Chpt.7:What Really Happened

A/N: Two words: Fooled ya! You didn't think I'd make it that easy, did you? Really, I didn't like the way it was going, and I didn't want to delete because so many of you seemed to enjoy it, so I came up with this alternative chapter for those who thought it was a little corny.

Disclaimer: NO! I don't own anything of Tolkien's. If I did, I'd be rich, which I'm not.

Great story, wasn't it? I wish that's what happened, but, sadly, it didn't. Let me tell you what really happened.

After I fell into the well, I started screaming for help. Instead of a certain Mirkwood prince I was hoping for, a man appeared to my rescue. Aragorn had introduced him to me as King Bard II, king of Dale. I knew him as Bard, son of Brand, son of Bain, son of Bard. The first Bard slew the dragon Smaug over sixty years ago. Aragorn introduced him as a guest, but I got the feeling he was more a suitor than a guest.

Anyway, Bard came to my rescue. I suppose he was handsome enough, though he was far cry from Éomer or Aragorn or Legolas. If asked to describe him, I'd say he looked like Count Adhemar from A Knight's Tale. Ah, Count Adhemar to my rescue....Not a pleasant thought.

I twisted my ankle in my fall, so Bard was kind enough to carry me to my chambers. "Thank you," I said.

He smiled. "It was a pleasure to rescue the Hiriledain from a beastly well." he leaned close to me. "I like a woman with spirit. You have no limits to it."

"What are you talking about?"

"I intend to court you, woo you, and make you my wife."

"What?"

"What could possibly be better for the Hiriledain than to marry a king?"

"Who said anything about marriage? I have no intention of marrying anyone," I said irritably. I was going to have to have a little talk with Aragorn. And knock some sense into his otherwise dense head.

"I think you'll change your mind soon enough," he said. "I want to invite you to visit Esgaroth. Lake-Town is wonderful this time of year."

"Sorry, I'm to visit the Shire with the hobbits."

Bard nodded in understanding. "Perhaps when you get back then." He got very close to me. Too close. "I would like it very much if you visit Esgaroth. It has need of a strong queen." He pulled me into a forceful kiss. I tried to push him away, but I found myself unable to pull away. No! I had to keep my head. I didn't even like the guy.

I heard the door open and suddenly Bard was yanked off of me. A voice thundered above me. "Do you dare attempt to take advantage of the Hiriledain when she is at the disadvantage?!" It was Legolas!

"N-no! Of course not. I was just bidding the lady good evening." Bard quickly left.

"Thank you, Legolas," I said gratefully.

He looked at me with concern written on his features. "He didn't harm you, did he?"

"No, Legolas, thanks for asking. But, could you get Ioreth for me? I've twisted my ankle."

"Let me see it," he said. After a careful examination, he said, "It's nothing a little athelas and rest won't cure." He quickly retrieved a basin of warm water and sprinkled athelas in it. He gently eased my ankle into it and massaged my ankle.

"That feels great, Legolas," I said.

"You're welcome, but I think you should stay off your feet for a few days."

"Be iest lin,"I said. (As you wish.)

"And this time, please do what I ask. I still can't believe you were so foolish as to go to Mordor alone."

"I wasn't alone. I had Fuego and the hobbits."

"In any case, you received a poisonous wound and on the verge of death for days. Do you realize the guilt and anguish I felt as I helplessly watched you battle for your life? I couldn't help but feel as though it were my fault that you were in such a state. I never want to feel that again. Please don't attempt to throw your life away so brashly."

Wow. I didn't know Legolas cared so much. "I'm sorry, Legolas. I didn't think it would affect you so much."

"There is nothing to forgive."

I looked down at my ankle. It was swollen, but not nearly as bad as it would have been.

"Hey,Legolas?"

"Yes, Hiriledain?'

"After I visit the Shire, can you take me to visit Mirkwood? I've always wanted to see it."

He was delighted. "It would be my pleasure." He wrapped my ankle in a cloth bandage. "That should do until you see the healer. I should go now."

"Legolas?"

"Yes?"

"It still hurts."

"What can I do to make it better?"

"Well my mom used to kiss my boo-boos to make them better," I said hopefully.

"I'm not kissing your foot." Bummer! "But will this do?" He gently kissed my forehead.

"Well, it'll have to do," I teased.

Suddenly the door sung open to reveal Ioreth and, to my chagrin, Aragorn.

A/N: What do you think? Hopefully not as corny as the last one. May an Evenstar shine upon you.