Hey everyone! Long time no see, eh? It's been a really, really, really long time since I've updated (I will now duck down so you may whack me on the head with a mallet or something), and finally, I have returned with the third chapter! Imagine my surprise when I logged on and discovered that some things had changed on here! It was rather epic. Anyways, I'm gonna shut up and let you guys read the chapter I've owed you forever and work on the fourth one. I'm not gonna set an official date, but it'll probably work its way onto the site soon, so heads up! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings. Totally wish I did, but alas, that level of awesome far exceeds mine!


Haldir sighed as he watched his wardens fawn over Fleur, the young elleth somehow instantly gaining their affection, even the affection of his brothers. Also noted was that Fleur drank in the attention like a sponge, and acted as if she was completely oblivious to it. His battle trained wardens became cuddly kittens. This annoyed him.

"Hey! Set up camp here." he almost added 'I've seen enough of this nonsense,' but decided against it, because it would throw the ... Annoying creature ... Into another tantrum.

The wardens quickly did as he asked, and Fleur attempted to help as well, which impressed him. Only a little, though, until she burned herself. Which he thought was impossible, considering the fact that they didn't have a fire going. She sat down for a moment, burned finger in her mouth, as if that would heal it. Then, it was back up to attempt to help again. It was then he then grabbed her around the stomach and proceeded to sit her down. He drew a circle in the dirt around her.

"Now, you will stay in this circle until I say you can move." he demanded, then turned to assist his wardens.

But not before he heard her mumble, "Do I look like a five year old child to you or something?"

He ignored this and continued helping. Within minutes, everyone was set up and dinner was being roasted over a fire. Only then did he go to retrieve Fleur, whom sat in her circle grinning like an idiot. Haldir eyed her with suspicion.

"Alright, what did you do?"

She looked proud of herself, "I stepped out of the circle, and you didn't even notice."

He glared at her, "The fact that you just admitted that proves how dumb you are."

Despite the insult, she continued grinning, "Alright, what else did you do?" he asked.

"Notice anything ... Missing?" she asked, rocking back and forth, still grinning.

His eyes scanned the camp, "No." he said, "Everything appears to be in order, what have you done?"

She shrugged, "Nothing." then got up and walked past him.

As she did, he grabbed her around the waist and drug her back, "I don't remember giving you permission to leave the circle. And you've done something, now what is it?"

She smiled, "I'll chalk that one up to a bad memory, that and the fact that you haven't yet realized that your knife is missing from its sheath as well." with that she slipped from his hold and skipped over to join the rest of the group, whom looked absolutely flabbergasted.

Haldir kept his stony composure, even as he reached down to check for his blade. It was gone. How in the world had she ...

He abruptly turned and made his way over to where Fleur sat, "Alright. Hand it over."

She feigned innocence, "Hand what over?" she asked, blinking up at him.

"My blade. Give it."

"What blade?"

"The knife that you stole, give it back."

"I haven't stolen anything. I have no knife on my person. Frisk me if you so wish."

Haldir smirked, "A splendid idea, get up."

Right away, Fleur regretted the words that the Marchwarden no doubt took as a dare, "Why?"

"Do it. Now."

She stood, abet shakily, "Good, follow me."

He didn't give her the option this time, merely grabbed her wrist and pulled her along, "Brother-" Orophin began to stand, attempting to calm his brother.

Haldir merely held up a hand and sent him a glance. Orophin silenced and sat down as Haldir continued to take Fleur away deeper into the forest. Rumil sent him a nervous glance.

"What will he do to her? Will he harm her?" he asked nervously.

Orophin smiled, "No. Haldir won't hurt her. He may threaten to, but he won't."

"So ... he's just going to mess with her?" Rumil asked hopefully.

"Just a little payback, no doubt." Orophin said, sighing, "Now we only have to wait until they get back."

Fleur, meanwhile, was paler than a ghost, and starting to freak out. She wondered if she had gone too far, no, she knew she had gone too far. The Marchwarden was going to kill her now. For disrespecting him in front of his wardens. She wondered if he was going to kill her quickly, or-

Haldir stopped suddenly, and Fleur crashed into him, a slight squeak of surprise escaping her lips, "Alright, take off your clothes."

