Stood in the middle of a wide blue ocean, her feet barely touched the water as she slowly walked towards a huge staircase that rose to the sky. With every step she took, a sharp pain erupted in her side. She climbed the stairs, step by painful step, until she was high above the clouds. In front of her, stood a tall golden gate. 'So this is heaven.' She thought to herself. A small boy came over to her and looked her, up and down.

'You shouldn't be here yet.' He said, a confused look on his face. 'You've got years left in you yet.' The boy disappeared and she felt herself falling.

'Lasto beth nin ~hear my voice~' someone called from the distance 'Tolo dan na Ngalad ~come back to the light~' this time closer. Her breathing came heavier and the world around her fell away.

* * * * *

Lómadia awoke to a soft feather bed and a heavy weight on her right arm. She looked down at it sleepily, there leaning across her arm, was Legolas, fast asleep.

'Legolas,' she croaked through a dry throat. 'Legolas, where am I?' Legolas lifted his head sleepily, his eyes widen when he saw Lómadia staring back at him. The sweet smell of the woodland floated across her nostrils as Legolas cupped her cheek in his hand.

'Your awake.' He whispered, a broad smile forming on his lips. 'I've been so worried about you.' Legolas gently kissed Lómadia on the tip of her nose.' We nearly lost you, Lómadia. But we got you here in time and, thanks to Fëawen, you survived.'

'But where are we?'

'You are in the first Healing House of Lothlorien. In Caras Galadhon, the city of the Lord Celeborn, and the Lady Galadriel.' Answered a young female elf, with short golden hair, blue eyes and fair skin. 'Welcome to my home, Lómadia of Esgaroth. I'm Fëawen.'

'Thank-you Fëawen. For saving my life.' She smiled at the nurse, as Fëawen bowed out of the room in silence. 'What happened, Legolas? The last thing I remember was my hand covered in blood. Black blood.'

'I don't know. Fëawen has the answers. She knows why your blood was black, she won't tell me. I carried you out of the mines, and all the way here. I feared for your life, we all did. There was nothing Aragorn could do to stop the bleeding.' A single tear trickled down his cheek, as he thought about how he had nearly lost the love of his life the hobbits have visited you often, leaving in tears. Frodo has been singing to you, and telling you stories of Bilbo's travels.'

'They are really sweet.' The pain in Lómadia's side had completely gone, though she had a deep scar, from where the arrow had pierced her skin. She had been changed out of her travelling clothes into a long silk gown. Made of the finest white elven silk. Her long golden hair had been brushed and rebraided. 'How long have I been out?'

'Five days.' Legolas answered, helping her to sit up. 'you must rest and regain your strength.' At that point, Fëawen re-entered the room, carrying a glass of water. Which she handed to Lómadia

'You must drink this.' She turned to Legolas. 'Could you leave us alone, seas? .' He stood and left the room without question.

'Why must Legolas leave?' But Fëawen ignored Lómadia's question.

'You lost a lot of blood. Fortunately, the blood that effected you worst.'

'I don't know what you mean.' Lómadia looked straight into Feawen's eyes. 'Why was my blood black?'

'It's what happens when you cross to the dark side. Your blood turns black. The blood you lost was that of your fathers. Though you lost a lot of blood, still, half the blood in your system is dark.

'The Lady Galadriel wishes to see you, as soon as you are well enough. How are you feeling?'

'Fine.' Lómadia stated after gulping down the water.

'Then I will take you to your room. It is next to Legolas'.' Fëawen helped Lómadia out of bed and led her out of the healing house and along many corridors. The two walked for about five minutes. They passed trees, elves and more trees. Until they came to a door, which was set into a huge tall tree. Fëawen opened it and stepped inside, Lómadia followed.

The tree was hollow, and inside, a spiral staircase ran all the way to the top. The elve's climbed all the way to the top where they pulled their selves up through the trap door. They stood on a ledge high above the ground. This ledge was huge and had many different rooms on it. They walked along until they came to a small wooden door with a round, silver door knob.

