"Mithril is always found far underground, and within dense stone that is very difficult to mine. Even Dwarves have a very hard time getting it out. And that's why it's so extremely valuable. Besides, of course, the fact that it is light as an eagle's feather, and hard as the scales of a dragon."

The irresistable urge to yawn came over me. I held it back until Gimli's gaze wandered to the shore, then I placed both hands over my mouth and cut loose. The moment Gimli turned back to face us, I dropped my hands and shut my mouth.

"I find it very surprising that the young Hobbit has a Mithril vest-after all, we Dwarves keep a meticulous record of the whereabouts of each ounce of Mithril we've mined. And we have no record of Frodo's owning anything so illustrious. Of course, it was probably handed down to him by the Hobbit Bilbo-after all, he was given a vest identical to the one Frodo wears even as we speak."

Legolas leaned forward to whisper in my ear. "Change the subject. Please."

"It's your fault he's been monologuing for the past hour," I hissed back. "You change the subject."

"You're half-Dwarf," Legolas argued. "You ought to know how to shut him up."

"Are ye listening, laddie?" Gimli asked, frowning.

"Actually," I cut in, "Gimli, I was wondering what news you have of Erebor. I haven't been there in thirty-six years."

"Oh...of course, Yer Majesty."

"Don't call me that."

"I'm sorry, Yer Highness."

Legolas snickered, and I shot him a glare. It wasn't funny.

The rest of the day passed slowly. Our boat brought up the rear of the trio, while Aragorn's led and Boromir's occupied the middle. I caught myself dozing off throughout the trip. At about noon, a wave jolted the boat and interrupted my almost-doze. I gave a frustrated groan and rubbed my still-sore neck.

"Here," Legolas said, pausing his paddling to reach beneath his seat. He took a thick fold of gray fabric and handed it to me. "This is yours. Lie down in the bottom of the boat and use it as a pillow."

I took the fold and followed his instructions, awkwardly sliding beneath the bench I'd been sitting on. The boat was long enough-and I was short enough-that I could stretch out. But my legs ended up extending into Gimli's footspace, and my head would rest between Legolas's feet. I frowned. Perhaps this wasn't such a great idea.

Legolas gave a quiet chuckle. "I have no objections, provided the Dwarf doesn't."

I glanced at Gimli, who scoffed. "I would not hesitate to provide my Queen with any comforts the road may provide."

I resisted the urge to sigh. "Technically, it's a river," I muttered, only loud enough for Legolas to hear.

Legolas smirked. "You're stalling."

"No I'm not," I retorted, plopping the fabric down between his feet. Then, to prove it, I laid down, resting my head on the makeshift pillow.

Chuckling, Legolas said, "Rest well, Eda."

Infinitely more comfortable than I'd been in more than a day, my eyes rolled back into my head, and my body dragged my mind into the depths of sleep.

* * *

A hand gently jostled my shoulder. "Eda. Wake up."

I groaned and sat up. The sun was setting-man, I'd slept a long time. Rubbing my eyes, I mumbled, "Yeah?"

"We are stopping for the night," Legolas replied. "As you have rested all day, you will be taking first watch."

I nodded. "Okay."

Soon, Aragorn steered his boat toward the shore to our right, and the rest of us followed. The boat shuddered as the hull plowed through sand, riding a couple of feet onto the shore. In the other boats, Aragorn and Boromir were lightly tossing the Hobbits onto dry ground. Gimli gave a low scoff.

The three of us stood, and Gimli began attempting to step onto the edge of the boat, presumably to jump clear of the water. The boat shifted sharply, and I staggered to one side.

Legolas caught my arm, and to Gimli he said, "Move carefully."

Gimli chuckled. "Do not be forgetting, laddie-the boats of the Galadhrim cannot overturn!" He continued in his perilous endeavor. "Besides, I've had plenty of experience with boats. When I was just a little sprout, my father would take me to see the ruins of Laketo-"

The boat gave another lurch, and with a yell, Gimli flopped into the shallow water. Legolas jumped onto the outer edge of the boat, catching my waist as I fell. Suddenly pulled tight against his chest, a tense, awkward silence ensued as everyone turned to stare.

That tense silence was broken when Gimli burst from beneath the water, sputtering and coughing and bellowing something about Elvish boats that I'd rather not repeat. He made a grab at the boat, attempting to balance on something, but instead throwing off Legolas's precarious balance.

Legolas jumped lightly into the water, this time catching me bridal-style.

The rascals began clapping and cheering.

Blushing furiously, I hid my face in Legolas's shoulder. He began carefully walking to the shore, and as we passed Gimli, he said, "Twice, Dwarf, you nearly threw your queen into the Anduin. Have you nothing to say for yourself?"

