The days pass slowly as I keep to myself, for the most part. I miss the time I spend with Legolas and the twins, but I don't feel like myself. I attend to Frodo in the mornings at Lord Elrond's request. The hobbit is now up and moving around. A few days after he awoke I was sitting in the window of the library reading a tome on healing that Lord Elrond suggested when I heard joyous shouts in the courtyard below. When I looked, Frodo was being embraced by his younger companions. Farther down the walkway, Bilbo was sitting on a bench with a book in his lap, impatiently waiting for his nephew, if his swinging legs was any indication. I have to smile at the enthusiasm of the group.

"You have been rather quiet of late," a soft voice calls from beside me. I find the Lady Arwen looking at me with a soft smile. "Something troubles you. My brothers have been keeping the prince busy, but we've all been worried."

"I'll be alright. I just never really gave myself an adjustment period when I woke up here; it's just all catching up with me. I'm sorry I worried you." Arwen comes to sit by my feet on the cushion.

"Do you miss your home?"

"Yes and no. I didn't have any family, really. The last person I had that I really cared for was my foster father, but he passed away a year ago."

"I'm sorry. What about your friends?"

"I didn't really have any. I had people I knew and would hang out with occasionally, but I moved around so much after my parents died that I found it really hard to connect with anyone. I had people that would promise to keep in touch, and we did for a while, but then the contact would just stop. I got used to it after a while." We sat quietly for a moment. I watched out the window to see Frodo and Bilbo walking together.

"I hope you know that you have a home here for as long as you want it. If you want to return to your world, I will help you as best I can. We can ask Mithrandir if he knows a way to get you there."

"Maybe. There's a saying in my world the everything happens for a reason. I'd like to find out why I was brought here. It doesn't make sense, but I'd like to stick it out until I do. I'm not unhappy here, just finally feeling the full weight of this being my new reality and not just a dream. If I were home, I would probably be sent to a mad house. Everyone would think me insane," I continue, seeing Arwen's confusion at my choice of words.

"You don't have magic in your home?"

"No, we don't."

"Good morning, Frodo," I smile, walking through the doorway. "How are you feeling today?"

"Just fine. That tea you gave me has been helping with the stiffness. I can move my shoulder much better now, thank you."

"I'm glad to hear it." I set my jars and bandages down on the bedside table before helping Frodo out of his sleep shirt. "Oh, it's healing faster now. It seems being up and around has helped a lot."

"That's good to know." I begin the now-familiar process of cleaning away the excess salve, applying a new batch and wrapping it up, loosely now for mobility and air flow. "How have you been, Sahalie?" I look at his earnest eyes in surprise.

"I've been alright. Why do you ask?"

"It seems like you've been troubled. I just wondered why. Can I help?"

"I'm alright, I promise. Or I will be. I'm not from this world so I'm adjusting. Nothing for you to worry about. You being awake is all the help you can give me," I smile back. "Thank you." He continues to look at me skeptically, but finally nods his assent.

"Alright then. Keep your secrets," a small smirk crosses his lips.

"You hobbits really are impossible," I laugh.

"It's in our nature." The smirk transforms into a full-on grin.

When evening comes, Sam is adamant he stay with Frodo. Lord Elrond promised that Frodo would be moved out of the infirmary in the morning but Sam still wanted to stay close by. After much coaxing, Arwen sent me to my room where I found a new outfit of black leggings and a royal purple, sleeveless blouse. The Elven Lady knocked on my door a few moments later.

"Good evening, Sahalie. May I come in?"

"Of course," I open the door wider. "Did you leave this for me?" I ask, motioning to the garments.

"I did. I thought they might make you feel better. We want you to feel at home here, Sahalie; all of us. We love you."

"Thank you. Truly." I take her hands in mine and give them an affectionate squeeze.

"Would you like to try it on?" she asks. There is a mischievous glint in her eyes, but it vanishes quickly enough that I might have imagined it, projecting her brothers' personalities onto her.

"Sure, why not?"

"Excellent," she smiles. I reciprocate, moved by the carefree radiance of the action. I walk behind the changing screen and peel off my day clothes to don the new set. "That looks wonderful on you," Arwen smiles when I step out.

"It feels wonderful. I wore clothes like this at home. Thank you so much."

"Anything for you," she smiles again. We sit and chat for a while longer before she excuses herself for the evening. When she leaves, I feel more settled that I'd felt in days. More like myself. Light-hearted, I pick up a borrowed book and settle in to read.

An hour or so later, a knock on the door startles me from my in-depth study of the rise and fall of Sauron, compiled by Lord Erestor, the scholar and librarian of Rivendell. I set the book aside and pad to the door. However, when I open the door, no one is there. As I go to close it, something on the floor catches my attention. A green and yellow fletching feather. One of Legolas'. Bending down, I pick it up and see another a few feet down the hall. I follow the trail leading through the Last Homely House and out past the courtyard. Barefooted still, I have little fear of stepping on sharp rocks or thorns as the trail leads me down a forest path.

"Hello, Sahalie," Legolas greets when I reach the end.

"Mae govannen. What is all this for?" I ask, gesturing to the feathers I picked up along the way.

"We thought you might like to play a game with us," Elrohir answers, stepping out from the shadows.

"What kind of game?"

