Faithful

By: jadoredancingintherain

Disclaimer: I don't own J.R.R. Tolkien's work. Nor will I ever claim to.

Author's Note: Okay, here are two things that will really bother some people, and I feel like I will have to apologize in advance.

I know Legolas is supposed to be chaste, but it doesn't work for my story, therefore, he is free to do whatever he wants. I am SORRY for the OOCness, but…yeah. Well. Sorry. Haha.

I know Haldir isn't supposed to die in the battle of Helm's Deep and such, and maybe it'll work better for my story, or maybe I won't have him die. It's all up to me, isn't it? Bahahaha. Well, I'm sorry if my ending will offend you, I mean no offense to anybody.

I also know Haldir isn't supposed to be at Helm's Deep at all, but hey, I need it in my story, so there. I know that is a poopy excuse, please forgive me. Please review! Constructive criticism is always loved and appreciated:D

Also, thank you to everyone who has read my story and added it to their Favorites/Alerts! It means a lot! 3 Sorry for the long wait... here you go!

–jadoredancingintherain.

Chapter Three – Strangers

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Mallwen turned the page of her book in a daze. It had been two weeks since Haldir had left, and with nobody to teach her, and no duties to attend to, Mallwen was left to her own devices, and most of it was spent gardening, riding her horse, or reading. The sun warmed her bare toes, and her eyes were running over the words like water over rocks; nothing was absorbed from the book. Mallwen sat in the grass, and looked up every once in a while. Perhaps today would be the day Haldir came back. She chuckled at her own foolishness. She knew that Haldir would be a long time coming, especially since the rumors of orcs had turned into fact. Just the other day, an orc had been found, slain, in the river, tainting the water. Mallwen closed her book, her mind now fully distracted and on the subject of orcs.

Mallwen had never had the unpleasant experience of encountering an orc, and she hoped that it would stay that way. A hater of all conflicts, Mallwen preferred to run, rather than stay and fight. Her father had urged her to learn weaponry skills, so that she would not be left unprotected and unable to help herself. She saw it in the worried faces of the marchwardens; the orcs' encroachment was inevitable. Gossip changed from Mallwen's emotions to the orcs coming too close to the boundaries. It was a scary time, but in the secluded forests of Lorien, Mallwen had never felt at more in peace.

Because Haldir was gone, Mallwen did have complete control over her emotions. This had surprised many of her neighbors, and Mallwen would be lying if she said it did not please her. It pleased her a great deal, that she finally gained the respect of her peers. Mallwen shifted in her dress, and rested her head against the comforting, rough texture of the oak tree she was leaning on. The leaves rustled with the wind, and Mallwen felt her heart rocking back and forth.

"Mallwen! Mallwen, there is a visitor for you" Lothwen's quiet voice surprised Mallwen. Startled, Mallwen managed to get up and thank Lothwen. Scooping up her book, Mallwen rushed over to the entrance to the forest.

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"Mallwen, meet Legolas of Mirkwood, son of Thranduil" Galadriel smiled at the both of them. "He will be your new guardian"

Mallwen stole a sharp glance at Galadriel. The Lady of Light gracefully smiled at her, then turned and walked away. Suddenly, the two strangers were standing together. Mallwen quickly curtseyed, and Legolas returned the act with an inclination of his head.

"Well met, my lord" Mallwen managed finally. Legolas smiled, blinked his blue eyes serenely, and replied. "Mae govannen, elleth"

The two elves stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do. Mallwen fidgeted with her hair, an awful habit that she had promised herself that she would break. Legolas stared at the sky, and Mallwen finally cleared her throat, and the silence. "Sh-shall I show you your room, sire?"

Legolas broke into a smile. "That would be most welcome. I've had a long ride from Mirkwood, you wouldn't mind if I took a moment to rest?"

"No, not at all, my lord" Mallwen replied quickly, leading Legolas to his room, which had once been occupied by Haldir. Mallwen stood at the doorframe, and took in its scent. Then, stepping back, she allowed Legolas to enter and fill the hole that had been made by Haldir.

Legolas turned and smiled at Mallwen's silhouette in the doorframe. "I think we shall get along quite well, lady Mallwen of Lothlorien" he said quietly.

-+-

"Have you seen the Mirkwood prince?"

"He's so handsome!"

"And polite!"

"And charming!"

"And Mallwen gets him all to herself? That's hardly fair"

"Well, I'm sure we'll see him at dinner and such"

Walking past these conversations made Mallwen smile. Legolas, although similar to Haldir in the sense that they both shared the same chivalry code, Mallwen found that Legolas was the perfect brother figure. Mallwen had learned that trusting people was not a bad thing, and had tried this new philosophy with Legolas. To her delight, she befriended a very charming man, who found her clumsiness and tendency to let her emotions carry her away very amusing. They were often found discussing things, sharing things, or laughing at things. They discussed things with each other. Well, Mallwen did most of the questioning; Legolas did most of the answering.

"Tell me, Legolas, why are you here?"

"Well, to teach you how to protect yourself, lady" Legolas smiled, and Mallwen grinned back.

"I am not so important that a prince of Mirkwood would be brought all the way from his homeland just for this purpose" Mallwen retorted, and paused before repeating her question. She knew she shouldn't push it, but her curiosity was just too much. "Please, my lord, have pity on this curious soul and tell me?"

Legolas smiled and cleared his throat. "I am on my way to Imaldris, if you must know" Mallwen swallowed back the obvious question of Why? and nodded politely. Legolas smiled at her. "And I know you wish to know more, and all I can say to indulge your curiosity is that I am going to discuss a most secret matter, one which involves the escaping of a prisoner from jail"

Mallwen kept her mouth shut. Legolas had probably already said too much, and she didn't want to get him into trouble.

"Well, I shall see you again tomorrow?" Her voice rose into a hopeful question and Mallwen turned and faced Legolas, for now they were in front of the stairs which led to Mallwen's bedroom.

Legolas's blue eyes shined with amusement. "We most certainly shall, my lady"

Mallwen curtseyed and flew up the stairs.

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