Fleur's blood ran cold, "... what?"

"Clothes. Off."

She blinked, "But why?"

"I need to see if you have my knife."

"I don't have it!" Fleur cried.

"Oh? Really?" he said, "Then take off your clothes and prove it?"

"A-and if I don't?"

"I'll tie you up and leave you for dead." he said, "That is, after I've stripped you and located my knife."

"You- you wouldn't dare!"

"I would dare."

Fleur gritted her teeth, a habit she always had when she became nervous, "Over a knife?" she whimpered.

"There is a reason that knife is important. Now, off."

"I-"

"Clothes. Gone. Now. Or I will remove them myself."

"I ... I ..."

Haldir sighed then began to walk over to her. Fleur screeched and took off running at full speed. She could've gotten farther, had she not tripped over a root from a tree. Haldir walked to where she sat with an injured ankle. She rubbed it, sniffling softly.

"Well. That was quite beneficial. Anything else you have planned?" he asked dryly, looking at the slightly swollen ankle.

Fleur was silent, and shook her head. She reached up, and began to untie the strings of her cloak. Haldir snorted and grabbed her hand, stopping her. Her eyes looked up at him, blankly. She looked tired suddenly, as if he had worn all of the fight out of her. He sighed, and reached for her ankle, gently prodding it, and finding no breaks.

"You've twisted it. That's all. Nevertheless, I'll carry you back."

He scooped her up, placing one arm under her knees and one on her upper back, cradling her against him. She didn't say anything, nor did she attempt to struggle out of his hold. Haldir began to walk back to camp.

"What is wrong? Aren't you going to complain about something?"

She didn't reply. Instead her gaze was fixed upon the center of his chest, "No? Are you in too much pain to complain?"

She shook her head. "Are you going to talk to me?"

Another shake of the head. "Why not? Are you angry?"

Again, she shook her head, "Then why will you not speak?"

She shrugged this time, "Are you sad? Tired?"

She nodded, "Is it my fault?"

She paused, before shaking her head 'no'. "Who's fault is it then?"

She bit her lip, "My own." she finally said, fiddling with her thumbs.

"... really?"

She nodded, "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Everything."

"As in?"

"Being bad." she said, her face in a slight pout.

He couldn't help but think she was slightly childish, but it seemed to be somewhat endearing, "... are you going to be good then?"

A pause, "... Yes."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." she said, without hesitation this time.

"No more fighting with me? Arguing?" he felt as if he were scolding a child.

"No more." she confirmed.

He nodded, "Very well. Then I will not be angry with you anymore."

She nodded, and for a while, all was silent. Only when they were but a few steps near camp, did she stop him.

She pointed in a different direction, "Go that way for a little bit." he paused, and looked confused, "I know it's hard to do, but trust me."

He nodded and obeyed, walking in the direction she had indicated him. There, stuck into a fallen log, was his knife. He retrieved it, keeping one hand underneath Fleur while he sheathed the weapon.

"Sorry." she apologized.

"All is forgiven." he then began the trek back to camp, "Do you want to know why that knife is so important to me?"

Fleur nodded, "Why?"

"It was given to me by my father. He died quite some time ago."

"I-I'm really sorry, for your father, and for hiding your knife."

He nodded, and they arrived at camp, where he carefully sat her down by the fire. The warrens were all quiet, but they eyed Fleur's twisted ankle and Haldir suspiciously. Haldir's expression remained neutral as he went to retrieve medical supplies. Fleur, however, smiled at them.

"I fell." she admitted, giggling.

Haldir began to treat her ankle while the others dished out supper. When Haldir was finished, he looked up at Fleur and asked how her ankle felt.

She smiled, "It's fine, thank you."

The other warrens noticed this exchange, and their anger at their leader was lessened. For now, all was well. But the moment of peace was merely the calm before the storm.


So there we go! Chapter Three! I hope I didn't disappoint, and I apologize for the wait. I'll get on the ball a little more, I promise. :) Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, and I hope to see all of you soon in the fourth chapter. Ta ta for now!

Kitty~~