AUTHOR'S NOTE: I deeply apologize for the wait... I had to write multiple essays for school and during those days I had a really bad case of writer's block... It's a sad sickness... It made me sad that I could not come up with anything to write... but now! I'm back!  ALSO... We are going back to the day when Gandalf and the company of two left for Minas Tirith. BUT in Edoras! And to make up my time away... this chapter is gonna be super doper long! So be ready for awesome!     Enjoy! <3

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~Chapter Fifteen~

The Beacons of Minas Tirith

A gentle glow of yellow and red illuminated the rolling hills of the valley of the White Mountains as a gentle wind breezed through a quiet city of the Horsemen. Before nightfall took over the hillside, the setting sun was absorbing what was left of the eventful day before it rested. The streets of Edoras were silent as the Rohirrim retreat to their slumber safe in their beds. No shadows lingered among the cobblestone roads besides a guard on his monitor route. A lone figure stood on the stone veranda of the Golden Hall of Meduseld as the biting wind combed through its long almond brown hair. Its tired sapphire eyes studied the dirt beaten path just outside of Edoras where the wizard, the foolish hobbit, and the she-elf had disappeared. With a sigh, the figure crossed its arms across its chest.

"Lady Medlinya, why are you out here?" a gruff voice questioned behind the figure. The she-elf circled around to a worried Aragorn. The Ranger's blue eyes examined his fatigued friend's face, "Legolas and I have been looking for you. What troubles you, friend?"

The she-elf glanced downward, guilty that she had worried the Ranger and most of all her Faenod. Flickering her eyes to the royal blues of Aragorn, "My thoughts have been haunted by the idea of the next war. " Heaving in a deep breath, her eyes flickered over to the general direction of Gondor. 

Aragorn grimly inclined his head at her words, as if his thoughts were similarly troubled by her confession. "It is normal to worry." With his hands clasped behind the back respectfully, the Ranger silently wandered beside Medlinya staring blankly at the White Mountains. "There is always hope." Glancing over to his friend, a bright grin smeared on his face. "Besides you are with the best protection this world has to offer. Legolas has fought his fair share of wars for the idea of combat. All he had battled for was in spite until now. Medlinya, Legolas would stand between you and a host of millions of orcs to defend you. You are his Faenod and he'll fight and defend you to the very end."

The she-elf blinked at the Man beside her meeting his reassuring gaze. A small smile materialized across Medlinya's gentle face, "Diola lle, Aragorn." [Thank you, Aragorn.] With a swift bow of her head towards the Ranger, the she-elf hastily sauntered  toward the Golden Hall to find her Elf Prince. 

Rounding the corner into the hall, the she-elf smacked into a soft yet muscular object wheeling her in reverse. Falling backwards, Medlinya desperately clenched at a soft, light-weight wool into her fists so tight her knuckles turn paled. As if her midsection of her gut became numb trying to escape out of the top of her rib-cage, slowly Medlinya fell backwards closer and closer to the stone-floor.  As her eyes squeezed shut anticipating her descent, the sounds of her own breath echoed in her ears. A breathy, cold shivering noise that tickled even her own ears. 

Exhale.

Inhale.

Medlinya waited for the pain. That back-numbing pain hitting the hard ground, but strangely did not come. Confused, her eyes blink open to her clenching fist desperately holding onto a familiar dark green tunic. Her sapphire eyes gazed up meeting the sight of gentle, smiling face belonging to Legolas. 

A beautiful smile spread across Medlinya's face, "Why hello." 

Legolas' eyes twinkled, "Nice for you to drop in, Aier." [Short one].

Both elves erupted in laughter as the Elf Prince effortlessly lifted Medlinya steadily to her feet. It was than the she-elf noticed two arms belonging to her Elf Prince cradling her waist in his safe caress. The two elves stared at each other with smiles, a heart tingling bliss that seemed to be everlasting. Suddenly Legolas' gentle features turned humor-less as his brows lowered, "Where were you?"

"I was outside on the balcony. Aragorn found me." Medlinya replied honestly. Her elegant face contorted in guilt, "I sincerely apologize for worrying you."

Legolas' grave mask slowly melted in a soft smile. Without a word the Elf gently brushed his lips against Medlinya's forehead, lowering his eyes meeting hers. "All that matters is you are alright." 

Gawking at Legolas she realized Aragorn's insight of her prince was spot on. The Elf indeed had become protective over her well-being, even going out of his way to track Medlinya down. For a few seconds the she-elf stared at the Elf in awe before smiling at him. Legolas' arms enclosed Medlinya in a secure embrace, provoking the she-elf unable to find the right words to express her admiration for the Elf. 

