Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings.

A/N: I know you are probably thinking that this is another girl-falls-into-middle-earth-story. It is! But just keep reading! I'm not really sure what counts as a Mary-Sue so I'll leave it as that. Constructive criticism is much appreciated!

-oOo-

Prologue

The prince of Mirkwood was wandering around the forests of his realm. He was a mere elfling, no more than twelve years of age. For the immortal elves, he was very young indeed. He had with him his bow, his favourite weapon no doubt, as he roamed about the woodlands. He was alone and unaccompanied by his guards for he had snuck off without their knowledge.

A cool gentle breeze passed and the elfling prince followed the path of golden leaves that had fallen to the ground. Suddenly, his acute senses picked up something. He snapped his head to the side where the rustling of the bushes could be heard. Cautiously and quietly, he took his bow and held his position. It was probably a small animal which he could hunt and bring home to his father. However, he was surprised when he heard of a loud shriek, followed by a tumbling sound. Curious, he made his way towards the bushes.

A young human girl- that he was sure because he had seen her ears- was looking straight at him. Her dark hair was in contrast to her very fair skin. She was probably six years of age and she looked almost elvish if not for her ears. Aside from her strange clothing, the one that stood out most from her was her emerald green eyes. He was lost for a moment, captivated by her eyes that sparkled with brilliance and mirth. It wasn't until she spoke that snapped the elfling prince back into reality.

"Hello," she said. "Who are you?" There was curiosity in her sweet voice.

"Legolas Greenleaf, Milady," he answered as he bowed.

The girl only giggled. "I'm no lady," she replied. "I'm Lisa. Lisa Bloomwood. It's a pleasure to meet you Legolas." She stuck her hand out for a handshake.

He looked back at her confused.

"You shake it, silly," she giggled as she quickly reached out for his hand to shake it.

Legolas wondered what Lisa was doing Mirkwood. A human child, no less, was wandering alone in the land of the elves.

"Are you lost Milady?" Legolas asked.

"Call me Lisa. And yea, I think I'm lost."

Legolas frowned. His father wouldn't be too happy. He had snuck off the palace grounds only to return with a human girl.

Lisa saw him frowning and assured him, "But you don't have to worry about me, I can find my way back."

"Where do you hail from?" he asked.

There was a pregnant pause before she answered.

"You mean where I live?"

Legolas nodded his head.

"Napa Valley, California," Lisa replied.

Again Legolas frowned. Not one in his years of studies had Legolas heard of such a place.

"That sounds really far away," he decided to say.

"Oh it is!" she exclaimed.

"Why have you come here then Lisa?" he asked.

"I'm here to visit my grandparents. It's the summer holidays."

Perhaps she is half elvish? And her grandparents are living here in Mirkwood? Legolas thought to himself.

Lisa's eyes suddenly grew wide with excitement. It had seemed that she had thought of something. "Let's play a game, Legolas!"

Legolas raised an eye brow at her. He was not really interested in playing with a little girl. But he could not bring himself to reject her. She looked too innocent.

"What game would you like to play?"

Her brows furrowed while she thought.

"Let's play Tag-You're-It," she decided. She then tapped Legolas lightly on the shoulder. "Tag! You're it!" she yelled in excitement as she dashed off.

Legolas just looked at her confused and watched her run off. When she realised he wasn't chasing after her, she stopped to look back.

"You're supposed to catch and tag me, Legolas!" she said slightly annoyed. When Legolas made no attempt to move, she walked back to him. "Fine, I'll be it. You run while I catch you ok?"

Legolas sighed and nodded his head.

"Go on, run before I catch you!" she urged him.

This time, Legolas ran and he disappeared into the trees. Lisa ran after him. But being female and human for that matter, she was not as fast as Legolas and he was lost out of her sight in seconds.

Lisa frowned. It had been an awfully long time and yet there was not a glimpse of Legolas.

Maybe he decided to go home. She thought sadly.

Little did she know that the elfling prince was just nearby, watching her to make sure no harm befalls on her.