"Just watch," Elladan smiles, emerging to pull a blindfold over Legolas' eyes. He moves away once it's secure. Legolas pulls an arrow from the quiver stand at his feet, aims, and lets loose into the darkness of the trees. A moment later, impact is announced by the chime of a bell. He aims three more times and is answered by three more bells throughout the clearing.

"How many decades did it take for you to be that skilled?" I laugh when Legolas removes the blindfold.

"Would you like to try?" His smile is radiant.

"I'd rather not. Do you have any other ideas in mind? I can barely hit the target I can see, let alone one I can't."

"You're no fun," Elrohir pouts. "You could help us with one of Ada's chores then, if you want."

"We have to restock some herbs that only bloom at night."

"That sounds much better," I smile. "No offense," I tell Legolas.

"None given," he laughs, stowing his bow in the quiver. "I can help, too."

"I just need shoes if we're going to be roaming in the woods."

"Here's a copy of the list then," Elladan replies, pulling a list from his pocket. "You know all of these, yes?" Taking the list, I look it over.

"I think so, yes. I'll get the ones I know for sure and leave the rest for you. I'll meet you out there?"

"Sure, be careful. Call if you need anything."

"Let's go princeling," Elrohir tells Legolas, wrapping an arm around the Silvan elf's shoulder, pulling him along. I run back to my room and pull my boots on. When I make it back to the clearing, a small gathering bag had been left for me, which I toss over my shoulder and make my way into the woods. I can faintly hear the twins' laughter in the distance. I head in the opposite direction, hoping to cover more ground.

My mind is filled with the sounds of nature as I search for the plants on the list. I hum tunelessly to myself, steadily filling my bag. Nearby, the crack of a stick breaking disrupts the otherwise quiet atmosphere. Closer than before I hear laughter.

"Hey, baby doll." I whip around, trying to find the source of the laughter. The woods are dark, and I can't see very far in front of me anymore. When did it get so dark? A large hand rests on my shoulder.

"Sahalie," the accompanying voice echoes, far away.

"Hey, baby doll. We can have some fun."

"Stop," I scream, turning to land a solid punch at the body behind me. Blindly I run, feeling the blade sink into my flesh. I stumble, catching myself on a tree and keep going. A narrow stream of light breaks through my vision and I run full stride towards it. I crash into it and feel warm arms wrap around me. I panic as they tighten around me and I push hard against the chest there. "Let go," I cry.

"Come out, come out, sweetheart. You can't get too far, can you? Just give up."

"Go away," I moan, trying to push the voices away.

"Shhh," the voice rumbles. "I'm here. You're home. You don't need to be afraid." I sink to the ground, clutching the vest of the silver elf.

"Legolas," one of the twins shout. I don't listen to the words being exchanged; instead I feel the rumble of Legolas' chest when he speaks, letting it soothe my frantic heart.

'Are you alright, little one?'

"Gaia?" I ask, through my thoughts.

'Yes, little one.'

"I don't know. I don't know what happened. I thought I was home, in my world. The night I came here I was attacked and Legolas found me. I'd be dead if he hadn't. If I hadn't been brought to your world."

'Be still, little one. You are home, as Greenleaf has said. You belong here, elfling.' I feel the gentle caress of her presence brush against my heart.

"Come, Sahalie. Let's get you inside," Legolas murmurs against my head, arms still wrapped tightly around me. I nod, still holding onto his tunic. We stand together and walk, his arm wrapped around my shoulders. My arms move to his waist. Looking out around us, I'm reassured by the light streaming through the forest canopy. It helps me to breathe more easily.

"What happened?" Arwen asks, standing beside her father when we come back to the Last Homely House.

"I don't know," Legolas answers for me. Arwen approaches cautiously and gently wraps her arms around me in a hug before releasing me. Lord Elrond approaches next, gently examining my heartbeat and looking for any indicators as to my condition in my eyes.

"Arwen, would you help me prepare some tea? Sahalie is in capable hands." He makes eye contact with me and Legolas before pulling his daughter way. Legolas leads me to my room. Once inside, he lets me go.

"Why don't you lay down for a while? Lord Elrond will be back in a moment." He backs towards the door.

"Please don't go," I request, quietly. His serious face melts into something softer.

"I'll be right outside while you change. I won't leave you." I nod my understanding and he exits, closing the door behind him. I take off my new clothes and fold them into a chair and pull an overlarge blouse over my head and some leggings before opening the door once more. I stride over to my bed and pull the covers down and slide underneath them, curling on my side, facing the door. Legolas approaches slowly, unsure of where he should be, it seems. I move the covers on the other side of the bed as an indication. "Are you sure?"

"I don't want to be alone anymore." He nods and sits on the edge of the bed, tugging off his boots. A knock on the door frame alerts us to Arwen's presence there, holding a steaming mug.

"My father has prescribed a calming tea for you, Sahalie." I sit up slightly as she rounds the bed to hand it to me. I take it gratefully before she sits. She cradles the side of my head in her hand. I lean into the maternal touch. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I will be. Thank you."

"If you're sure." She leans down and places a kiss upon my brow and rises, leaving me and Legolas once more. He moves gracefully to stretch out beside me as I drink the tea, feeling the effects instantly. My body relaxes and soon I'm setting an empty mug on the bedside table. I curl into his side, letting his light and the warmth of the chamomile soothe my frayed nerves.

"Will you stay with me?"

"Always." As I close my eyes for sleep to take me, he begins to sing an Elven lullaby.