Legolas studied the she-elf's expression, a glitter of curiosity illuminated his eyes gently like the setting sun's rays on the rolling valley of Edoras. "Why were you on the balcony?"

Her sapphire eyes flickered down avoiding Legolas' concerned eyes. "The vision. It haunts my thoughts." 

The Elf's smooth fingers lift her silky chin to meet his sincere gaze.  The warmness of his skin against hers slowly triggering a rosy pink color across the she-elf's cheeks. The prince's close breath tickled every pore of her skin, filling her loving warmth within her soul. Fierce sincerity burned in his cerulean blue eyes, a serene sight that captivated Medlinya. "I vow an unbreakable Elven oath to protect you from any peril that comes your way- ."

"Our way." Medlinya corrected with a honey-sweet smile.

A fond smile played on the Elf's lips as he continued, "It is an oath from the swing of my arm, the pertinacious blood coursing through my veins, and the unfailing point of my arrow will I honor this pledge from our path." 

Medlinya bowed her head approvingly at his words, as her twinkling sapphire blue eyes smiled up at Legolas. Their closely pressed bodies attaching to each other like a magnet while a beautiful mystical aura hovered around the two Elves. Just like their moment back in Helm's Deep, all noises and voices dimmed into absolutely silence. Never of the two pointy eared lovers heard the scuffing of the Ranger's boots entering the Golden Hall, gloomily studying the two. Aragorn's thoughts were consumed with the sentimental moments with Arwen. His beautiful elf-maiden and him used to endlessly stare at one another just as his two companions were now experiencing. A infatuation. Love at first sight repeating over and over every time their eyes meet. 

His eyes flickered back to the night-sky behind him. The stars night by night dimmed as the darkness of Sauron's power grew greater. Turning back to his companions he knew that they must rest for the night, "Legolas, Medlinya." Aragorn's tenacious voice echoed. The two Elves simultaneously glanced over to the lone Ranger noticeably startled by his voice. "We must rest for the night." The Ranger's concerned eyes meet the she-elf's gaze, "Especially you Medlinya. You were not trained to sustain without rest like Legolas and I." 

The Elf Prince stiffened at Aragorn's words responding to the Ranger with a serious dip of his head. The she-elf on the other hand realized the truth behind Aragorn's concern. Her exhausted figure began to slump against the only support nearby, Legolas. Her legs wobbled as if her own body weight was just too heavy for her to handle. The worried cerulean eyes of her soul mate spied his Faenod's sudden weak stature as her weight was pressed against his firm chest.  Hurriedly Legolas reached down placing a hand to her smooth back and the other hooking under her knees, lifting her bridal style. Feebly Medlinya shared a glance with her soul mate before her head thumped against his solid chest.

With a brisk pivot of his heel, Legolas carried his Faenod away towards the sleeping chambers King Theoden had provided them with as silent Aragorn followed a few paces behind. Snuggling into Legolas, Medlinya's body began to slowly shut down. His comforting warmth coaxed the conquering fatigue to take the semi-conscious she-elf into a slumber. Darkness crept closer and closer as her heavy eyelids gradually lowered until fully closed, slipping into oblivion. A soft, almost inaudible snoring reached the sharp ears of Legolas. Glancing down his eyes were meant with a sleeping Medlinya in his arms. The peaceful innocence showed on her sleeping face as Legolas carried the she-elf into the sleeping chamber.  The Elf Prince lowered himself to his knees in-between the two Elves' adjacent sleeping bags.

Gaping at the sleeping woman in his arms as she unconsciously nuzzled further into his chest, Medlinya resembled an sleeping angel. A warm tingling feeling filled his chest, not wanting to let go of his angel. His eyes flickered between the two sleeping bags, pondering. Legolas' two person sized bedroll stretched out from years of use over the ages. With a smile, the Elf Prince gingerly slipped Medlinya into his sleeping bag before gliding into the bedroll himself. The two elves being tucked in the same bed with Legolas' arms en-circulating the she-elf's waist as the bedroll embraced the two Faenods. As the warmth grew as seconds flew by, Legolas succumbed to his fatigue to the comfort of his dreams while holding his Medlinya so close. 

