Fan Fiction ❯ Elves Make For Strange Bedfellows ❯ Confessions Of A Fairy Named Kimber ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter: 4 - Confessions Of A Fairy Named Kimber

"If it's all the same to you, this is my home," Felicity announced, "You don't have to hold my arm, I know where I am going!" she jerked from Pippin's grip, "Come on Kimber, let's go home!" she continued as she turned away to head off in the opposite direction.

"Oh no you don't! You're coming with us!" Pippin insisted trying to sound authoritative as he quickly grabbed onto her arm again.

"Says who?" Felicity looked down upon him for she stood a might six inches taller than he did.

"Says me!" Pippin declared, not backing down as he now stood on his tiptoes, "Didn't you see my lips moving?" he retorted. Merry laughed out loud at his friend's wit.

"You must not know whom you are dealing with, aier!" Felicity shot him a look.

Legolas raised an eyebrow and paused for a moment, surprised by her words.

"She's a cheeky little sprite isn't she?" Pippin grinned slyly at Merry.

"Who are you calling a sprite you…nadorhuan!"

"Felicity?!" Kimber gasped.

"What did you call me?" Pippin stopped short.

"Come along now," Gimli insisted, "We must keep a steady pace."

"I want to know what she called me!" Pippin demanded.

"She called you a cowardly dog," Legolas sighed, stopping in his lead. He turned and approached the four. Kimber could feel the heat once again rising to her face.

"Lle quena i'lambe tel' Eldalie? (Do you speak elvish?)" He asked Felicity. She offered him no reply. He waited for a moment before pulling Merry and Pippin to the side.

"Now listen, it is imperative that we find Aragorn and the others before nightfall. Do not let these fair maidens slow our progress for that may be their charge; keep a steady pace and do not stop unless I give you the order to do so, alright?" he asked.

"Yes, Legolas," they agreed before returning to the captives, who were now under Gimli's watchful eye.

The continued onward and did not walk but 5 yards before Pippin stumbled to the ground.

"My apologies! For I should have said `lova tyelka nadorhuan'" Felicity snickered.

"Now that sounded better," Pippin stood up and dusted himself off.

"She just called you a clumsy cowardly dog," Legolas could not help but offer a chuckle as he called back to Pippin.

"Felicity these kindly gentlemen rescued us! The very least we can do is be gracious to them," Kimber flashed a smile at Merry.

"Felicity is it? And you are Kimber?" Merry asked as they trudged along.

"Yes and I thank you for our rescue Master Merry! I fear of what might have happened to us had you not come to our aid," she continued.

"Did you hear that Pip! She called me 'Master Merry'!" he declared proudly.

"As it should be!" Pippin replied casting Felicity a dismissive look.

"Whatever!," Felicity huffed as she followed close behind Pippin swiping at his legs with her feet causing him to stumble. Though embarrassed, he couldn't help but laugh at his own clumsiness.

The six of them walked for nearly a league when Gimli suddenly stopped.

"I can go no any further, lest we stop and eat something," he called out, "What is left in our packs for eating?"

"Ah, let me see, we have lembas and…that's pretty much it," Pippin smiled.

Legolas soon approached them and stared at the two maidens; he was consumed with thoughts of them! Surely Aragorn would know what they were! They wore no shoes but the were a might six inches taller than the hobbits and though autumn was upon them they wore short dresses, seemingly unaffected by the cool winds.

"You mean we have no more food, food?" Gimli sighed, "Where did it go?" he insisted.

"Well there was second breakfast…" Merry began, "And elevensies!" Pippin added.

"Argh." Gimli groaned. "I can go no further until I have nourishment and by that I do not mean lembas bread."

"Well Samwise has the other pack," Pippin offered.

"I cannot wait until we, by chance, happen upon them," Gimli retorted sounding a might smug for it seemed that the hobbits were eating constantly; almost every hour on the hour.

"Well your wait may not be as long as you think," Merry smiled pointing to a nearby clearing where Frodo and Samwise were now coming over a hill.