"I, ah..." Gimli frowned at the water, shame coming over his face. "Yer Highness, I am deeply apologetic-"

"You are forgiven," I interrupted. I really didn't want to listen to another of Gimli's monologues. "Just, be more careful," I instructed. "And listen to Legolas when he gives you advice."

"Aye, of course, Yer Highness, I will."

"And don't call me that."

"Of course, my Lady."

A low chuckle rumbled in Legolas's chest as he sloshed out of the water. Then he gently set me on my feet. He was soaked up to mid-thigh, but he didn't wait for anyone to do anything about it-he just went back to the boat and began bringing supplies on shore.

I began walking around the edge of the woods, looking for firewoods and kindling. Instead, I managed to fill my flat shoes with sand. Scowling, I balanced on one foot, while I took off the opposite shoe and dumped out the sand. But I lost my balance, staggering back to both feet, and got my sweaty foot coated in sand even worse than before. Giving a frustrated growl, I brushed off my foot and stuffed the shoe back on. The moment I continued walking, it filled with sand again.

"Eda," Legolas called, mild amusement in his tone. "There is a pair of boots strapped to your pack."

I perked up at that, trotting over to where Legolas had set my things. Sure enough, a pair of grayish boots were tucked under the string binding the supplies together. Just beneath them was a shirt and a pair of trousers. I pulled them all out and headed for the woods. "I'm going to change."

"Don't go far," Aragorn instructed.

I rolled my eyes and entered the woods. The trees were spaced out a bit, so I went farther than I would have otherwise. Finally coming to a nice, broad tree, I ducked behind it to change. Then I reached behind me and began quickly unlacing the back. It was a wonderful feeling to pull the dress off and toss it aside-I'd had it with dresses. Tossing the dress down, I grabbed the trousers, unfolded them, and pulled them on.

I was in the process of unfolding my shirt, when a heard a twig snap about twenty feet away. Startled, I looked up.

Boromir.

I brought my shirt up to cover my torso, extremely embarrassed but also grateful that I always kept my chest bound.

Boromir stared at me.

"I made it clear I was getting dressed," I snapped. "Can you not give me some privacy?"

He blinked absently, as though he were in a daze. "It is a strange thing, the regard you give the Elf, and the kindness you show the Dwarf. Two worlds which you will never truly be a part of, yet you attempt to breach them so faithfully."

"Boromir," I said, worry seeping into my voice. What was he doing? "Go away. We can talk later."

He placed a hand on the tree he stood behind, as though to steady himself. Good Eru, what was happening?! "Even Aragorn has earned your esteem and kindness. Gandalf demanded respect of all, and the Hobbits are impossible not to be fond of. But to me! To me you have shown no regard. None."

"Legolas," I said called. Not loudly-I spoke as though he stood just beside me. A panicked cry could trigger some reaction from Boromir-and I didn't trust him in his present state. And I desperately hoped to Eru that Legolas would hear me.

"Aye," he said venomously. "The Elf. He is a prince, is he not? And destined for the throne of Mirkwood. The Dwarf is the son of a prominent member of Erebor's council. And even Aragorn! Aragorn is destined to take the crown of my very own nation."

Mordor, I didn't like where this accusation was headed.

"But what about me?" Boromir cried bitterly. "Can you love none but those in power? Can you not love a Man such as me?" He stepped forward, anger showing in his expression.

Thunk.

Boromir recoiled with a gasp. A silver-feathered arrow was embedded in the tree beside him, its shaft blocking his eyes. Boromir backed away, his expression settling into anger. "I will take the first watch," he ground out, then stalked away.

I let out a deep breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. After quickly pulling on my shirt, I stuffed my feet into my new boots and gathered my old clothes. Before returning to the camp, I retrieved the arrow.

Legolas was waiting for me at the edge of the woods. Thankfully, none of the others seemed to be aware of what had happened. Handing Legolas the arrow, I murmured, "Thank you."

He gave a single nod, then slid the arrow into his quiver. His clear blue eyes studied me carefully, as though assessing me for damage.

"I'm alright," I said, looking away. "He didn't hurt me."

"Indeed he did not," Legolas agreed, "for if he had, I would not have waited here and let him."

The intensity of his tone drew my gaze back. Legolas looked at me with a kind of protectiveness that bordered on possessiveness.

Legolas brushed his thumb along my jawline. "You are the daughter of the elleth I loved. And-I still love her," he admitted. "I'm not going to let you get hurt." He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, and when his warm lips left my skin, I felt only cold.

My heart sank miserably into my stomach. But I could hardly demand more of Legolas than the love he offered so freely.

The love of a father.