~~

Soft lush grass spread across the land, and white lilies sprung from the meadow stretching towards the horizon. Sounds of a nearby babbling brook echoed to Medlinya's ears. A soft breeze carried the sweet, heavy fragrance like honey tickled the she-elf's nose, the white lilies of her dreams. As the entrancing meadow materialized out all around the she-elf, whom observed on a outcropped rock. Medlinya inhaled the beautiful scents of nature as her eyes fluttered close, feeling at peace in her sacred memory. A strange loud gust of wind resounded in the meadow, causing the she-elf to snap her eyes open... A familiar figure stood a few paces away with a sweet smile lingering on her lips. The sun's beams shone down on long platinum blonde hair of the figure, making her hair appear white.  As the gentle breeze combed through the figure's hair, her sapphire orbs sparkled proudly at Medlinya. Almost resembling a nymph of the meadow beneath her feet. 

The she-elf stared at the figure before her in awe. "Nana?" [Mom?] 

In her dreams, back in the foothills of the White Mountains where the Fellowship first set out for Mordor, was a vision of her mother. Her mother had been in every dream she ever had although in that dream in particular was unusual. Medlinya had always been a child in those dreams with her mom. It was that specific dream when the she-elf had been in her adult form and her beautiful mother was going to speak to her daughter,

The figure smiled brighter as she gracefully bowed her head. Her sapphire eyes glistened like sun beams on a pool of water as she stared at the grown-up elf, "Medlinya... Lelling." her gentle voice cracked, forcing back tears. [Medlinya... my daughter.] At those words, Medlinya sprung to her feet and launched herself at the long-lost figure of her past into a tearful embrace. 

Her mother's long slender arms enclosed Medlinya in a long awaiting hug. The younger she-elf sniffled, "I missed you." 

The older she-elf's chest erupted in loving laughter, "I missed you too, Lelling." [My daughter]. Her soft hands stroked Medlinya's long almond brown hair, comforting the she-elf in her arms. The platinum blonde she-elf  gently stepped back, soaking in Medlinya's face. A beautiful smile swept across her creamy face, "Vanimle sila tiri." [Your beauty shines bright.]

Medlinya beamed at her mother's words, "Diola lle, Nana." [Thank you, Mom]. The young she-elf happily gazed at her mom until her expression was washed over with curiosity. "In all my dreams you were here with me, why now choose to talk to me?"

A troubling flash twinkled in the older she-elf's sapphire eyes, "Medlinya, magic is very complicated."

A question mark appeared across Medlinya's face, "Magic?"

Nana inclined her head, "Magic controls our world, Medlinya. It always resided in our family, although your magic is more extraordinary than our ancestry tree  ever had at their disposal. You are so special, Medlinya." The woman breezed past her daughter gracefully, as she sat on the boulder. The young she-elf sat beside her mother, hanging on every word. "You are needed against the dark forces of Sauron, sweetheart." 

"Why am I special? What can I do to the dark forces? I cannot stand in-between the forces of Sauron and protect the forces of Men-kind alone." Medlinya questioned hysterically. The young she-elf was scared of her destiny and her future. Even though she knew her Faenod would protect her from anything, she still feared the worst. 

The blonde woman set her delicate hand on her daughter's smooth face, "Shh, sweetheart. Look at me." Her voice uttered comfortingly. Medlinya met Nana's peaceful gaze, "You will not be alone. Legolas swore an oath as did Aragorn and all the Fellowship. Yes you are special and in most stories the heroine does stand alone. However you stand with people who love you standing by your side, that is what makes your power more brilliant... Medlinya, your destiny is to defeat the darkness."

Medlinya stared at her mother with her eyebrow raised, "I already knew that."

The platinum blonde smiled knowingly, "Yes, yes. Though not the darkness of Sauron, Medlinya."

"Than what darkness?" Medlinya asked with a hint of urgency. 

Medlinya's mother shook her beautiful head at Medlinya, "All in time, sweetheart. " Nana glanced up to her surroundings as if she heard something, "We do not have much time, Lelling." [My daughter}.

The young she-elf jolted to her feet as her hands gripped the hilts of her swords, "Who is threatening you?"

Her mother laughed at her daughter, "No one is, sweetheart. Morning is approaching." 

Medlinya spun around to the woman worriedly, "Will I see you again, Nana?" [Mom?].

Nana gracefully stood to her light feet, nodding her head with a poise of a queen. A smile grew bigger on the platinum blonde, "And you are needed for another purpose."

"What? What purpose?"

A melodic laugh resounded from the platinum blonde she-elf, "You know well of what I mean, Medlinya."

A red scarlet blush spread across Medlinya's cheeks, "Legolas?"

Her mother's smile illuminated, "Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm, an honorable Elf for my beautiful daughter." Medlinya blushed deeply at her words, avoiding the familiar sapphire eyes that seemed to grin. "My sweet daughter got her Faenod!" Nana squealed in delight like a young child receiving candy. The wind stirred up circulating around the two she-elves, disturbing the peaceful atmosphere.