Felicity smiled as she watched Frodo and Sam make their way over to them; an action that did not go unnoticed by Pippin. "And why are you smiling all of sudden?" he inquired, crossing his arms in front of him.

Felicity looked back down upon the halfling questioning her and was about reply when Kimber intervened.

"Master Pippin?" Kimber gave one of her sweetest smiles, "May I trouble you for a sip of water?"

He obliged walking over and giving her a drink from his water skin. As she drank he wondered why she did keep on addressing them as 'Master'.

"Kimber, may I ask you a question?" he asked when she was finished.

"Why of course" she smiled brightly.

"Why is that you keep calling both Merry and me 'Master'?"

All eyes turned to her waiting for her reply.

"Umm..." she began to think of how to answer. Everyone assumed that they were mortal women, "Well you see, where Felicity and I come from, it is a custom that we honor and serve all who help others in times of peril. So since you and 'Master' Merry saved us, you have earned that right."

Merry and Pippin looked at one another as they took in all that was said.

"Well then why does she not honor us?" Pippin pointed to Felicity.

"Oh please!" Felicity huffed under her breath.

"Felicity, unfortunately, does not abide by any rules except for her own." Kimber sighed as Felicity nodded in agreement.

Frodo now joined them. His eyes widened with delight as he saw the girls standing amongst his friends, "Oh my!" he exclaimed. "What do we have here?"

"Frodo!" Merry greeted him happily and quickly filled Frodo in on all that had happened to them that morning.

"And we are now their Masters!" Pippin added as Merry finished his tale.

"You just had to tell them that didn't you!" Felicity snapped at Kimber.

"Well...it is only right, they did save us!" Kimber replied.

Frodo moved closer towards them and noticed that maiden's hands were tied behind their backs. "Why are their hands bound?" he questioned.

"That is not our work! We found `em like that! Legolas is the one who told us to keep their hands tied!" Merry answered.

"Why is that Legolas? They seem harmless enough?" Frodo asked as he looked on.

"Frodo, please understand that I do not like keeping them tied, but under the circumstances in which they were found, I thought it best to seek Aragorn's council first."

"Ah... I suppose that is wise decision" Frodo nodded.

Sam now stood along side of Frodo in awe, "Please forgive me, but I must say that your beauty is like no other that I have seen!"

Felicity smiled appreciatively as Kimber bowed her head in embarrassment.

"Now, now Sam!" Merry interjected, "Stop trying to woo 'our' ladies!"

"Yes! We wouldn't want Rosie to find out now would we?" Pippin threatened.

Hearing the mention of Rosie's name, Sam gulped and slowly backed away.

"For your benefit 'Poppin', I am not your lady!" Felicity snapped.

"It's Pippin!" he glared back.

In hopes of heading off yet another argument, Legolas suggested that they should continue to look for Aragorn and Borimor.

Again the group traveled onward, Merry and Pippin now walked on either side of Kimber and much to her delight they began to tell her their many tales of the Shire. Frodo and Sam followed behind them with Felicity and added their interpretations to the stories being told by their fellow comrades, though most of the time Frodo had to stop and correct Merry and Pippin for exaggerating.

Kimber looked back at her sister and noticed how Felicity, now having Frodo beside her, seemed more at ease with the situation at hand. Ahead of her she turned her eye upon Legolas and watched as he led the group onward. His graceful, confident walk, his long golden locks of hair swaying back and forth, his deep blue eyes, his charming smile, his..... Her trance seized as she then realized he was now looking back at her. Quickly she looked away.

"Kimber are you feeling okay?" Merry became worried seeing the strange expression that she now wore on her face.

"Ummm...I am fine Master Merry. I guess that I am just a little tired from all that has happened today," she said as reassuringly as possible.

Merry called to Legolas, "Could we possibly stop and rest for a moment? I do not think that Kimber is feeling well."

"Master Merry! I said I am fine! Please don't make a fuss over me!" Kimber objected, not wanting attention brought to her.

"Would you please stop calling them that!" Felicity scolded.