Legolas decided after some time to just give himself up and let the poor girl catch him, He purposely made some noise to get Lisa's attention. It took him a few tries before she finally saw him and made a mad dash towards him. Legolas ran slowly for her benefit, letting her catch up to him. Before he knew it, he was tackled to the ground.

"Tag!" She had a triumphant smile across her face.

Legolas wondered why he had decided to humour this girl. He decided that it was because there was hardly anyone his age he could interact with. Lisa was the closest he could get.

"Alright, you win Lisa," he said.

He then led her to a nearby stream where he settled himself on a large boulder and watched the girl play in the water. She looked so happy and so carefree.

"Look Legolas!" she exclaimed with delight. "A fish!"

Legolas chuckled at the girl's naivety and simple mindedness. She was so engrossed in her own world that she didn't notice him leaving her. But Legolas came back soon afterwards with some apples.

"Are you hungry, Lisa?" he asked her.

Lisa took an apple and sat herself down beside him.

"Your ears are pointy," she said after a while.

"That's because I'm an elf."

"Really? That's so cool! I'm just human."

"I know."

"Can I touch them?"

"Touch what?"

"Your ears."

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Please with chocolate sprinkles and whipped cream on the top?"

Legolas had no idea what the girl was talking about. But he said no anyway. No one had ever touched his ears before. Elf ears were very sensitive.

Lisa was quiet for a while. Legolas turned to look at her. That was a big mistake. Her cute pout and water eyes made his heart melt and he finally relented.

"Alright, but BE gentle. They're extremely sensitive."

She gave him a big smile. "Don't worry! I will!" she promised.

Slowly and cautiously, she reached her small fingers out to his ears.

Legolas felt fuzzy all over. He felt ticklish and yet, he relaxed under her warm and gentle touch.

"They're really pointy," she stated again.

"I know," he replied.

The two of them sat down quietly side by side on the huge boulder for a long time, enjoying only each other's company. It was when the sun was beginning to set did Legolas break the comfortable silence between them.

"It's late. We should go home now."

"You're right. My family will be worried for me. I did go out without their permission," she said guiltily.

"You snuck out too?" Legolas asked incredulous.

Lisa only gave him a mischievous grin.

Legolas sighed. The both of them would be in deep trouble once they reach home.

"Here, take this," Legolas took down a silver chain from his neck and handed it to Lisa. The elongated silver pendant had intricate ornate swirls. "Should you ever get lost and meet some elves, show them this and tell them I gave it to you. They'll protect you."

"Will we see each other again?" Lisa asked hopeful.

"I don't know. Perhaps not," Legolas didn't want to lie to her. It was most likely they wouldn't see each other again. She was human and he was an elf. He would live for a very long time whereas she would not.

He took her hand and placed his necklace on her small palm. She looked at him thoughtful for a while. Then, she took down her own necklace and handed it to him. It was a smooth large stone, the same colour as her eyes.

"This is a lucky charm. It's supposed to keep the one wearing it safe," she told him.

Jumping off the boulder, Lisa said. "Well, we better head home now so that we can reach before dark."

"I'll take you home," Legolas offered.

"No, it's alright. I can go by myself. You should go home straight."

"Do you know your way?" Legolas asked worried.

"Don't worry! I can find my way," she assured him. "See you!" she said as she ran off.

"Lisa, wait!" Legolas called her. He was still worried for her safety. But she had simply vanished.

"My lord!" his whole platoon of guards suddenly appeared from where Lisa had disappeared.

"Taurion! Have you seen a little human girl with dark hair?"

The head guard looked confused. But he answered truthfully.

"I'm afraid not my lord."

"But she took off in your direction."

"I have not seen a human girl. Us aside, there is no one around this late for miles."

Could Legolas have been dreaming? Did his imagination make Lisa up?

He opened up his hand. There in his palm lied the stone, emerald green in colour, gleaming brightly under the hues of the sunset.

It wasn't a dream. Lisa was real.

Legolas found himself chuckling. That girl was sure a strange little one.