Medlinya spotted Nana's forlorn expression, "You have to go?"

The platinum blonde met her daughter's eyes sadly, "For now, sweetheart." Nana approached the young elf, kissing her softly on the forehead. Sapphire eyes met both holding immense sorrow, "Tenna' ento lye omenta," [Until next we meet].

The meadow, the lilies, the sounds of the brook, the grass, and most importantly Nana had disappeared in a blink of an eye. Everything of her past melted away into the darkness.

~~~~

A golden shimmery beam trickled through the windows of the occupied sleeping quarters of the Fellowship, gracing the occupants with the light of the rising sun. The Ranger and the Dwarf had already left the room, leaving the two elves and the hobbit to their bedrolls. The Elf had been awake for hours, since Aragorn had left the chamber, although Legolas did not budge from where he lay. The Fellowship residing in Edoras, their temporary sanctuary from the dark forces of Sauron, was a place where the Elf could carry out activites he normally could not do. One of those activities was staying in his bedroll with his sleeping Faenod in his arms, cradling her as if she was a precious baby. Legolas' mind meditated to the warmth of the she-elf emitted through his entire being. Her rhythmic rising and falling of her chest met his unitedly as one, like a tide of a ocean. The Elf's muscles relaxed as his senses drew in every delicate qualities of Medlinya into his soul.

As Legolas and his sleeping beauty laid in the snug sleeping bag, Medlinya stirred in her sleep, unconsciously nestling into the firm chest of Legolas. The Elf Prince's eyes immediately fluttered open at the contact. His sleepy cerulean eyes lowered to the beautiful sleeping she-elf tangling her small fingers into his white tunic. A drowsy, tender smile stretched across his face as he stared at Medlinya. Tightening his arm around her, Legolas peacefully rested his eyes listening on her soft breathing. 

The sunlight beam slowly made its way against Medlinya's face, a soft groan rumbled from the she-elf, vaguely startling the Elf to reopen eyes. 

His cerulean eyes snapped downwards to Medlinya's face, sparkling in amusement. The she-elf's bottom pink lip was protruded in a sulky pout, not wanting to wake up. Legolas let out an airy chuckle as his grin grew being entertain by Medlinya's stubbornness. The she-elf's brown eyebrows scrunched up in displeasure as the Elf's chest rattled her head by his laugh, "Shh." Medlinya hushed, squeezing her eyes shut.

Legolas' grin brightened at her words as he slowly leaned towards her petite head, "Medlinya." The Elf breathed with a placid sing-songy voice.  Medlinya's nose twitched, like a bunny's, at the sound of his whispering of her name. "Medlinya, it is time to wake up." he whispered once more.

 "It's too early, Legolas." The she-elf sluggishly mumbled in protest as a pout formed on her lips. Her eyes never opened, hoping she could drift back to her dreamland. 

The Elf Prince bowed her head at the drowsy she-elf, before effortlessly slipping out of the sleeping roll. The lack of her warm, solid pillow brought Medlinya to open her eyes to her Faenod no longer laying beside her. Her eyes flickered up to Legolas kneeling beside the sleeping bag. Amused cerulean orbs met sleepy sapphire pools, Legolas set a hand on her silky almond brown hair sweeping away her strands out of her face. "I will be in the Golden Hall with Aragorn and Gimli when you are ready, Medlinya."

Medlinya slightly bobbed her head at his words with a sweet smile. With one last stroke of her hair, the Elf Prince mutely departed from the room. The she-elf silently sighed at the sudden silence of the room, besides the soft snores from Merry a few bed rolls away. Medlinya's sapphire eyes traveled back to the doorway where Legolas had disappeared through, contemplating if she should follow after him or rest more. 

With a heaving breath, Medlinya groggily slipped herself out of the bedroll exposing her body to the chill of the morning air. Shakily the she-elf rose to her feet as her knees wobbled, resembling a newborn foal trying to stand for the first time. Medlinya falteringly made her way to the sleeping hobbit snug in his blankets. Placing a hand on the hobbit's tiny shoulder, she gave him a shake. "Merry, wake up." 

Medlinya continued her attempts to wake the hobbit, though to her result was a snoring Merry clinging to his bedroll oblivious of the continuous shake of his shoulder, "Lady Medlinya?" a voice questioned behind the she-elf.

The she-elf glanced over to the doorway to see Eowyn standing before the threshold of the sleeping chambers carrying a pile of clothes. Medlinya immediately bowed her head to the Woman of Rohan, "Lady Eowyn, what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?" 

A genuine smile grew on the fair face of the Rohirrim woman, "I have brought your cleaned ranger clothes."

"You are very kind, my Lady." Medlinya praised with a twinkle in her sapphire eyes, "Although I wish I would do something in return."

Eowyn handed over the freshly washed into the arms of Medlinya, "Do not worry about such, Lady Medlinya. You are a honorable guest of Rohan and her people. Your presence is a gift to us all. " 

The two women exchange bows of respect before Eowyn took her leave from the chamber. Medlinya glance down to the sleeping hobbit to the doorway, deciding where she should change without Merry having a glimpse of her. Clutching her clothes in her arms, Medlinya strolled further into the chamber room towards extra bedrolls that had belonged to the wizard, the foolish hobbit, and the red headed she-elf. Placing the pile on the ground, the she-elf strung up the sleeping bags creating her very own 'screen of protection'. 

