Crystal Galadriel: Well, were back with another chapter. I know, I promised that I would update very soon, and this is about as good as it gets. For now anyways, I have a big paper due sometime in April, and I really need to start looking stuff up on it. So I might not be able to update until it's done. So this is just a little note for all of you to read.

Haldir: So that means we all get a brake then, right?

Crystal Galadriel: Don't push it elf boy, wait until you see what I have in store for you in the next chapter.

Haldir: Gulps

Crystal Galadriel: Anyways, I want to thank one of my best reviewers for helping me out with this chapter, and part of next chapter. Thanks Alia! I think I will make her my co-writer! Be happy. Again, its only if you want to be. Oh! there is going to other peoples POV's so be nice. So please bare with us.

'...' thinking "..." talking

Anyways, on with the chapter!

Chapter…..I lost track of the chapters.

Sunni's POV.

I closed my eyes, not wanting to see what has stalked me, for in a few minutes I will feel such pain, that I will be killed by it. What was until I felt something sitting at the base of my feet. I looked up to see a sitting Okami, and a smirking Haldir. Oh, If I wasn't so scared, I would get up and wipe the smirk form his face, that stupid arrogant elf! "What are you staring at?" I happen to ask him, his smirk happened to widen, and the more it did, the angrier I got. Getting to my feet, I walked over to okami and started to pet him on the head. At least somebody was nice enough to look for me and not look at me with a stupid smirk and smile on his face. I happen to turn around, away form haldir and take a big sigh. All of the sudden, I felt a hand grab me by my shoulder. Giving off a light screech...aright a very high pitch scream, I turned around and stared haldir in the eyes. "You have no idea how scary you are do you?" I asked him. He just looked at me like he always does, only this time, the smirk stayed.

Haldir's Point of View.

I winced slightly as the girl screamed, it honestly hurt my ears. When she commented on how scary I was I just grinned slightly and looked annoyed. "I would not waste the time it would take to kill you. If I were your attacker, then I would of done away with you by now." Giving off a light sigh in my head, I say to myself. 'Why me? What have I done to deserve this punishment?' Turning to the girl, I asked ." What are you doing here? And why are you out of the safety of your room? Do not think that any of us will wake up and rescue you just because you decided to go out a midnight stroll in the forest." Giving her a look, I waited for her to explain herself. But before she could give he an answer, I thought I saw something form out of the corner of my eye. Brushing it off, I fixed my gaze upon the female in front of me. The one that I was told to watch. The one I silently have sworn to protect, even if my life depended on it. Was I going soft? No, after spending a bit of time with the child, and that dog who likes to use my arrows as a chew toy, she starts to grow on you. You could say that I've taken her under my wing for the time being, but I'm not going to let her know that. Not yet. In time, she will come to find out what she has, and how important she is to our people.

End of POV's.

'What are you doing here, hm lets see, I'm here because of all the commotion outside my room, and I want to see what the hell was going on, is that such a hard answer to say sir!' Well I might as well tell him why I'm here, just for the hell of it." I'm here because I heard a lot of commotion coming form outside, and I wanted to know what was going on. I did not think that I would be in trouble by my babysitter for my 'taking a midnight stroll into the forest.' " Looking back, I spotted shadow and Okami playing tag. Tag? At a time like this? Honey, you need to get some sleep shadow, its past your bedtime boy. He stood and started to walk towards me, the smirk had dropped, but I as not finished with him yet. I heard him say. "You would be much safer in your room. Now is not the time to be out and about." Out and about? What do you think this is? I'm not here for my health you know, I just wanted to know what the noise was about! Ok, now he's getting me mad. I look him strait in the eye and said. " So, are you starting to baby-sit me again? I am 18 years old Mr. I think I can take care of myself! Since when did you care, you never cared, so why start caring now?" I walked away from him, only to hear him almost growling his reply. "I have been ordered to watch you. And while I am in charge of you, I cannot help defend the borders of this land. I care only for the Lord, Lady, land, and Okami."

That did it, which got to me. That was the one thing that really tells a person that you really care. I could not stop them now; the tears came into my eyes. I was powerless to stop them. Shock, was the word used in today's game. I turned to him; I could not help the tears that started to fill in my eyes. I could not take it anymore. I put down Shadow, who went right over to Okami, and I took off into the woods. I wanted to get as far from haldir as I could get. The tears falling from my eyes. Haldir held up his emotionless mask as the girl fled from him, when she was far enough away not to hear him he said softly, "They are the only one's who I can care for." With that said he whistled for Okami and followed the girl. I kept up my pace, looking behind me, I see okami and haldir chasing after me. So what do I do? Run faster. If he thinks that he can get away with what he said to me, he's wrong. Not looking where I was going, I tripped on a tree root and I fell. Pain was all I felt, the worst of it was when I hit the ground. As I look up, the world around me starts to spin, and then, slowly, start to fade away.

