still, he felt drawn to the woman beside him, and this was what caused him to put his arm about her shoulders, tentatively.

At his touch, Ascafeniel stiffened but then, gradually, she relaxed into him, her head falling onto his shoulder as she spilled forth the emotion she'd been bottling up.

When at last the tears had spent themselves, he whispered softly, "Now, do you want to tell me? Really tell me?"

She stared upward into his gaze, meeting it with a strength that belied her former outburst. His eyes were soft and beautiful, and she discovered that the urge to kiss him was very strong, and very frightening. Swiftly, she turned her head away and nodded, answering his question,

"I am jealous, Haldir. I suffer from the pangs of a once-loved heart that is loved no more. I envy even my own sister, who could, by now, be dead! Simply because Legolas looked at her with eyes he once gave only to me."

With a great trembling sigh, she placed her head back on his shoulder and whispered, "How can I hate her, Haldir? She is my sister. But I do. I hate her."

He thought on this for a moment then said, "The heart is, at times, a true guide and at other times, a treacherous betrayer. These feelings will pass, and you will forget the pain when new love is found."

She looked up at him again, this time with a thankful smile. She was so beautiful, and he felt trapped by her eyes. He knew that it was his duty to stand watch, but together they were stronger than one alone. He did not want her to leave, so he tightened his arm about her and they passed the dark night together.

Chapter 22
He could feel her head thumping against his chest and the shivering tremors that raced along her spine. He could hear the chatter of her teeth and her labored breathing. But, more than all else, he could feel his own fear building like a maelstrom inside him. If he could not get her to Lothlorien in time, her death would be on his hands.

This fear coursing through him, he again spurred on the already weary horse. The cool night wind whipped about him, but he felt naught of its chill, nor did the horse, whose body was streamed with rivulets of sweat. Somehow, Legolas felt the horse knew the urgency with which it must gallop, the danger if it faltered.

Still, this did not stop it from stumbling tiredly as the early sun rose. Even an Elvish horse must sometime tire. In frustration, Legolas pulled hard on the reins, stopping the exhausted beast, and leapt down from its back, reaching up to pull Maegquareiel down when he'd done so. Her tremors were far more pronounced, and she was only slightly lucid.

The sight was frightening, to say the least, and he felt as though a vise clamped the muscles in his chest as he peered at her. He could see where the arrow had pierced her shoulder, as blood had dried there, darkening her blouse. The wound was high on her shoulder, so felt no indecency in dropping the sleeve of her shirt to peer at it, to see if there was something he could do.

Sight of the wound, though, changed his mind. Although the actual entrance point was small and seemingly harmless, the poison had taken its toll on her flesh. It darkened her skin and branched off, showing where her clean Elvish blood had carried its tainting dye. With his limited means and knowledge, he could do nothing.

Sighing, he lifted the clasp on his cloak and took it off, lifting her back and shoulders from the ground and sweeping the cloak around her. He lifted the cloak-wrapped bundle into his arms, then sat back down on the ground, giving Imelda the time she needed to rest.

His arms were tight around her, trying vainly to stop the convulsing of her muscles.

"Valar, be with her," he whispered softly, his lips almost touching her forehead.

He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers, praying softly that any strength he had, be given to her. He was surprised to feel tears form at the edge of his eyelids, pooling there before dropping onto her flushed face. He raised shaking fingers to her face, brushing away the moisture from her fevered skin, allowing his hand to linger on her cheek.

A sun-catching glint caught his eye, and he peered at her throat, from whence the spark came. It was her Vanimle pendant, shaken free of her blouse by the gripping seizures of her body. Tentatively, he picked it up, cupping the pendant in his hand. It was in the shape of two, silver-veined leaves which overlapped, their translucent green becoming darker where they covered over each other. The stems joined, forming a circle, the center of which was a clear jewel. In the middle of the jewel was what looked like a tiny, whispering flame, whose base was the violet of Maegquareiel's eyes, but whose fire was blood-red. On its thin silver chain, it was inspiringly beautiful.

He felt the urge to hold it, to wear it against his heart, but he forced the thought from his mind as he stood. Imelda was well-enough rested, so he gently, almost reverently, placed Maegquareiel on her back before climbing up behind her.

