A brown, black back stripped, black tail cat walked slowly through the trees. He lowered his wet, black nose to the ground and sniffed as he continued to walk. His head swayed side to side slightly as he sniffed. His tracks were soon over walked by his master, walking behind him with a dark green elven cloak, hood pulled up, covering his face. The large cat led his master through the woods following his nose, every once going in a circle. Finally coming to the edge of the forest and the road to the town. His master leaned down, patted the cat atop his large head, then they made their way towards the town. They came to the door of an inn called ‘The Black Cat’. The master opened the door, allowed the cat in first, and then followed after. Upon closing the door, the person lowered his hood; long sandy-brown hair fell from the hood, blue-hazel eyes shown in the candlelight of the tavern/inn. She had elven ears and a fair beautiful face. She made her way over to a dark, shadowed corner. She sat at the table as the cat laid under the table, and she leaned her chair against the wall. Her gaze fell upon the bartender, cautiously making his way over to her. He stopped in front of her table and stared at her slightly shaking. “I-I-I-I ask you to ta-ta-take that beast ou-ou-outside,” he stuttered, pointing under the table at the word beast. “And what are you gonna do if I don’t remove him?” she asked, her voice soft, a slight edge added. When he didn’t reply she asked, “Do you know who I am?” He nodded shakily. “Then you know what I am capable of, correct?” He nodded again. “Good, then leave me alone, unless you wanna taste.” She narrowed her eyes slightly as he turned around quickly and practically ran back to the bar. Ever since the tale of Frodo and the ring, bartenders didn’t seem to trust Rangers and Rouges, or anyone for that matter. Even though it had been 15 years to the day of Frodo’s expedition. Some customers were even asked to leave, as she had been instructed to do with her large cat. She pulled a small bottle from her cloak and set it atop the table as the everyday visitors continued on with there merry words and stories. As she pulled the cap from the bottle and raised it to her lips a pair of men walked up to her table. She took a drink and set the bottle back atop the table. “May I help you?” she sneered. “Yes, you can remove that disgusting beast from the inn,” said the tall, lean, shaggy-brown haired, brown-eyed man pointing under the table. “You can insult me all you want,” she said her temper flaring fast, a low growl erupting from under the table; she slammed her hands on the table causing the bottle to jump and everyone to become silent and stare at them as she pushed herself up from the table. “But never…insult…my cat.” She glared at him as he stepped back slightly. “Do I make myself crystal clear?” “You don’t fri…” he started but just as quickly as he started to say something, she grabbed his throat, spun him around and slammed him on the table. The back of his head connected with the bottle, shattering it into a million pieces, the liquid spilling onto the table; she gripped his throat tightly as she glared at his friend who was sneaking away. Blood began to spill onto the table as she released him. “Come boy.” She made her way to the other side of the table and snapped her fingers. The large cat rose and followed his mistress. As she passed the bartender she whispered, “Sorry about the mess.” She then opened the door, raised her hood, and followed the cat out. “Come, Loki, we must find Reion…before it’s too late.” She hurried off, out of town, Loki on her heels. ~~~~~~ An elf with long blonde hair, blue eyes and a fair beautiful face walked towards ‘The Black Cat’ followed by a short, squat, red haired, red bearded dwarf. “Why are we coming here again? Please remind me, my Elf Friend,” asked the dwarf as they stopped at the door. “Cause Gimli,” said the elf, looking down at the dwarf and placing his hand on the door handle. “We have been asked by Aragorn, the King of Gondor, to check out the disturbance a Ranger has been causing.” He started to turn the handle as the dwarf spoke again. “Well, I still don’t understand, Legolas. Why can’t someone else handle this problem?” he asked, shaking his head. “Cause, Gimli, this Ranger is an elf, and that would make it harder for someone to catch her,” he answered slightly annoyed by his friend. He turned the knob and walked in, making their way to the bartender. They each took a seat at the bar as the bartender walked up to them. “What can I get you?” he