Haldir's POV.

I followed the girl cursing as she speed up, "Foolish child." I said as I caught up with her as she was on the ground, "That is what happens when you run when not looking in front of you..." I sighed, "Are you hurt?" She didn't move, she didn't speak, I could see that she had a nasty bump on the head. Yep, she's hurt. Not bad, judging for the looks of it on the outside. Maybe knocked out cold. Isighed; this child is becoming a burden. I picked her up carefully incase she were severally injured. I was so focused on my task that I did not see the dark figure in the tree above me. Almost at once, Okami sprung into action, grabbing the dark figures leg and bringing him crashing into the ground before me and the child, his bow fell to the ground as he tried franticly to push the massive beast which is okami off of him. Putting Sundance down, I quickly loaded my bow, and pointed the arrow at his heart. In a deadly voice I said. "Hold Okami. Why are you here Dark one? What was your purpose?" What he said next, sent chills down my spine. He glared at me, and then at the girl, then it hit me. He was going to kill her. Not as long as I live he won't. In a dark and deadly voice he spoke. "Tis the girl I was after, but I simply could not resist the urge to take out the March Warden as well." His eyes never left her, only when he finished speaking did he make eye contact with me. The anger that was building inside of me was about to brake free. I could not simply let him get his hands on her, oh no, that would only serve their propose .I snarled at him, and without a thought to it, I said. "Sleep in hell tonight. Okami. Kill him." I picked up the girl and turned back toward the city, The Lord & Lady will not be pleased when they find out about the attack and my command to the wolf.

End of POV.

I opened my eyes, not really sure on what had happened, or where I was. Looking up, I saw haldir's face, I also looked around. I quickly found out that I back in the city. I tried to remember how I got here. Well, yes, I know that haldir was carrying me, but the question was, why was he carrying me? I looked up and began to rain a lot of questions on him, but before I could get a word in edge wise, I heard a faint, screaming voice. It was blurry, but it said something like 'this is not the end, she will be ours.' Then after that, the forest was silent. Was he dead? And what did he mean, 'she will be ours?' I saw Okami come out of the woods, his maw was smeared with blood. Yep, He's dead. Just then, I head haldir growl and say "You can try. But she will forever be beyond your kinds reach as long as Okami and myself live." He spat out, infuriated at the dark elves enough to let his mask slip and his anger show for a brief moment. His mask? It was gone. But as soon as I said that, it was back. Boy, that guy needs a vacation where he can learn to relax.

I finally let him know I was awake by moving. He looked down at me; I could tell he was not pleased at all. Weather it be at me, or whatever just happened, I don't know. " What happened? All I remember is running from you and hitting my head." I said in a ' I-heard-everything-so-spill-the-beans' type of way. He put me down and faced me. "It was nothing...Okami come. We must see the Lord and Lady. You will accompany us, you are not to leave our side...for your safety." He said as he headed wards the stairs. Safety? Excuse me! I think it was you who hurt my feelings and made me run into the woods so I could cool down! I suddenly stopped. Fear clutched at my heart. I quickly grabbed my chest, as if I was having a heart attack. It just hit me. Shadow. Where was shadow? He was to young and small to be out on his own like this. I quickly tuned around and ran to the spot where I left him, call his name. "Shadow! Shadow! Where are you boy! Come out!" No shadow. Not a bark, Not a howl, not even the sound of the little footsteps he made when he came running to greet someone. No. He's gone. My little dog. Gone.

I screamed as loud as I could, mostly in grief and frustration. I cant believe he's gone! What will I do? Where could he be? Is he hurt? Is he even alive? What if a dark elf took hi and is torturing him as we speak? No! Must not think of that. He just wondered off somewhere and is lost. That's all. Only lost. I was in a hysteric fit, crying and screaming. Haldir ran to me and grabbed me by my shoulders, shaking me, asking what was wrong. I only said shadow's name, he didn't seem to concerned about the missing down and simply said. "Okami. Find the pup, and bring it to her." Looking over at me he said. "Stay here. Okami is getting your pup. He will find it faster then you will searching wildly." I as at my wits end, I started screaming at him, and banging my fits into his chest crying, the I slid towards the ground crying and sobbing. He, in turn, started to rub his fore head. He was probably thinking 'Why Valar? Why land me with her?' He then sat on the grass by me, and pulled me close and let me cry on his shoulder. 'Why land me with an emotional child?' Or something close to that. Shortly Okami came around a tree with the pup hanging by the scruff of its neck with it's tail wagging. I heard him say. "Thank you Okami...Set the runt down." Upon hearing that, I broke away form him and picked up my puppy holding him and kissing him. I as very happy to see him safe. In fact I was so happy, I did the unthinkable, the most unexpected thing in the entire whole of Middle earth…….I kissed Haldir's cheek.