Legolas agreed. Maybe a little rest would be wise since they had walked much of that afternoon. The group began to settle as Legolas walked over to where Merry, Pippin and Kimber were now sitting.

Kneeling down in front of Kimber, he reached out and felt her forehead, "Are you not feeling well, my lady?" he asked as he examined her closely. Kimber almost felt faint at his touch.

"I am well. You should not have stopped on my account," she protested in that of a whisper.

"Do not worry. I was going to suggest we stop for awhile anyway" he smiled, "Here..." he held up his water skin to her mouth, "This may help you feel better."

Though hesitant at first, she began to drink. A few drops of liquid slowly dribbled down the side of her mouth as he removed the water skin. He reached up and gently wiped the away the excess, making Kimber feel foolish. "Thank you," she said looking down at the ground.

Gently he placed his hand underneath her chin and raised her head up so that she was looking directly at him, "Lle creso, arwen en amin, ta nae amin saesa (you're welcome, my lady, it is my pleasure)."

Merry and Pippin glanced at each other. "Okay Legolas! I think we can handle things from here!" Merry reached out and patted Legolas on the shoulder in a dismissive manner. He took Merry's hint, stood and walked over to join Gimli who was now sitting on a log.

"I see that the little ones have chased you away from their find!" he chuckled.

"A! spangaer (bearded one), I believe they have!" Legolas laughed as he watched Merry and Pippin fuss over Kimber.

*********

"We found them my liege," Guile sneered as he descended upon Epoloven's fortress.

"And?" he commanded more details.

"And I gave the orders, the two wenches, as you say are bound and gagged to the great oak near Seirun stream," the smile on Guile's twisted face widened revealing a mouthful of purulent teeth.

Epoloven turned away in disgust, "Very well my loyal subject, your reward will be great, we are so close now. I can taste the power!" he snickered.

"Get the word out, I want that little one they call Frodo," he rubbed his menacing hands together, as he approached his mirror, "show me my heart's desire!" he commanded, in an instant his reflection faded into the shadows and the fellowship appeared. A look of delight came upon Epoloven's face then suddenly dissipated as he took notice of Felicity and Kimber, Kimber was sat perched upon a downed log talking with two of the halfings, he could not help but notice her admiration of the compelling elf as he walked toward a clearing in the wood. He shuddered at the thought of such things. Felicity now came into view. She was tousling the hair upon the very halfling who held what Epoloven deemed to be rightfully his. He looked upon them smugly as she decidedly took up conversation with the other halfling who seemed very close to the ring-bearer. Epoloven's anger grew with each moment of passing.

"What is this!?" He roared at the image in his enchanted mirror. "Guile!" his voice echoed throughout his lair.

Guile rushed and bowed to his master "Yes my lord? Is there something the matter?"

"Is there something matter? You dare ask, you fool!" Epoloven hissed, his eyes blazed red with anger. Grabbing Guile by the collar he dragged him over to view the mirror.

Guile went numb at the sight before him. "How could this be?" he stuttered, watching as the once captured fairies were now traveling along with the strange group of men.

"That is exactly what I want to know!" Epoloven spat as he threw Guile down to the ground. The henchman lay motionless for fear of his master's wrath.

"How is it that I have given such orders and they were not carried out?!" He bellowed. Guile inched slowly across the floor in hopes that the wrath would subside.

"My lord?! Honest we..." Guile began.

"Silence," Epoloven howled, "As if I would believe anything that came from your vile mouth save anything following the word 'honest", he scoffed.

"Disobedience in my contingent will not be tolerated, such things warrant disastrous consequences," he continued as he swiftly approached Guile. He grabbed him once again one hand gripping his shoulder the other forcing him to the mirror; "Look!" Epoloven spat, Guile could see the fellowship now continuing on their journey seemingly at ease. He closed his eyes in shame.

"Your carelessness has caused this," Epoloven seethed. Guile opened his eyes once again to see his own reflection in the mirror, he froze with horror as he watched Epoloven pull a dagger from his cloak and draw it across his throat. He smirked as blood spattered the cheval glass. He released his grip and watched as Guile's body fell to the floor. Death was upon him as he wretched with agony.