It was not long before they were, again, swiftly underway, the ground racing by under Imelda's sure hooves. They must not have been far when they had first rested, for a line of trees suddenly showed on the horizon. A white-clad figure stood in the midst of green-clad ones at the entrance to the wood, but they were still small in his sight as Legolas raced toward them.

When he was close enough to dismount, he recognized the white-clad Elf as the Lady of the Wood, but he was in too much haste to be awestruck. He rushed toward her, Maegquareiel in his arms, motioning with his head for her to lead the way, but she had already moved into the wood.

He followed, almost running, as they made their way deeper and deeper into the dense foliage. When the wood seemed almost completely dark though, the pearly glow of Lothlorien opened up in front of him. Forgetting even to admire the city's beauty, he caught up with the Lady at the entrance to a near-empty room. At its center was a soft-looking white-sheeted bed. It was here that one of the Elves who'd accompanied them took Maegquareiel from his arms.

He watched as the tall, blonde Elf laid her down on the bed, then left the room. It was at this point that Legolas made to enter, but a hand on his chest stopped him. It was slender and pale, and distinctly feminine. When he looked at the face of whom it belonged, he was met by ice blue eyes of such intensity that he forgot to breathe.

"You have travelled far, Legolas Thranduillon, but you are no longer needed here." Her voice was deep and persuading, and oddly familiar.

His eyes must have expressed his extreme distress, for her eyes suddenly softened and she said, "Fear not, Prince of Mirkwood, for I will help her."

She turned away from him, "But to do this, I will need to be alone with my daughter."

The door closed before he could even gasp.

"Your..................daughter?"

Chapter 23
Legolas?" He could feel a hand shake his shoulder. "Legolas?"

He looked up, finally, dropping his hands from where they'd been supporting his head. The group he'd left behind the day before had caught up, but it was Rinvilyaiel who had shaken him from his stupor.

"Where is she? Is she well?" was Rinvilyaiel's question.

"She is in there, with the Lady. And whether or not she is well, I know not." He took a deep breath and arched his back, stretching the muscles there. "I have heard no word since I arrive but have had much to think about while I waited."

Although concern for Maegquareiel was etched in their faces, curiosity peeped out from their eyes.

"The Lady Galadriel shined light on a startling piece of evidence. Maegquareiel is a Lorien Elf."

He could hear Haeorewen gasp, and the Elf maiden stepped forward, but Haldir spoke before the younger Princess could.

"Impossible. No such maiden ever lived here. I would know of it."

"Perhaps not, my friend, if you were made to think that she was never here. If she was hidden."

"But, who would hide her?" Haeorewen asked, finally getting her chance to speak.

"Well, her being hidden is just a guess. I have had much time to think on this matter, perhaps too much, and a myriad of ideas has swarmed my head. This one, though, seemed the most plausible."

"So, you know not whose daughter she is? Only that she is of this place," Ascafeniel said, her shoulders falling dejectedly.

"I said nothing of the sort. I know exactly to whom she belongs."

"Well, then wait no longer to tell us, fool. Speak!" Linaewen had never been one to mince words.

"She is no common Lorien Elf, but rather the daughter of....." He never got to finish, for the door suddenly opened and his mysterious comments were forgotten.

The Lady of Lothlorien stood in the doorway, one hand supporting her on its frame.

"I must go to rest. The healing took more of me than I expected." Her voice was weary, and her usual radiant glow was slighty diminished.

"May we see her?" Rinvilyaiel asked, stepping to the forefront.

"Only one may enter," she said, and her piercing stare found its way to Legolas' face.

He nodded, and walked through the doorway toward the bed on which Maegquareiel lay. Silently, he closed the heavy door behind him, shutting out the concerned and almost angry countenances. When he turned back around to face her, his breath was momentarily taken away.

She'd been ****** of her armor and traveling clothes, these being replaced with a flowing, pearl-colored gown. It highlighted the paleness of her skin and the delicateness of her features. Her eyes were closed, her lashes resting against her cheek, which was no longer flushed with fever. Just to reassure himself, though, he reached out and brushed his fingertips over her forehead.