Haldir froze momentarily when I kissed his cheek, then stood and pulled me up as well. What a gentleman. I'll make him one in no time." Now can we go to the Lord and Lady?" He asked as he scratched Okami's ears. Was he making an excuse to get away from the situation that we find ourselves in? Yep, he was. I also decided to change the current topic were on. " So, who was that person that okami killed?" He froze and looked at me sharply, "You will not speak of what Okami has done on my command. It was not Orladon." He said as a pained look flashed across his face, "What I did by commanding Okami to kill something other than an orc was. is unforgivable. Please. Do not speak of it." I can see that he was worried about something, like on what such talk could do to his reputation. If he wants to keep his secrets, then fine. I'll keep mine as well. We started to walk up the stares- Oh my, not these again! I thought I would never have to walk these again! What did I say about them getting an elevator in this place! Turning back to the current convocation at hand. "But... Why did you say for Okami to kill a person, what happened?"

I tried to keep my voice down as I spoke, so nobody would here me talking.Haldir stopped and looked at me. "The being was sent to kill you, and myself." He replied truthfully, "Now, no more talk. We must see the Lord and Lady." I wanted to ask him so many questions, and before I knew it, we were at the top of the steps.( Huh? You mean I went up all those stairs and I didn't complain?) And again, the light came. Trying to be funny, I yelled. " My eyes! They burn!" Then just as soon as I stopped saying it, the light was gone. I then attempted to sing." I can see clearly not the light is gone!" This in the end earned me a few glares. Everyone's a critic.

Haldir almost sighed, they already knew why he was hear. and judging from the looks they gave Okami, who was still blood splattered, they knew what he commanded the wolf to do. "You will explain yourself March Warden." The Lord stated calmly. Haldir cringed slightly, and spoke. "There was a dark elf assassin in our borders. His target was Lady Sunny. And myself." I could tell that he was going to try and hold out on his command to the great wolf as long as possible. I tried to intervien on the wolf's behaf. "It was not either of their faults, they came after me, as haldir had said before, and there was nobody around to help us after my asccident. In short, it was my fault we were seen." Haldir did sigh this time, "That was no excuse to order a wolf of the valar to kill an elf. Even if it was a dark elf." The Lord said as he stared at Haldir. Haldir felt a furry head push its self into his hand demanding to be petted...Haldir knew that to corrupt such a creature would have him suffering Manwes wrath. I pressed on, trying to change the punishment that is soon to come if I don't try to save him. "Would you of prefer if haldir and I died? Then everything that your people would of taught me.(if I payed attention that is.) would have gone to waist. Surly you agree?" I look to haldir for help, this is your pet elf, do Something to try and save it.

Haldir fought hard not to role his eyes at the girl. "Okami is still as he was the moment he first came to me...I did order him to kill, for at that time I myself was unable to do so. Lady Sunny had passed out and I did not have any guards around to deal with the elf." I looked at him, did he just damn me? I really hope not, because I'm trying to save his ass here. I turned to him and glare at him. "What do you mean I passed out! I fell and hurt myself!" Haldir rubbed the wolf's ears to keep control of his mask, "Aye, you fell and then you passed out. My concern was to you. Not the dark elf. You were placed into my care, you were more important at that moment then the thrice damned dark elf." The Lord looked at the Lady, 'It seems our March Warden has trouble acting emotionless around her. I have not heard him curse without aid of drink.' He thought to his wife knowing she would hear. Galadriel nodded her head to him. 'Your right, it seems our March warden's wall around his heart is starting to brake. He is more concerned for her. Shall we make him her personal caretaker, for while she's here?' Celeborn nodded, 'It would free his heart. And possibly more for them. I have never seen the wolf care for anyone other than our March Warden, yet it is quite attached to the girl. Do you think this shall work?'