"I said be silent," Epoloven kicked his writhing body with brute force "You have sealed your fate, with your own actions now reap your reward." he sniveled as he walked briskly across the room, inhaling deeply he threw open his chamber doors.

"Reitnor!" he called, with a moments passing his guardsmen descended upon the fortress, a look of horror came upon his face as he took in the sanguineous scene before him.

"My Lord?" he quivered.

"Remove this filth from my presence and ready my steed, much time has been lost and there is much work to be done," he announced.

*********

"Legolas, how are we to find Aragorn and Boromir if we can not even find our way out of this entanglement?" Gimli bellowed with great frustration.

"Gimli, my friend, you are right. Our journey seems naught for another day has fallen! Though it is against my better judgment not knowing what dwells in this forest, let us build a small fire and perhaps Aragorn and Boromir will see it," Legolas conveyed, a little disappointed as he looked about the forest once more.

"Merry, Pippin, why don't you go gather the firewood. Frodo and Sam why don't you go about 30 yards down that path to the stream and see if there is any game about," Legolas suggested, "Gimli and I will stay and keep a watchful eye on our new friends," he smiled.

"I don't think so lover boy!" Pippin replied curling up the side of his lip, "Why don't you and Lord Gimli gather some wood and we'll look after our own find!" he countered, perching himself upon a log next to where Kimber sat. Merry following, sat on the opposite side showing his approval in Pippins' decision.

"Right then, come on Gimli," Legolas' nostrils panned as he rose along with Gimli and headed off into the wood.

"Come on Mister Frodo you heard them, let's see if there are any conies about. I don't think I could eat another one of `em lembas," Sam unloaded his sack.

"Very well Sam. I should think at the very least we should find something suitable for the ladies," he smiled innocently.

"Why Frodo! How nice of you to think of our maidens in such a way!" Merry offered mockingly.

"I will join you then." Felicity suggested as she stood and took a few steps toward Sam.

"Oh no you don't! You're to stay with us!," Pippin had a sheepish grin about him which Felicity thought of as annoying.

"Listen, Poopin is it? I will not stay here! Besides I would hate to see us become separated once again. I know where the stream is and can easily lead them there and back again with little time lost."

"I guess that would be a good idea," Pippin tried to sound as if he had thought of the idea first but all effectiveness of that had gone awry as they were nearly 15 yards away. "And it's Pippin!" correcting her once more.

Pippin sat down on the log once again and brought his hands to his head," I don't understand it! I'm a likeable sort aren't I?"

Merry shook his head, "Now Pip! Don't start with that pity party stuff now," he winced.

"Master Pippin," Kimber began, "Do not feel bad. Felicity doesn't like anyone."

"Well she seems to like Samwise and Frodo," he huffed.

"Give her an hour!" Kimber teased, feeling better seeing a smile come upon Pippin's face, "It just takes her a while to warm up to people, she isn't very trusting," Kimber sighed.

"Can't say that I blame her given your circumstances! Might I ask what found you both tied to a tree under the keep of two goblins?" Merry inquired.

"I don't rightly know we were"…Kimber thought fast…"fixing to take a dip in the hot springs, you know down by the tree where you found us, and the next thing I know we were grabbed from behind and…here we are," Though they seemed friendly enough she was unsure as to how much she should disclose to the two.
"And the rest is history," Merry said putting his arm around her shoulder and squeezing her.

**********

"Be sure to keep her in your sights Mister Frodo," Samwise whispered as they followed behind Felicity who was now walking briskly.

Frodo gave him a look in return before looking upon Felicity, "Pardon, me? Where do you take us?"

She turned around sharply almost nose-to-nose with him, had he been six inches taller, "To the northern springs," she replied with a smile.

"Oh right! Did you get that Sam?" he turned to his colleague, his face as red as a raspberry.