asked, slightly leaning on the bar. “Yes, can you tell us anything about an Elf Ranger?” Legolas asked. “What can I tell you?” he said, a slight edge to his voice. Then he repeated the question slightly raising his voice, “What can I tell you?! She nearly killed one of my customers!” “She?! It’s a she-elf?!” asked Gimli. “Yes,” said Legolas, slightly batting his hand at Gimli to tell him to be quiet. “Can you tell us which way she went?” “I don’t rightly know. She just walked out and by the time I stepped out she was gone,” he answered slamming his hand down on the bar, letting his frustration out. “Come Gimli,” said Legolas, turning quickly. “We must find her before more innocent people are hurt.” They hurried out the door before the bartender could warn them about her large cat. “Even if they manage to catch her,” he said to himself looking at the door. “Her cat will protect her.” Legolas hopped atop his horse, Arod, and pulled Gimli up behind him. “Pick a direction, my Dwarf Friend.” “That way,” Gimli answered pointing to the road that led to the next town. Legolas urged to horse forward and tore off down the road. The next town was only an hour’s ride away, but if she had already left then she could be anywhere. She could have easily have stolen a horse and road off towards Gondor, Rohan, or Rivendale, though Legolas doubted that the neither Elves, nor Aragorn would take her in. ~~~~~~ She made her way through town and towards a stable. She walked up the path cautiously, and then entering the barn she shut the door quietly behind her. Horses of every color greeted her. Many brown, gray, white, and red horses but none of them looked fit enough to make a long journey in a matter of days, then flee if need be if she were sought after. She then came to the last stall and her eyes fell upon a jet-black horse with a white mane. A really rare color for a horse and he looked exceptionally strong. She opened the stall slowly and walked in; upon entering the horse reared up and nayed loudly. “Easy boy,” she said. She grabbed the reins from the wall, along with the saddle and set them atop a bail of hay next to him. The horse reared up again. She then started to hum a song that always calmed her when she was angry or upset. As she continued to hum, then horse lowered back to the ground and snorted, tossing his head up and down. He then took a few steps towards her, rubbing his nose against her stomach as she continued to hum. She then strapped the saddle and reins on, continuing to hum as she climbed atop him. “Ah-ya.” He tapped his sides gently, urging him forward out of the stall, and out of the barn. He tore out the doors, and out of town. She whistled and was followed quickly by Loki. ~~~~~~ Legolas and Gimli road into town and followed the main street for a few minutes, until they came upon a man yelling about his stolen horse. “What’s wrong?” Legolas asked, stopping Arod in front of the man. “Somebody stole my black stallion,” cried the man. “She’s got a horse,” said Gimli, “now we won’t catch her.” “Don’t despair, my Dwarf Friend, we will catch her,” Legolas answered. “Then you know who’s stolen my horse?” asked the man. “Yes, we are trying to catch her. She’s a Ranger and she has been causing a lot of trouble,” Legolas answered. “When you catch her,” he stated, “I want my horse back.” “Aye, sir,” said Legolas, then urging Arod forward, tore out of town and off to the next town, Engolar. ~~~~~~ The black stallion tore through the trees and came out at the base of a castle. “Good work, Drego,” she said patting his neck as she stopped him. She then walked him forward, across the platform and into the castle. Upon entering she halted him and hopped off. As she looked up she was greeted by an elf with black hair and dark skin. “Reion,” she said bowing low before him. “Drakel,” he said, a smile spread across his face as he placed his hands on her shoulders and raised her up. “How are you?” He turned; standing side-by-side with her, wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her to the stairs, and up. “I’m good, but I can’t help feeling that someone is searching for me, M’lord,” she said, admitting her fears to him. “You would be correct in your assumptions. Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of the Mirkwood Elves,” he raised his voice at Legolas’ name, “is searching for you along with his companion Gimli, son of Gloin!” “What am I to do about him?” “Kill him! And his companion!” Reion stated; neither mercy nor regret could be heard in his voice. “But why is he searching for me, M’lord?” Drakel asked confused. “Obviously your actions are unliked by the peoples of Middle-Earth. He has been asked to capture you. But beware,” he said, his voice now soft and mysterious, “he is a skilled archer and even if you kill him, he has friends in high places. Namely the King of Gondor, Aragorn, Son of Arathorn; he is sure to come to his friends aid.” They stopped at the top of the stairs, Reion turning to face her. “Join up with him,” he said, as if he had just got the idea. “Pretend you are looking for the Woman Ranger also. Help him. Get close to him. Then when he least expects it, Kill him!” “Yes, M’lord,” she said bowing, then turning she walked back down the stairs. She walked over to Drego, hopped on, and urged him out of the castle and back towards town, Loki following close behind. Using her magic she changed her hair to blonde, eyes to green, and Drego to dark brown, his mane still white. ‘Now no one will recognize me,’ she thought as she raced closer to town. “But, I’m afraid, Loki is a dead give away.” ~~~~~~ Legolas and Gimli rode into Engolar, Legolas leading Arod to the nearest Tavern. “We’ve searched all day, Master Elf. The sun is going to rest and we won’t find her in the dark,” Gimli said, hopping down from Arod as Legolas halted the horse. “I’m afraid you’re right, Master Dwarf. We must rest here tonight, then continue our search tomorrow,” he answered, hopping from Arod also. He sighed heavily as they entered the Tavern. “How may I help you, Masters?” asked the Tavern owner. “We need stalling for a horse and a room for ourselves,” Legolas answered. As the owner was about to turn and leave, the door opened and a She-Elf walked in with blonde hair and green eyes. “Ummm, excuse me, could I get a room and a stall for my horse?” she asked the owner. “Yes, Ma’am. I’ll have someone place both of the horses in a stall.” He then turned and left, heading into the back. She then glanced at the Blonde Elf and short Dwarf at the counter. She nodded slightly, and then walked over to a table sitting in the shadows. Legolas stared at her, slightly attracted. He sighed and smiled heavenly. Gimli looked up and snorted, trying to get Legolas’s attention. He then grumbled about elves and Legolas looked at him. “Yes?” “Don’t get distracted, my friend,” Gimli warned. “What?” “I saw how you were looking at her. Remember, we are after a She-Elf and she could be that She-Elf. Don’t get distracted.” Gimli snorted and glared at him. “Excuse me, I’ll show you to your rooms, now,” the Tavern owner said, as he leaned over the counter. He then walked out from behind it and called to the lady. “M’lady, your room is ready.” She stood slowly and walked over to him. “This way.” He led them to a staircase and up. Legolas couldn’t help but sigh and stare slightly at the She-Elf. He knew what Gimli said was true, she could be the Ranger they were looking for, but he didn’t want it to be so. She looked too beautiful and he sensed that she was nice, but he also sensed something else about her. “What?” she asked, when she realized he was staring at her. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he said as they reached the top of the stairs and they were led to their rooms. “M’lady, you’ll be staying here. M’lord, your rooms is the next one. Enjoy your stay and sleep well.” He then turned. “Excuse me, have you had any news about the Woman Ranger? Has she been seen lately?” she asked before he left. “No…” the owner answered. “We are looking for her,” Legolas answered before the owner could finish. “Maybe they can help you.” He then turned and left, heading back down the stairs. “Really?” she asked, interested. “Yes, we’re looking for her, but haven’t had any luck in finding her yet,” Legolas answered. “I was looking for her too, she seems to have given me the slip, yet again. May I ask your names, M’lords?” “I am Legolas of the Woodland Elves and this is Gimli son of Gloin.” She gasped slightly at their names. “I-I-I-I’ve heard great things about you two. How you helped save Middle-Earth in the fight against Sauron.” She said covering quickly. “What is your name, M’lady?” She was silent as she thought. ‘No one knows my name, do they? I’ll have to take a chance.’ “Drakel. Pleased to meet you, M’lords.” “Well, if you’ll excuse us, M’lady, we really need our rest,” said Gimli cutting in. “Legolas.” He eyed his friend slightly, and then headed to their room. “Goodnight, M’lady,” said Legolas as he bowed and followed his friend. “Goodnight, M’lord,” she said slightly sighing as her mind finally registered how much she was attracted to him.