'This is you room Lómadia. You will find some fresh clothes laid out for you. I will ask Legolas to escort you to dinner.' Lómadia thanked Fëawen and walked into her room.

The room was small but comfortable. The bed sat by the far wall, below the window. All it had in it was a bed, a table, a stool and a full length mirror.

There, on her bed, lay a long red, silk dress. Lómadia marvelled at the beauty of it as she quickly took off the white gown and pulled the dress over her head. She walked briskly towards the mirror. Her dress was a firm fit down to her waist, where it fell lightly to the floor. It swished from side to side as she walked. She stood in front of the mirror as she slowly eased the tangles out of her long golden hair. Not wanting to wait, she walked gracefully out of her room, to Legolas'. standing in front of a door very much like her own, she knocked gently. A few seconds passed before she heard the lock click, and the door swung open, slowly.

Lómadia's jaw fell open as she looked the male elf up and down. Legolas smiled, a twinkle in his eyes. He had changed out of his travelling clothes into a deep blue tunic and white leggings. Lómadia smiled politely as Legolas pulled her into his room.

'it's supposed to be me coming to you. Not you coming to me.' Legolas wrapped his arms around her waist and looked into her eyes. 'Lle naa vanima, .' Before Lómadia could say or do anything, Legolas caught her mouth in a deep kiss. This was their first proper kiss, and they both thought it felt so right. It was perfect.

'I couldn't wait to see you. Anyway, I wanted to say thank-you.' Lómadia said, backing away from Legolas and walking over to his window. He stared after her, confusion on his face. 'I know it wasn't just Fëawen that saved my life. If you hadn't have been there, I probably would have died straight away.'

'Why would me being there make any difference? Anyone would have done the same.' Legolas laid his arms over Lómadia's shoulders, and looked out over the tree of Lothlorien.

'Because, after I told my biggest secret, you didn't turn away from me. I survived because I had you trust, respect, friendship, and love.' After Legolas had taken this in, he kissed the bear skin on Lómadia's shoulder lightly.

'yes, you do have that from me. You always will. Come on, it's time for dinner. Are you feeling well enough to join the others?' Lómadia nodded and allowed herself be dragged away from the room and down the stairs. When they reached the bottom, Legolas led her out of the tree. He took her left hand in his and placed his right hand on the small of her back.

As they walked through the trees, Lómadia found herself leaning into Legolas' hand. After a few moments, they came to the most magnificent room she had ever seen. It was massive, with no proper walls. The trees around the clearing acted as the walls. In the middle of the room stood a long table. Each of the members of the fellowship sat around it, they all smiled as Lómadia walked into the room. Legolas motioned for her to sit next to Pippin as he sat on the other side of her.

'Legolas? Why is Gandalf not here?'

'I'll tell you later. First, will you eat something?' Legolas handed her an apple and some bread. She ate quietly, listening to Pippin tell her stories of his home, The Shire.

As soon as they had both finished eating, Legolas led Lómadia out of the room. Instead of taking her back to her room, he led her to a small glade, surrounded by trees.

'I think you should sit down.' Lómadia sat down on a rock by the trickling stream. 'In the mines, just before you passed out, Gandalf stood on the bridge, facing the Balrog. He cast a spell that made the bridge crack. As the Balrog stepped onto it, it crumbled under the weight. It fell into shadow, taking Gandalf with it.' Legolas paused, a sad look in his eyes. 'Everyone is trying to carry on. But I fear Frodo will not be able to. He needs you, Lómadia. He won't talk to anyone and he adores you. Please, will you comfort him.'

'Of course I will.' Lómadia stood up, her eyes full of tears. 'Will you show me to his room?'

'Follow me.' Legolas led Lómadia back to the ledge where their own rooms were. Frodo's room was at the back of the ledge, right at the end.

'Goodnight, Melamin .' Legolas whispered, walking back to his own room.

'Frodo?' Lómadia called, knocking gently on the door. Within seconds, the door opened. Frodo beamed when he saw her standing in front of him.

'Lómadia! Your better. Please, come in.' Frodo stood back as Lómadia stepped inside his room.