In response, her eyelids fluttered briefly, not opening, but not entirely closed either. He sat down next to her, his eyes shining with hope as he took her hand. But when this elicited no more response, he sighed.

"Maegquareiel, I know you can hear me, but you are someplace I can not go." He shook his head tiredly. "It matters not, for there are things I must say. I am not one prone to fear. I have faced battle with steady hand and looked death in the eye without flinching. But, there is one thing I fear more than all else. Love. I have spoken to you of this before, at length, but still I fear my heart. I fear to be alone."

He paused, collecting his thoughts, and when he spoke again, his voice was little above a whisper. "There is more I fear, Maegquareiel. When I held you in my arms, I feared. I feared for your life. And it is this fear which makes my hand tremble now, where it was always calm and prepared."

Again he sighed, his breathing ragged and his eyes closed. "I am raving like a mad man, Maegquareiel, but my heart knows my true mind, my true thoughts. I fear not for your soul, for it is no longer in danger. And maybe I never feared your death, but rather the emptiness it would leave in its wake, in my heart."

His eyes, still shut, did not notice the light purple glow that suddenly peeked out from under her lashes.

"I am no longer afraid to admit this, to myself or to you. I love you, Maegquareiel."

Although his eyes were shut, his fingers were not numb. So, when Maegquareiel gently squeezed his hand, his eyes shot open. His gaze was met by a gentle smile that made his breath catch. At a loss for words, he leaned forward, and kissed her softly on the forehead before pulling back.

Before he could sit up, though, his eyes met hers, but their violet irises would not release his. He felt soft fingers entwine in the hair at the back of his head, pulling him even closer into the depths of her eyes.

"Did you mean it, Legolas?" she asked, her voice soft and whispery.

"With all my heart."

"I know little of love, but I know I must trust the way I feel, for I've not felt this way before. I know I must act."

With that, she pulled his head closer, and lifted her own at the same time, capturing his lips with her own. And for one single, evanescent moment, she was filled with an elation she could not describe, unlike anything she'd ever known. It was what she'd been waiting for.

So caught up in the moment was she, that she did not notice the door open and then swiftly shut again, a pair of haunted green eyes streaming tears leave the room.

Chapter 24
"Ascafeniel? Stop!"

Her sister's words were filled with concern, with a want to help, but they could no more stop her blind escape than a breeze could topple an Ent. She had no destination, no logical reason for running, but run she did. Her lungs screamed for her to stop, but she welcomed the pain, its rawness burning away and bleeding into the void she once called her heart.

She heard no sound, save for an angry rushing in her ears. So powerful was this noise that she did not hear the running footsteps behind her. At least, not until a hand rushed out and grabbed her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.

She knew nothing of who was grabbing her except that they slowed her escape. She flashed out, turning towards her unseen assailant with one fist rushing towards their face. But, Haldir was ready.

He caught her hand and held it while she thrashed against his firm grasp, to no avail. He was, unquestionably, the stronger of the two, so he pinned both her arms behind her back, holding her still while she twisted against his chest.

"Let me go! Let me go!" she screamed, over and over until her voice was hoarse, but still he held her fast.

"Ascafeniel, you must be calm. I can not help you until you are calm." When she did not quiet, he tightened his arms about her until her shouts were choked by lack of air, and he hissed into her ear, "Be still!"

He could feel the muscles in her arms relax and she stopped shouting, breathing heavily into his chest.

"You are angry, but do not let that cloud your reason." His voice was almost harsh, bringing her back to her senses.

"I feel nothing, Haldir. Nothing. I am empty. I flee only the endless blackness of my heart," she mumbled into his chest, her voice flat and emotionless.

"Do not let a moment of pain dictate the rest of your life. That is pointless and wasteful. Legolas is no longer in your life. Let him go."

She looked up at him, her eyes full of betrayal at his stinging words. He met her gaze, unflinching.

"Would you deny Maegquareiel the happiness you yourself long for?"

Slowly, she shook her head.

"No. I want only joy for Maegquareiel, but my heart betrays me."

"Your heart is pure, Ascafeniel. Lead it back to the light."