Galadriel just looked on, and then responded. 'It must. He has to learn how to love. I believe that Sundance was sent to us for other reasons then to help with our dark cousins. Maybe she can break his cold exterior. To help him feel again'. With that, they both made up their minds to let Okami live, I saw haldir breath a sigh of relief. Me to. I would feel ghorrable if Okami died. The lord and Lady took their leave, and so did we, soon after.We walked back to my talen, and I invited him in. We both had a long night, and I thought I'd be nice for a change. I told him to take a seat, and he did so, greatfully. Okami then jumped on haldir and attempted to sit on his lap. I grinned and asked. " Is he comfy? Can I sit on your lap too?" Haldir ignored my question for Okami was staring at him. "Foolish wolf. Go and bother the pup." Okami then launched himself from the elf's lap and chased the pup playfully. Shadow was currently eating, and his wolf instinct was starting to kick in. He snarled at Okami and bit him in the snout. Upon seeing this, I looked to haldir in alarm and ran to go get shadow before Okami could do anything dangers to the pup. Haldir on the other hand, just sat there and laughed, "Think before you act Okami." Okami was sitting there with a stunned look on his visage. The wolf then huffed and lay down on the floor. Poor baby. I stopped before reaching shadow, seeing him still eating and Okami laying down waiting for him to finish, I slowly sat beside haldir. "I was afraid for a minute there, I thought Okami would attack him or something else." Looking at him, I repeated the question again." So, can I sit on your lap too? I bet I'm lighter then Okami is." Giving off a laugh, I stopped as soon as I didn't here him laugh as well. Men, then can never get a joke when its told.

I looked at him, feeling sorry for him sort of. I put my hand on his shoulder for some sort of comfert. " Ya know? Take some time off. Go back to the borders. I'll stay in my room for a couple of day or until you come back. I know what a pain in the ass I can be sometimes...allright, most of the time if not all the time. I can really get on a person nerves. So go on, take a brake from me." Smiling at him, I hoped he would take the suggestion and get some rest. Haldir shook his head, "I cannot. If I need a brake I'll just drink with my brothers." He grinned slightly, "Besides I have more control over my emotions than others I would assign you." Seeing him grin, I could not help myself. I started to grin too. " Awwww are you afwaid that the little mean girl is gonna dwive your big bad elf worriers to dwink?" I said in a baby type voice. I waiting to here his responce on this one. Haldir shook his head no, "More likely to silence you or to just kill themselves." He said laughing. Oh my god. He's Laughing! Is this even aloud? Quick, call the news papers! Haldir of Lorien is Laughing! To tell you the truth, it was fun laughing with him. Okami once more tried to play with the puppy.
Shadow finished eating and yelped and began to run around the talen trying to get away form okami in a game of tag. Smiling at the two i said." The ball is comming up soon, the lady told me about it, she said that I would look pretty in the dress she is making for me. I can't wait to see it."

Haldir sighed, "I usually do not tend the ball and join my brothers for a drink or few." Okami had 'tagged' Shadow and was now running from the pup. Shadow stopped and started to chase him in return, his floppy ears flopping every time he ran to catch him. I turned and asked. " Why not? Is it that boring?" "It is not that it is boring...my brothers and I do not attended to stay away from all of the women who will not leave us alone." Haldir said as he tried to look pitiful. I laughing at his 'oh pitty me' look, I could not help but find him cute for acting like that. Oh my god...are we...getting along! This is probably the longest he's ever talked to a girl in his life! "Can take their hands off of you huh?" I was jealous.. If he goes to the ball, I'll keep those bitches away from him. "Don't worry, I'll keep those bit- I mean, crazy hormonal woman away from you." Haldir grinned, I guess he hadn't acted pitiful in a while...but I think that what surprised him was the fact that he only ever let his mask slip with his brothers. Grinning again he said "Oh? You think you can keep them off of me for a whole night?" with the dog, Okami had paused for a breath Never let your guard down Okami, even when there is a puppy sneaking up behind you. Shadow then padded forward and 'tagged' him.

Smiling at him, I noticed that he let his guard down. Is this how he acts with his brothers? I wonder. Shadow took off and went to stop, but slammed into the side of the talen. He gave out a sharp puppy cry. Jumping to my feet, I run after to him and pick him up. " What's the matter pretty boy, did you crash into the wall?" I walked over to haldir and sat down, shadow adoring the attention he was getting. Haldir just sat there and watched me fuss over my pup, before he leaned forward in his chair and pulled Okami's tail. The wolf pulled the elf onto the floor and pulled the elf's sleeve. I laughed as I saw haldir being pulled out of his chair and onto the floor with the dog. I sighed, in three days was the ball, and much more was about to happen. I can feel it deep in my soul.

Crystal Galadriel: Two words. LONG chapter!

Haldir: I'll say. Never do long chapters like that again.

Crystal Galadriel: Awww I'll do them just for you haldir!

Haldir: Glare

Crystal Galadriel: Thanks Alia! Next time your one, lets finish up the next chapter! What will happen? R/R!