With a satisfied grin, Medlinya hid herself behind the screen with her pile of clothes. Slipping the beautiful pale green dress off as quickly as light illuminates the dark away. Medlinya dressed herself back into her light, green ranger attire with her twin Elven swords strapped to her leather belt around her waist.

A sigh of relief escaped from her pink lips as her hands gripped the familiar hilts of the precious swords, feeling a sense of completion of her very being. Medlinya light-footedly traveled out of the room into the hallway. The she-elf strolled along the passage way to the throne room of the Golden Hall gracefully.

Upon entering the glorious hall of Meduseld, the beams of sunlight illuminated the ancient tapestries illustrating the history and legends of the Rohirrim. The gold from the weaved thread of frolicking, proud horses glistened under the morning's rays of light. Stepping into the middle of the hall of the Rohirrim King, her sapphire eyes caught the sight of Theoden and his guardsmen huddled over a wooden table studying a detailed map of Middle-earth, as if they were searching for the armies of Mordor to roam across the map. Their loud, projected voices debated the whereabouts of lingering bands of the orcs of Saruman and their route in preparation if Gondor decides to call for aid. Unnoticed by the men, Medlinya stepped out of the hall onto the rock porch outside, meeting with the bright sun's mighty beams as it rises from behind the rolling hills of West Emnet. 

Staring from the edge of the stone balcony, her curious eyes focused on the streets of Edora below. Very few villagers were roaming the streets, most of them farmers setting up their produce stand and the others were children chasing each other in a game of tag.  Her pink lips pursed in thought, pondering if she should find Legolas first or explore the cobblestone roads of Rohan's capital city. She had no idea where the Elf and the other two men would be. Legolas had said they would be in the Golden Hall, yet they were not apart of the debate with Theoden-king nor in the room. Her eyes surveyed the city below, 'Maybe I'll find them along the streets of Edoras.' 

With her mind set, Medlinya descended down the stone steps of the Golden Hall of Meduseld onto the ground level of the grandest city residing in Rohan. The houses, as beautifully crafted like the Golden Hall, were exceptionally smaller almost a replica of the hall. Only the houses were slightly duller and the roofs were not thratched with golden like hay as the Hall. Nonetheless, the houses were cozily small with a little wooden porch with barely one or no windows. Strolling along the cobblestone, Medlinya's nose was met with a scent of roasting meat. Her sapphire eyes spotted a larger house among others with a silver casting of a dragon hanging of a curled iron hook. Curiosity embraced the she-elf's body as its own, bringing her to the open door of the strange building. 

A wall of the scent of the roasting meat and smoke struck the she-elf immediately from entering the room causing a fit of coughs. It was a dark-lighted room with a blazing inferno centered in the middle where an opening was just above the fire, allowing the smoke escape. Above the fire sat a metal mesh where piles of meat were being baked by the tongues of the flames. In the far wall away from the she-elf hung several closely skinned, pink and white muscle torsos of cows, pigs, chickens, etc. A butcher shop. The curiosity left from the wide-eyed Medlinya in its place nausea took over before the she-elf darted out of the shop.

Reaching the center of the cobblestone road was where Medlinya halted before frighteningly glancing back at the strange shop. Of course Medlinya had prepared many deer in her lifetime with her own knife, although the nature loving side of the she-elf never liked to nor see it. The horror inside the butcher repulsed every pore of her body, it was a sight that any Elf should never see. Elves are generally vegetarians, since their race is more devoted to nature than any other race. It is normal for the Elves to have some sort of meat every now and then if lack of resources calls. For Medlinya, eating the edible plants is taking in nature in herself nourishing her soul of the pure heart of wildlife. 

The she-elf hastily sauntered to a comfortable distance away from the butcher shop onto a new street. Medlinya warily examined her surroundings with eyes swimming with uncertainty. As her eyes scanned the houses around, a familiar building stood out among them all. The stables. With a twinkle in her eye, Medlinya jogged towards the structure before a throng of Riders exited the stables armored and mounted on their horses. The she-elf immediately stopped, confused and worried of the need of the warriors to be armed for battle. 

Swiftly approaching them, Medlinya spotted Eomer on his own horse, the captain and nephew of Theoden. His silver and gold helmet shimmered under the rays of the early sun, his stern brown eyes surveyed his fellow Riders. "Lord Eomer!" the she-elf called.

His intense dark eyes caught the concerned sapphire eyes, the intensity of his eyes remarkably softened from their fierceness at the presence of the she-elf. "Lady Medlinya, what brings you here?"

The she-elf stood a few feet from the Man of Rohan, keeping her distance from the unsettled horses. "Why are you leading Riders out? Gondor has not called for aid." Medlinya paused in thought as her eyebrows lowered in confusement, "Or have they now?"

 "No, Gondor is too conceited to call for aid." Eomer answered with a stern, 'commander' voice. 

