A/N: Someone suggested I make this a chaptered story this chapter takes place the morning before the previous chapter. Another thing too, for those who wonder who this mysterious Ari is no fear; I'm working on posting her story soon. ;)

Disclaimer: In no way do I own LOTRs. I do own Arianna, hands off.

The next morning Ari rose early, to be honest she felt like staying inside her warm soft bed, under the inviting quilts. But it was not to be, she like many others had responsibilities. Groaning she flung the blankets off her body and dressed, after doing so she sat down at her mirror and brushed her layered, shoulder length, chestnut hair. Ari put down the brush after a few strokes and tied her hair back with her usual ribbon. Sighing she stood and exited the room, her mind wandering to Legolas and her secret relationship with him. It was secret for two reasons; both of them were that Aragorn and Gandalf would lay an egg in shock. Plus it just made it that more romantic. Then there was Helms Deep, all the deaths and injuries. It was very depressing, everything that happened was tied to the 'One Ring', and life itself depended on Frodo. Suddenly her thoughts were scattered as she ran into someone,

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention so foolish of me." Ari said, scrambling off the man she had fallen on. It was here she recognized him, it was Legolas, and he was laughing…At her? Or her clumsiness? Arianna felt her face go beet red, as she stood up and brushed herself off,

"Sorry…Again." She mumbled. Legolas smiled at her,

"Lost in your thoughts again?" he asked. Ari nodded weakly,

"I'm meeting several widows today with Eowen, let me just say, I don't look forward to it. It was depressing enough to be apart of it and watch others die before my eyes. It's my punishment for sneaking out to fight." Legolas looked down both ways of the corridor, then took Ari's hands,

"I'm here when you need me, love." He said, pulling Ari into his arms. Then he swiftly brushed her temple with his lips. Ari smiled and sighed contently,

"I know. I love you." She said going on her toes to kiss Legolas on the lips. They separated,

"I love you too. I'd be a fool not to." Legolas said smiling handsomely. Ari smirked as her hands held his,

"Aye, you would be." she said, then slowly she let go of his hands and continued down the hall. After breakfast the punishment began, as Ari had predicted it was depressing, as a matter of fact she cried more than once. After several long hours of visiting with widows and their families, there were only two widows left. Eowen talked with one and Ari helped the other one by relieving her of her little boy.

"He was just a boy, then his father…Oh Milady, what am I to do now? Now that King of ours went and took our boys from us, along with our lives!" the middle aged woman sobbed. Ari patted her back,

"I'm sorry for your losses, King Theoden sends his regrets. Your food and clothing will be supplied here until you can hire someone or remarry." Ari said, for the thousandth time that day. Each woman's story was different and yet the same, they all lost someone and those who hadn't were few and lucky.

"Thank you." the woman said. Ari bounced the young boy on her leg making him squeal with delight, neither of the two women could hold back smiles at that.

"At least you still have this bundle of happiness." Ari said, breaking the silence. The woman nodded,

"Yes, well it's time we take our leave."

"I'll be here if you need me." Ari said comfortingly.

A/N: So, do you like it?