'I'm sorry, Frodo. Legolas has only just told me about Gandalf.'

'I miss him. I can't do this task without him.'

'That's what I thought when me father left me. I was young then, about 500. now I'm ………… years old. I still miss him. I thought I wouldn't be able to go on without him. But, here I am.'

'I need him to guide me with the Ring. I miss him so much. He was like a father to me.' Tears rolled slowly down Frodo's cheek as Lómadia sat him on her lap and tried to comfort him. She hummed softly to him.

Lómadia's beautiful singing voice lulled Frodo off to sleep. She lay him gently on his bed, covered him in blankets, and exited the room in silence. She made her way quickly to her sleeping quarters. Legolas sat on the edge of the ledge, his legs dangling over, high above the ground.

'Do you feel at home here?' Lómadia asked as she approached him.

'No. it's totally different to home. One day, I will take you there, you can rejoin us. Is Frodo sleeping?' Legolas motioned for her to sit next to him, but he refused and took a step backwards. After receiving a hurtful look from him, she explained.

'Frodo is asleep. I'm scared of heights, remember the mines?' he answered the question with a thoughtful nod. 'You need not have said goodnight earlier. But, please, come away from the edge, Legolas. Just watching you makes me feel queasy.' He chuckled and walked over to her. Wrapping his arms around her, Legolas kissed her forehead lightly.

'so, how did it go with Frodo?'

'He's very upset. I remember when my father left me. I felt exactly the same as he does now.' After a short pause, Lómadia carried on. 'I am going to go and see Galadriel tomorrow. I need to speak with her, so I don't suppose I'll see much of you tomorrow.' Legolas didn't look pleased at that. 'I'm sorry.' Lómadia placed her lips to his quickly, showing that she really was sorry.

'Then come spend the night with me?' Legolas raised his eyebrows, hopefully. 'I want to show you something. I place I found, when I was waiting for Fëawen to heal you.'

'Erm….okay.' Lómadia hesitated, she knew she was supposed to rest, but she wanted to spend time with Legolas, just in case she wouldn't be around for much longer. At her answer, Legolas beamed, grabbed hold of her hand and led her out of the tree. 'Where are we going?'

'Just outside the city. Don't worry, we're not going far.' As they walked quickly through the city, they passed elves who greeted them with wide smiles. Legolas led Lómadia to a small clearing where in the middle, stood a huge tall tree.

'Can you climb?' Legolas asked heading for the tree.

'Yes of course.'

'Good. Come on then.' As Legolas began to climb the tree, Lómadia stood and watched him for a few seconds, before she began to climb herself. The two climbed the tree with ease. At the top, they sat together, looking out over the tops of the trees. The only light came from the moon, which cast a glowing beam on the world. 'It's ok, I've got you, you wont fall, I wont let you. Just look out beyond the trees.'

Lómadia gasped. 'It's beautiful Legolas.'

'I came up here and thought of you. And it is beautiful, just like you. I love you.' Legolas caught Lómadia's mouth in a searing kiss, before she could react. 'I want you to have this.' Pulling away from Lómadia, Legolas pulled a small box out of his pocket. He opened it and showed it to Lómadia. Inside, was a silver necklace, with a tear shaped pendant. 'It was my mothers, I want you to have it.'

'oh, its gorgeous. But, I cant take this.'

'Yes you can. It's mine to give to who I want. You remind me of my mother, and of home. It would mean a lot to me if you would wear it.' Legolas undid the catch, wrapped the necklace around Lómadia's neck. While he fumbled to do the catch back up, his warm breath caressed her cheek, which sent shivers down her spine. 'It suits you.' He said sitting back.

'I will treasure it forever. Thank-you very much Legolas, it's the best thing anyone has ever given me.' Holding the pendant in her hand, she leaned forward and kissed Legolas tenderly. For the rest of the night, they sat in the tree, talking and telling each other stories. All the time, Lómadia held the tear pendant in her hand, not wanting to let it go. For her, that night was perfect. She was in a beautiful forest, with the most gorgeous male elf she had ever seen in her life. They never wanted that night to end, but it had to.