In surprise, she watches as his face drifted closer, his eyes intense. Even more surprising, though, was her reaction. She moved back, avoiding his eyes.

"Forgive me, Haldir. You must let my heart heal. Please."

He smiled and nodded, mvoing a step back, then took her hand.

"We must return."

"Aye. I am ready."

She was not so afraid to confront her friends now. A heart at peace is a pillar of strength.

Chapter 25
Maegquareiel woke slowly, her body fighting her mind. The soft weight of Legolas' body warmed her side, where he'd slept in a chair, his head next to her stomach. She smiled as he opened his eyes and sat up, stretching slowly and turning to her with a warm look.

"Good morning," she said softly.

"Good morning. How are you feeling?"

"Much better," she answered as she sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed before standing up, tentatively.

A soft but insistent knock at the door startled her, almost knocking her off her feet, but Legolas' sure hands caught her. She straightened before walking unsteadily to the door, opening it to the waiting guest.

The Lady of Lothlorien waited for neither greeting nor invitation as she strode confidently into the room. A meaningful glance toward Legolas sent him from the room, stopping only to lay a gentle hand on Maegquareiel's shoulder, briefly. Once he'd gone, she turned to the imposing woman who stood behind her.

"You have changed so much," she spoke at last, her gaze searching Maegquareiel's face.

"Since yesterday?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice. But even as she asked it, she was sure Galadriel had meant something else.

"When last I saw you, you were naught but a babe, and rested in the arms of your nursemaid Aida. I confess, I saw little of your face, it was blurred by my tears. I never wanted to give you up Maegquareiel, but those were dark times, and no child of mine was safe near me."

She paused in her tale, as Maegquareiel stumbled over to the bed and collapsed onto it.

"This is why I have been plagued by visions of you. You sought to prepare me because you were too cowardly to tell me long ago who you were." Her voice was angry, rising in volume.

"Do not be angry with me, Maegquareiel. What was done was best for you."

"Best for me?! I've lived millenia wondering why I was different. Why I could control the elements and no one else in Rivendell could even fathom such! You kept my past from me. Why?!"

"I sought to protect you."

"From what?!" she shouted, rising to her feet.

"There is more I must tell you, and this will be more difficult to hear than anything else." For once, Galadriel's piercing eyes had softened, and Maegquareiel sat down again, willing herself to calm.

"During your journey to Rivendell, the battle against Sauron occurred. You were far from the battlefield, but when the Ring was cut from the Dark Lord's hand and his power erupted from him, you were.............effected. No child, no infant was ever meant to be struck by that much evil. For weeks the healers of Rivendell kept watch over you, but you showed no signs of injury or malice save for an odd quiet. You did not cry or laugh the whole of your infancy, and this troubled many in Rivendell. They wanted to be rid of you, but Elrond would not have it. He raised you as his own and told me of your progress."

"And now you felt was the time to tell me that you were my mother? After I'd already lived my life without one. Not only that, but you tell me I was exposed to evils even you have never touched."

"I am sorry to have brought all this on you now."

"And what of my abilities? You can not control the elements. How is it possible I can?"

"The power that washed over you gave you these abilities. You probably already had some of my gifts but the evil changed them."

"I have a power born of evil? How can I ever hope to serve the light when I am bred of darkness?!" Despair lit her voice and she hung her head.

Galadriel moved to her side to comfort her. "It is a lot to take in at once, and I am truly sorry for the pain it must bring you. In time, though, I can help you learn to strengthen your powers and become as adept in them as I am."

In a flash, Maegquareiel leapt to her feet, her eyes fairly glowing with rage. One slender hand closed around Galadriel's throat.

"You think your strength surpasses mine?! Compared to me you are little more than a conjurer of cheap tricks!" The room darkened and Maegquareiel's voice boomed through it. For once, the Lady's eyes glistened with terror.

"I have lived thousands of years without your help. Do not think I need you now. You are nothing to me."

With that, she released the gasping woman and fled the room, the darkness following her like a plague.