"Right Mister Frodo," he snickered as Felicity took off once again through the wood. They walked nearly a quarter of a mile before they came upon a splendid bed of clear water that twinkled as the moon began its ascension.

Frodo laid his cloak upon a nearby rock, "Please sit down, Felicity," he offered. She smiled at him once again and took seat while the two neared the stream.

"I don't know Mister Frodo! I am not sure why Legolas chose us to look for food, I am no better at swimming than the rock upon which Felicity sits," he stated anxiously.

"Now Sam, don't be silly, the fish are near the bank. We've only to go in up to our shins and that will suffice". Frodo explained as he rolled up his pant legs and wadded into the water. Sam followed nervously. Felicity could not help but offer up a chuckle at the spectacle before her. Frodo would dive full on at any ripple he saw in the stream while on the other hand Sam made every effort to avoid them for fear they would upset his footing.

"Master Frodo?" Felicity could hardly believe the words as they came from her mouth, "Looks like you could use a hand, I will help you." she stood to her feet and waded into the water after him.

"Right then! I will go about looking for conies," Samwise wasted no time in getting himself back to shore.

"Thank you, I am afraid I do much better with hook and a worm," he was a might embarrassed as she waded slowly over to him. Now that were alone he found himself taken by her presence.

"Frodo?" he widened his eyes at her interruption.

"I am sorry," he scrambled for composure, "I thought I heard Samwise," he lied.

"No bother, it's just that I would like to be of some help but I cannot be of much service with these ropes upon my hands," she smiled at him innocently and gazed upon him with her ebony colored eyes. He stared at her once more as if to ponder for a few moments, when he suddenly drew Sting from its sheath and cut the bindings.

"Why this surprises me", Felicity smiled as the ropes fell into the water.

"Yes, as it does me as well!" Frodo smiled in return, "I am sure Legolas will not be pleased with my action!" he sighed looking down at water. "But something tells me that I can trust you and that you will bring no harm to us." he continued, looking back at her.

Felicity massaged her wrists where the tight rope had been, "I thank you for your trust and will not mislead you!" reaching out, she placed her hand on the side of his cheek as they stood in the water staring at one another.

"Mister Frodo!" came the cry of a shocked Sam from the stream's bank as he noticed that Felicity was no longer bound.

"It is okay Sam! She was just helping me catch some fish." Frodo spoke calmly.

"Yes see!!" Felicity exclaimed as she now held up two large fish in her hands.

Both Frodo and Sam stood in amazement at the sight. "How did you do that?" Frodo muttered.

"Ah ha! Tis a fair...tis a secret!" Felicity quickly corrected herself and smiled.

*********

"Oh I wish they would hurry up already! My stomach can not take much more!" Pippin whined listening to his stomach gurgle.

Kimber and Merry laughed at the sound. "Yes, I fear that my tummy shall join yours shortly if I do not eat something soon!" Merry added as he patted his stomach.

"Ah Masters! I may be able to help you!" Kimber declared noticing some familiar berry bushes that were not to far off from the campsite.

"Really!?" Merry and Pippin proclaimed in unison.

"Yes, may I show you?" Kimber laughed.

The two hobbits agreed eagerly and followed Kimber as she walked to the bushes. "Here, these should hold you until the others return."

Merry and Pippin eyes grew wide as they gazed at the bush; it had the most plumpest, juiciest berries that they had ever seen. They quickly dove into the bush and began to devour the berries as though they hadn't eaten in weeks! Kimber giggled at the two as they ate to their hearts content.

Not wanting to bother them, Kimber roamed about to see if she could find more. She did not venture far from the camp, when she came across yet another bushel. A little hungry herself, she went to pick the fruit. 'Just wonderful!' she thought to herself realizing that her hands were still tied. Debating for a moment, she decided to try leaning into the bush and picking the fruit off with her teeth. She slowly bent down and was just about to bite one of the berries off when she suddenly felt herself losing her balance! Face first she fell into the bush! "Ow!" she whimpered as she tried to get up but it was no use, without the use of her hands she was stuck there!

"It seems that my lady may be in need of assistance?" came a voice from behind her.