The sapphire eyed she-elf bobbed her head and stepped away from the Riders respectfully. Eomer bowed his head to the she-elf before stirring his horse with a sharp 'yah', leading the way out of Edoras. The Riders mirrored their captain's actions, quickly following after Eomer. Medlinya stood watching the horses carrying the brave Rohirrim warriors out of the city. The thundering hooves of the horses slowly dimmed as the Riders rode further and further away. 

Spinning around to the sight of the Golden Hall resting on the highest peak of the hill, the she-elf sprinted through the streets having so many questions rattling in her mind. Her light, agile legs effortlessly carried Medlinya up the slope to the Hall. Leaping from step to step, the she-elf climbed up the stairs to the beautifully carved door of Meduseld. Slipping into the room this time the she-elf was met with no one in the Hall. Where Theoden and his men were debating was deserted, there were no voices being carried from any of the hallways. 

Medlinya huffed and puffed from her desperate sprint for answers, too distracted to hear light feet approaching her. "Aier, lle tyava quel?" a worried voice questioned, snapping the she-elf out of her thoughts. [Short one, do you feel well?]

Legolas stepped in front of the she-elf, his cerulean eyes carefully studied his huffing Faenod. A smile graced itself on her fair face as her breathing regularized, "I'm well. I was just sprinting here from the stables. Eomer is leading a few Riders to the hills."

The Elf deliberately nodded at her words, "Theoden-king ordered Riders to scope the land for any surviving bands of Uruk-hai around the city."

The she-elf accepted his answer and her tense shoulders relaxed as she breathed in a calming gust of air. Her eyes locked with Legolas', saturated with curiosity. "Where were you?"

Guilt swamped the Elf Prince's expression, "Aragorn, Gimli, and I were with Theoden and his advisers until Theoden ordered Aragorn to order Eomer to scout, Gimli was sent along with Aragorn, and I stayed behind to get you by my own orders." 

Medlinya's face mirrored the guilt in the Elf's, "Amin hiraetha. You are always searching for me." [I'm sorry].

An endearing chuckle erupted from the smiling Elf Prince, "You are an adventurer at heart. It is normal to be lost by new sights and have another searching for you." The two Elves exchanged smiles as his arm wrapped itself around her waist, "Though it is more enjoyable to new sights with another adventurer."

With one last smile, Legolas lead Medlinya out to the city of Edoras once again. The two strolled down streets Medlinya had already seen and onto entirely new streets. Exploring on her own was a totally different experience than touring the city of Rohan with Legolas by her side. Earlier she was alone against unfamiliar houses, terrain, and roads. She had the time to soak every detail to the woodwork, the cobblestone on the street, and the precision of the metal craft of the signs of the shops along the market streets. With Legolas at her side, she did not have to face new sights alone. Especially the sight inside the butcher's shop. However the she-elf never noticed passing the shop as Legolas guided her down the street instead Medlinya listened intently to Legolas as he told her the history of Edoras. Whenever a villager said hi, recognizing the pair, the Elves greeted them back with a smile and a simultaneous 'hello'. The two Elves would receive acknowledging, respectful bows of the heads of all the guards they passed. Truly, Legolas' words of having another adventurer at another's side were accurate. 

As Legolas guided Medlinya back to the Golden Hall, the sun rested in the middle of the sky above. Waiting for them to return stood Aragorn, Gimli, and a sleepy Merry beside a table full of food. The Ranger stepped forward towards the Elves with a teasing grin, "Welcome back, friends." 

Medlinya glanced up to the Elf's face to see a smirk ridden on his lips as Legolas lead his Faenod to the table. Gimli and Merry sat themselves at the table and hurriedly gathered the food onto their plates. The she-elf's eyebrow raised at the two in disbelief. "How barbaric." she mumbled.

Aragorn and Legolas caught her words than grinned in response. Watching the Dwarf and Hobbit tear meat off the muscular legs of chicken as  they sample each food on the table, images of the missing Fellowship materialized in her mind's eye. Right beside Gimli and Merry sat the redheaded elf and the foolish hobbit also stuffing their face with all the food they could. Gandalf stood behind Pippin smiling but shook his head at the four. Boromir sat across from Gwiliweth, laughing at the sight drinking his cup of ale. Beside the Man of Gondor sat Frodo and Sam, eating slowly bewildered by their friends' amounts of food intake. Medlinya's eyes flickered to every happy face with a smile of her own. A fluttery sensation rose from her heart examining around the room as the distant laughs fill the sound of her ears. One by one the missing members of their group dissipated into the air, like mist.

A frown settled at her lips as she blinked at the more empty room as Gimli and Merry continued to pack food into their mouths. Legolas peered down to the woman at his side, catching the frown. Unlike many sad thoughts that Medlinya had accidentally shared with the fine line between her Faenod and herself, this one vision was not seen by the Elf although he could see the familiar sadness in her eyes. 

Legolas leaned down and softly kissed the she-elf's warm forehead, as he tightened his hold on her waist. Medlinya met his loving gaze and mustered a smile through her sadness. 'Do not worry, Medlinya.'The sapphire eyes of the she-elf stared into the cerulean pools of Legolas, searching for more reassurance. 'The Fellowship will be together again.'