Chapter 26
After leaving Maegquareiel's chambers, Legolas headed to his own rooms with the intent of changing his clothes. He walked slowly, taking in the beauty of Lothlorien. The Elven city seemed both cast in shadow and bathed in pearly light. Even the smallest building was intricately formed and detailed, cloaked in the same silver-blue glow as the rest of the radiant city. Everything about it was awe-inspiring, like a star or a jewel, and he was filled with a sense of peace.

At his rooms, which were as luminous and intricate as all else, he changed out of his clothes and into a pale-green tunic that was touched with silver. Unlike most of his tunics, this one buttoned down the front with ornate silver clasps. His leggings were a shade darker than his tunic but seemed even lighter in the shimmering luminescence of the city.

He was just putting on his boots when the door burst open. He looked up in surprise only to be greeted by a look of such extreme terror that Haeorewen's face was tortured by it. Her usually beautiful features had been twisted into a mask of horror.

She said not a word, merely turned and ran back the way she had come, but Legolas knew instinctively that he must follow. Once again, he found himself racing through the Elven city towards a room that held his heart in its walls. He was filled with dread at what he'd discover when they reached their destination, but even that fear was as nothing when he faced the entrance to her chambers.

The Lady sat in a chair outside the room, her head bowed, breathing heavily. Her husband, the Lord Celeborn, stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders, face grave. Legolas approached them slowly, afraid of what they would tell him. But, when the Lady looked up and he saw the tears streaking her face, he was moved with pity. He knelt down in front of her, his face filled with compassion.

"Where is she?" he asked, his tone suggesting that he knew all that had transpired, though he knew nothing.

"I have wronged her, Legolas. Only the Valar knows how much I have. How could I have kept her past from her? Now her own power threatens to consume her. I'm sorry. Oh I am so sorry." She dropped her head into her hands, again weeping.

"She will learn to forgive you, my Lady. But I must find her. Where is she?" he questioned again, his voice even more urgent.

Before she answered him, Lostalcarion rushed into the room and over to Galadriel, concern and rage burning in his eyes.

"Who did this to you?" he asked, anger simmering in his voice.

"My daughter," she whispered, not looking up.

"Your daughter? No such woman lives here. Perhaps you are mistaken?"

"Do not mock me, Lostalcarion," she said, looking him in the eyes so that he was forced to look away. "I know of whom I speak. My daughter, Maegquareiel."

A collective gasp sounded from the group as the sound of their friend's name reverberated through them.

"Maegquareiel?! How dare she hurt you! Where is she? I will kill her!"

Legolas was on him before the words had even left his mouth. He pinned the dark-haired Elf to the nearest wall, piercing him with an angry stare.

"You will do no such thing, Lostalcarion. You do not even know the whole story, you fool, do not presume to think you do. All you know is your own rage." His eyes narrowed, "And if I see you harm even a single hair on her head, your life will be forfeit. Do you understand?"

Lostalcarion could only nod shakily as Legolas released him and turned to Galadriel.

"Please Lady, tell me where she went."

"Into the woods Legolas. Deep into the woods. The woods are vast, Legolas, I pray you can find her. Oh Gods, I am so sorry."

He ran from the entrance, pausing only to grab the bow and quiver off Haldir's back before he rushed off into the vast dark of the Lorien woods.

Chapter 27
He ran headlong into the dense forest, raising his arms in front of his face to ward off the stinging branches. Rolling thunder blasted into his ears and sudden downpours drenched him as he moved deeper into the woods. Their source was not difficult to guess.

The trees swayed around him, buffeted by tempestuous winds, but these did not hinder his movement. His only intent, his only purpose was to find Maegquareiel, before it was too late. He had no doubt the others would follow him, but instinctively he knew that only he could help her.

In a sudden moment of clarity, Lord Elrond's face flashed into his mind.

"Maegquareiel will face challenges on this journey that even her friends, almost her sisters, will not be able to help her with. Can you help her, Legolas?"

"I will do what I must to help her."

The entire exchange lit in his mind, burning there so that he was forced to stop moving and think on it? Could he help her? Would he be able to? Indecision tortured him and ate at his confidence until he felt torn.

A sudden cry, carried to his ears by the storm, snapped him back to reality. He pushed his fears to the back of his mind, remembering his love for Maegquareiel above all else.