She remained still, too embarrassed to answer, for she knew who it was!

Legolas placed the wood that he had collected down on the ground and proceeded to gently lift Kimber out of the bush. Once she was steady on her feet, he undid the ties of her restraints. "Better?" he questioned, now holding her hand.

Nodding in response, she found herself lost in his gaze. She felt as though she could just float away and the only thing keeping her from doing so was his strong yet soft hands' upon hers.

She was quickly brought back to present as he began to pick out some of the leaves that she had collected in her hair from her little battle with the bush. Shyly, she bowed her head, just imagining what her appearance must be.

Legolas fought off his desire to comfort her; take her in his arms. 'How could this be?' He began to question himself, 'How could I feel so strongly for one that I know very little of?'

It was his emotions that made him release her from her bounds. That in itself was against everything he had ever been taught.

He reached down and brought her face up to meet his gaze. He stared intently at her for a moment before he spoke.

"Why do you hide your face? A face as beautiful yours should never be hidden." he said reassuringly.

He needed to know more about her. "Tell me fair maiden of this enchanted forest, about yourself, for I long to know of all the mystery's that you behold?"

Kimber was at a loss for words; biting down on her bottom lip, he had certainly caught her off guard-what did he wish to know.

"Legolas! Is that you?" came an unfamiliar voice from behind them.

Legolas let go of Kimber's hand, "Boromir?" he called back looking into the dark forest.

"Aragorn! I found Legolas!" as Boromir now appeared in front of them. "I must say that was one of the worst ideas that Aragorn has ever had!" Boromir said looking rather annoyed before noticing that Legolas was not alone. "Who is this?" he pointed to Kimber.

"A long story my friend! Let us wait for Aragorn to join us before I fill you in on all that has taken place since we parted."

**********

"Well look at what I found lurking about in the wood," Gimli announced heartily as he and Aragorn approached the camp. Legolas, Boromir, Kimber and a rather peeked looking Merry and Pippin were now sitting around the fire.

"Well this is a motley crew," Aragorn sighed looking at the group, "Whoa now hold on," he stopped at Kimber, "What do we have here?" he walked slowly over to where she sat.

"Aragorn my apologies, this is Kimber, we found her..." Legolas began.

"Oh no we did not!" Merry piped up.

Aragorn looked upon him in bewilderment as Merry now stood up, face splattered with red stained berry juice that seemed to stretch from one ear to the other. Instinctively, he then looked at Pippin who wore the same "berry mask" only his seemed to reach all the way to his forehead. Not wanting to know what had become of them, Aragorn walked over to where Kimber sat, bowed to one knee and kissed her hand gently.

"NO! Let me tell it!" Pippin shot up and stepped in front of Merry.

"Pippin!" Merry huffed.

"No Merry, I should tell the story for it was me who found the two," he began.

"Oh there is more than one, is there?" Aragorn questioned, and received no reply as the two continued to bicker.

"But Pippin?" Merry pouted folding his arms across his chest.

"Listen, I do not care who tells the story but someone please get to it," Aragorn insisted.

Much to Merry's dismay, Pippin obliged beginning at the initial spotting of them in the wood all the way up to where they now sat. Aragorn gave Legolas an uneasy look. Boromir came upon them and sat close beside Kimber, "I fancy you will be with us for the evening. My name is Boromir, the eldest son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor,' he announced.

"Nice to meet you Boromir," Kimber smiled graciously.

"You don't have to sit so close to her," Merry motioned for Boromir to move down a few feet, "don't crowd her!"

"Yeah, ladies need room!" Pippin chimed in.

"Speaking of ladies where is the other?" Gimli wondered.

Pippin drew up the corners of his mouth, "She is off right now."

"With Frodo and Sam," Merry sneered at Pippin.

"Ah here they come," Legolas gestured to the threesome as they came about from the wood.

"Argh! And they have brought dinner!" Gimli roared with delight as he saw Sam and Frodo come each with an armful of fish.