~~~~~

Night fell on the rolling hills of West Emnet and the majestic Grey Mountains, the sky darkened every minute slowly as the sun lowered across the heavens. Eomer and his Riders had returned from their scouting mission empty-handed with no sign of wandering Orcs or Uruk-hai. Just like the sky above, Theoden's expression darkened in thought about the news. Nonetheless, he had everyone take their leave to rest for the night. Aragorn and Legolas led the Dwarf, the she-elf, and the Hobbit back to their sleeping chamber. Quietly they slipped into their own bedrolls including Legolas and Medlinya although their sleeping bags were pressed close together.  

As the Fellowship escaped into their dreams, Nana appeared again in Medlinya's safe haven of the meadow and lilies. No matter how many times Medlinya asked her mother what was going to happen, Nana remained silent and struck up a different conversation. Out of the aimless talks with her mother there was no word, no sentence, and no topic that interested Medlinya to what will occur during the War of the Ring. 

Throughout the next two days, Medlinya and the men had been on low-key in the Golden Hall. Gimli and Merry normally went out to the barracks to strengthen the hobbit's fighting skills. Aragorn wandered out to Edoras meeting new people, as Legolas and Medlinya watch from their spot on the porch of the Golden Hall. The she-elf saw the king shining through the Ranger when she spotted him smiling to any villager he spoke to. "A king at heart he is. The supreme ruler of past, present, and future Kings of Gondor standing just a few paces away." Medlinya voiced to the Elf at her side, cradling her petite waist. 

"King Aragorn." the Elf whispered, Medlinya peered up to Legolas watching Aragorn below with blissful eyes. "Ever will the sight of joy to see as ever will the sound." Legolas glanced down to the she-elf with a smile brighter than the sun meeting her twinkling sapphire eyes. 

Medlinya's head rested on the shoulder of her Faenod, as their gaze transferred back to the Ranger. 