The storm no longer seemed such a hindrance as he pressed on, wearing his love for the troubled maiden like armor about himself. He'd never felt so strongly for another person before, and the feeling warmed him from the inside out, easing the cool of the oppressive raindrops. With Ascafeniel, he'd been happy, but afraid at the same time. The fear of loneliness had stifled him, but with Maegquareiel he felt free. She had let loose his soul, and for this, he was thankful. Thankful enough to run to her now, to save her from herself.

The already maelstrom-like winds doubled in intensity, slamming into him until he was forced to stop and curl up on the ground, avoiding the wind as much as possible. Through the deafening roar of the wind came a voice unlike anything he'd ever heard. It was as a cry to heaven, a pained, tortured scream for deliverance and its desperation filled him with an aching desire to help its maker. He knew it was Maegquareiel, could feel her voice in his soul, and he stumbled to his feet. Time was running out.

He followed the wretched, heart-wrenching sound until he felt saturated with its pain. In time, the forest began to thin out and he found himself in a huge clearing.

Here, there were few trees to disperse the winds and he was again dominated by their absolute power. He squeezed his eyes shut against the debris flying about in the clearing, and was greeted by a haunting image.

"You must hurry, Legolas. Time is running out!"

It was as though the icy blue eyes were what spoke to him, but the deep, melodious voice was obviously that of the Lady of Light.

Unwilling to peer at those soul-searching orbs any longer, his eyes snapped open. He frantically searched the clearing for any sign of Maegquareiel or her passing and was rewarded with the sight of angry-looking black burns in the grass.

He followed these until he was back in the dark of the woods. The burns could now be seen on the trunks of trees and in the trampled grass at his feet. When the sound of moving water rose above even the cacophony of the wind, he could feel his spirits rise in anticipation of finding the elusive woman. If Maegquareiel was known for seeking any particular place, it was a river.

So, when he stumbled out of the forest and saw her standing in the middle of the river, he was not surprised. What did surprise him, though, was how still she was.

The ever-moving tempest belied her absolute calm. He'd expected to see her arms raised to the skies, her head thrown back, crying out to heaven. Apparently, though, she'd completely drained herself of all the anguish in her soul.

Heedless of the soaking chill, Legolas plunged into the river, its icy depths pouring into his boots and drenching his pants. As he approached her, the water thinned out and then cleared completely in a circe around her.

She was staring blankly ahead, seemingly oblivious to his presence. He moved in front of her, staring into her eyes. But even peering that closely at her, he knew she did not see him there. He grabbed her shoulder, and shook them lightly.

"Maegquareiel?"

Slowly, realization shone in her eyes and she looked at him.

"I'm sorry Legolas. But I am dead to you." Her voice was flat, emotionless.

At that, her eyes blazed such a vibrant violet that he gasped. She raised her arms and threw her head back as lightning bolts shot down from the sky, dancing around her hands to hit the ground with a tremendous boom.

"I want only light, but I am born of darkness!" she screamed, her voice bombarding him with the misery in her soul. "How can I be a servant of good when I have a core of evil?!" This time, with her pained shouts came a chorus of thunderclaps that shook him to the ground.

He watched in horror as her body became swathed in a brilliant light, obscuring her from his view. Instinctively, he knew that unless he did something soon, she would die. The power she was expelling was too much for her body to handle.

"Maegquareiel?!" he screamed into the storm, hoping she'd hear, "You are more than your past. You are the person you choose to become. A realization of all the events in your life, both good and bad."

The storm winds slowed, minutely, giving him hope that she'd heard him, but her countenance did not change. In desperation, he stood and walked closer to her, slowly undoing the clasps of his shirt until it lay open on his chest.

"I know you can hear me, Maegquareiel, but I do now know how to prove your goodness to you, except by showing you this," he said, raising a hand to touch the pale scar that ran across his chest and stomach. "No force of evil healed this wound. Neither Elbereth nor Gilthoniel would have responded to you had you a heart of evil."

He stepped even closer to her and grabbed one of her hands, pulling it down to his chest.

"My heart lies under a scar of the past, but that scar does little to obscure my love for you."

Tears began to fall from her eyes, and he c