"Strider!" Frodo and Sam exclaimed when seeing him standing amongst the others.

"Many thanks, Frodo and Samwise," Aragorn nodded, "But please tell me when you two became such expert fisherman?"

"Oh, for it was not us Strider, Felicity here is to whom you owe your gratitude! She caught every one of them!" Sam beamed as Frodo smiled at her.

"Many thanks to you my fair Felicity," he took her hand and gently offered it a kiss, "I am Aragorn and it is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She bowed in acknowledgement. Rising up, Aragorn looked upon Legolas once more and motioned for him to follow as he walked a few yards behind a vast elm tree.

"Well, let's waste no more time, this dwarf has got to eat!" Gimli boosted, retrieving a small dagger from his belt he took the fish from Sam and Frodo and began scaling them, "Do not just sit there! Grab a fish and get to it!" as he slung a couple of carp at Merry and Pippin who were at this point feeling the effects of their gluttonous behavior and had become a might greenish.

Sam and Frodo sat on the log beside their fellow hobbits, "You know Sam suddenly our travels no longer seem so dismal," Frodo smiled at him, then at Kimber then patted a seat beside him motioning for Felicity to take a seat.

"She can sit by us!" Pippin motioned to the spot next to him as Kimber had taken a seat next to Merry and he didn't want to feel left out.

"No thanks Peppercorn," she smiled as she inched closer to where Legolas and Aragorn were speaking.

"I do not know what to make of them," Legolas raised a brow as he filled Aragorn in on all that he had witnessed, "For as you know they were found bound to a tree. I saw no signs of struggle about, save for Merry and Pippin's scrimmage with the creatures. They wear no shoes about so they walk about with bare feet, yet they are not hobbits; I heard them speaking elvish but I do not know of any elves to inhabit this part of the forest to which they say is there home!" Legolas shook his head.

"I agree, though they look as they may be mortal they do not seem to dress like any of the maidens I have ever seen,' Aragorn rubbed his chin.

"Aragorn, I must agree with you that they are clothed in a rather strange manner. For it is autumn yet they wear no sleeves upon their tunics and their lower garment do not even reach their middle thigh, it is as though the coldness does not affect them?" he marveled, "Nor have I ever seen any mortal catch such a gaggle of fish in so little time!"

"If you wish to know what we are, all you need to do is ask," Felicity approached them, this startled Legolas for he had not sensed her closeness, indeed he now wondered what they were.

"Enlighten us my lady," Aragorn replied.

She looked back at Kimber whose eyes widened with uncertainty, and then turned back to Aragorn, "We are Felicity and Kimber, fairy daughters of King Oberon ruler of Ediwoine Forest" she announced rather proudly, a sudden hush came over the group. No one spoke a word for nearly a moment when suddenly Merry and Pippin leaped to their feet grabbed hands and circled the fire while singing…

"We found the fairies…

We found the fairies…

The fairies of the forest…

The fairies of the forest!"

"I knew it," Legolas suddenly drew very close to Felicity seemingly studying her face he rubbed her hair in between two fingers and walked slowly around her, "I knew it," he conceded.

Aragorn took a seat on a nearby log for he could not believe his ears.

"Well that explains a lot, I think," Gimli nodded as he stirred a large cast iron pot full of fish.

Both Frodo and Sam were at a loss for words, as they looked first upon Kimber who sat next to them then to Felicity then back to Kimber.

"Well I for one do not believe her!" all eyes fell upon Boromir who eyed them both, "if you are, then where are your wings," he inquired.

Silence fell over the camp at Boromir's statement as they all now looked back at the two alleged fairies.

"How dare you insinuate that I speak a lie!" Felicity seethed, "Why should I have to prove what I am? And to a mortal; you have some nerve."

Seeing her sister's anger growing, Kimber rushed to her side in hopes of calming her. "Felicity, please try to see things in which they do." she spoke calmly as she held on to Felicity's hand, "They know so little of us and what they do know is that of legends passed down through the ages." Felicity remained silent as she listened to her sister. Slowly the anger that raged within her began to withdraw.