As the sun rose to another new day in Edoras, the atmosphere was no longer calm. The moment the she-elf opened her eyes, there was a strangeness to the air. Voicing her thoughts to the Elf, he agreed to her instincts. Instead of standing at their spot on the porch, Legolas and Medlinya stayed inside the Golden Hall with Merry and Gimli. Theoden and his advisers again were huddled over the maps, making plans to keep the people of Rohan safe. The two Elves lingered away from the discussion and stayed beside the columns only conversing to themselves. Gimli and Merry quietly sat beside the two Elves in wooden chairs, listening to the Rohirrim's discussion.

 ~~~

Alone outside, Aragorn sat on a porch as he ate his stew in peace. The past few days other than talking to the native Rohirrims of Edoras, the Ranger found a perfect house near the Golden Hall with a perfect view of the beacon on the distant snowy cap on one of the many peaks of the Grey Mountains. Calmly the Ranger filled his wooden spoon with warm, brown stew than lift it to his lips, taking a sip of the meaty broth. Taking that sip, his eyes happened to glance up to the majestic mountains. From a peak of a mountain, a large fire caught his eye as the Ranger slowly stood up.

The last beacon is lit. 

His mouth slowly opened in shock taking in short breaths of air, almost panting. Tossing his bowl from his hands, Aragorn takes off sprinting across the cobblestone road to the stairs of the Golden Hall of Meduseld. Ascending the stone stairs, Aragorn bursts into the Hall startled everyone inside, "The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!" The Man hollered with a mighty roar.

Theoden looks at Aragorn, in council with his men, than lowered his head in thought of the sudden news. Eowyn and Eomer, just as everyone in the Golden Hall, stared at Rohan's king. The heavy tension builds in the hall of Rohirrim. All eyes were on the King waiting for his answer. No noises echoed against the walls besides Aragorn's irregular breathing. 

Slowly, the head of Theoden rises, meeting Aragorn in the eye, "And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim!"

A soldier on an Edoras' lookout, a soldier rang a giant bell in alarm, as below, in the courtyard of the Rohirrim city, Riders mount their horses among the chaos of preparation of war. King Theoden strode out of Meduseld, speaking with Eomer at his side. "Assemble the army at Dunharrow, as many men as can be found. You have two days." Eomer nodded at his uncle's words and turns, when Theoden clasped a hand on his shoulder."On the third, we ride for Gondor. And war."

Eomer bowed his head to his King once more than leaves Theoden's side. 

"Gamling…" Theoden called out as he made his way to the standing guard on the balcony. 

Gamling immediately turned to the Rohirrim king, "Lord."

Theoden meets the eye of his trusted guard, "Make haste across the Riddermark. Summon every able-bodied man to Dunharrow." Gamling bows and descended down the stone stairs as Theoden watches the Riders flow from Edoras under his stern, wise brown eyes. 

Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Medlinya and Eowyn exit the stables preparing for the war. The Ranger glances over to the Woman of Rohan curiously, "You ride with us?"

Eowyn stroked the nose of her ginger coated horse with a smile, "Just to the encampment." Her eyes peered back to the Ranger behind her, "It's tradition for the women of the court to farewell the men."

Aragorn gave the woman a kind smile when his sharp eyes spotted an object hidden. His finger lift up uncovers a sword, hidden in Eowyn's saddle. She covers the sword proficiently by pulling back down the cover. Her eyes stared into the Ranger's responding with a soft voice, "The men have found their captain, they will follow you into battle, even to death. You have given us hope."

Medlinya, Legolas, and Gimli prepare to depart a few paces away from Aragorn and Eowyn. As the two Elves mounted Arod, their eyes were met with a pair of conflicting eyes belonging to Gimli. "Horsemen, hmph! I wish I could muster a legion of Dwarves, fully armed and filthy."

A wise serious light gleamed in Legolas's eyes as he stared at the Dwarf, "Your kinsmen may have no need to ride to war. I fear war already marches on their own lands." His soft voice remarked. 

The Dwarf nodded dully as his eyes lowered trusting that Legolas' words were true. Aragorn guided his new horse, Brego, to the side of Gimli. With a mighty tug, the Dwarf was placed behind the Ranger. Medlinya quietly wrapped her arms around Legolas, as the Elf guided Arod to Theoden with Aragorn, Gimli, and Eowyn close behind. Eomer astride his horse, calls out to the assembled soldiers. "Now is the hour, Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken! Now, fulfill them all! To Lord and Land!"

With Theodem at the lead with his snowy white mare, the Fellowship and Eomer followed the King out of the gate of Edoras leading them to Dunharrow. Behind them rode a great column of Rohirrim soldiers streaming out of the city. Medlinya tightened her hold of Legolas, resting her head against his broad back.

A warm, comforting hand was set on her clasped hands at the mid-section of the Elf's chest.

'Everything will be fine, Medlinya.' 

Medlinya smiled absentmindedly at the voice of her Elf Prince. 'Do you swear?'

A smile embraced itself on Legolas' lips hearing her childlike question, 'Over and over I fall when I hear your call... without you in my life baby... I just wouldn't be living at all. This I promise you.'

 (End of Chapter Fifteen)

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: OMG did I just use the song lyrics of the title of the story? I think so! Muhahaha... I will try my hardest to get the next chapter typed. Big vacation break coming up... I see the next chapter and possibly another chapter getting done!! 

Until next time! <3