Kimber knew it was now up to her to prove their innocence. She looked at the group around her and wished that she could just disappear! 'Ahh disappear!' she thought, if only she had her magic back, it would be so easy then! But unfortunately, that was not the case. She closed her eyes and began to concentrate, not realizing that she was now pacing. When she opened her eyes once, she saw Frodo sitting on the log, giving her a half-smile. She then looked to Merry and Pippin, who both still bared the stains of berries on their faces! 'Ahh, how cute they look', she lovingly thought of the two hobbits and scolded herself for letting it interfere with her thoughts. She searched the group and stopped when Legolas now came into view. She noticed how his golden hair shined in the firelight. 'Your doing it again!' scolding herself once more.

She was about to give up when random images pieced together in her mind....'Frodo.... Frodo.... berry juice.... golden hair. She thought of the images again.... She saw Frodo with.... berry juice on his lips! She then thought of the Legolas golden hair.........The doll Felicity made for her from his hair, how could she have forgotten that!'

"That's it!" she cried out clapping her hands together while shocking everyone in the process! "Yes, Yes, Yes! Why did I not think of this before!" she continued, so proud of herself she began to hop up and down.

The group watched on in amazement, as did Felicity, who thought that maybe her dear sister had now completely lost her mind!

"Kimber, though watching you revel in your findings delights me to no end, maybe you could share your thoughts with the rest of us?" Aragorn encouraged.

"Oh my! I'm sorry!" Kimber flushed realizing her actions.

"There is no need for apologizes, please just tell us what has tickled you so," Aragorn reassured her.

"I was just trying to figure out a way to prove to you that Felicity and I our in fact fairies, since there is much skepticism with us not having wings and all!" she paused taking a deep breath.

Aragorn nodded and asked her to proceed. "So I began to think of another way to prove to you that we are not being dishonest!" She then proceeded to tell them about how Felicity and her had come upon the fellowship the previous night and how they cast a sleeping spell while they rested.

Felicity's mouth dropped as Kimber recanted the camp invasion minute by minute; thank goodness she had sense enough to leave out the part about Felicity kissing Frodo!

Each of the men looked at one another. "So how does this prove that you are fairies? How do we know that it was you two that cast the spell on us?" Boromir questioned once again.

"I have proof!" she smiled reaching into the small pouch that she carried with her and pulled out what seemed to be a small doll. Felicity smiled at seeing the present that she had given to Kimber earlier.

"And what does this have to do with anything that has happened??" Boromir gestured to the doll.

"Well, my sister made it for me from the lock of hair that she cut from Legolas' head!" Kimber declared. Legolas walked over to her and took the doll. He inspected it closer. Yes, it was his hair. He looked down to see Felicity grinning widely up at him.

"You cut my hair?" he spoke through clenched teeth.

"And I must say Legolas, what beautiful hair you have!" she teased as he glared at her.

"Then it was you two who decorated our faces as well?" Aragorn intervened, holding back in laughing at his comrade.

Felicity stood up and looked at Boromir. "Why yes it was, and if I had known then what I know now I probably would have done something much worse to you!" she poked him in the chest.

"Be careful who you threaten my lady, or whatever you are!" Boromir warned moving closer to her.

Wasting no time, Frodo immediately positioned himself in between the two. "Boromir! You should be ashamed of your actions!" he scolded.

"Do not worry Frodo, a mortal is no match for me!" Felicity continued to instigate.

Frodo looked into her eyes, "Felicity please stop for no good will come of this." his words were calm and soothing and Felicity backed away from the challenge.

"So they know a few spells, it still does not prove to me that they are what they claim to be!" Boromir lashed out.

Kimber sighed. 'Well at least I tried!' she thought, 'Even though Legolas would probably never speak to her again (the hair incident). She looked over to see him still holding the doll, staring at it.

"Then there is only one other way!" Felicity spoke up, "We will lead you through our forest to the borders of Lothlorien, Haldir will tell you what we are!"

"Haldir!" both Legolas and Kimber cried out.