Author's note: I want to thank everyone who has reviewed so far! I am so surprised at the amount of support I've been given for this story and I'm excited to continue it with all of you!

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Gilraen was worried. She had returned to her rooms late in the night to find Estel in his crib, sleeping soundly, but she could not find Lainien. She had searched the elf's favorite tree outside her window, Lainien's room, and the library, but there was no sign of the elf.

She had slept uneasily, and woken early the next morning, searching the same places as before, still with no sign of Lainien. Gilraen left Estel in the kitchens and returned to her room, donning her thick winter boots and coat. She headed out of the halls, coming to the steps that lead out onto the grounds, her eyes scanning the meadows, gardens, and trees.

Stepping off the stairs and into the snow, her foot sank in several inches. With a huff of annoyance, she made her way to the trees, her body warming quickly with the effort, and her eyes constantly searching the tree line. If she is anywhere, it is there. She wouldn't go far from us.

-:-

Legolas stood in the window of a sitting room overlooking the meadows, watching with concern the young human woman now struggling through the snow. Where is she going?

Grabbing a cloak, he strode from the room quickly and out of the halls beyond. Jogging down the steps and out onto the grounds, he caught up to her quickly, his feet not sinking into the soft powder that Gilraen was struggling through.

"My Lady?" A warm, musical voice called out to her from behind. She turned and, with great shock, saw Legolas walking towards her briskly, a concerned frown upon his brow.

"It is too cold to be out, my Lady." He said kindly, offering her his arm. "What brings you outside?" He looked out to see if he could spot what she was walking towards, squinting his eyes at the brightness of the sun reflecting off the snow, too bright for his sensitive eyes, especially as he was recovering from the wine from the night.

"I cannot find Lainien." She explained with slight panic coloring her tone as she scanned the trees again. "She must be out here, but I don't understand why."

Legolas frowned. Unsure of what to say, whether to admit partial fault, or soothe her concerns, he avoided either and requested that she return inside.

"She can take care of herself, Lady Gilraen. She will not get lost." He said, trying to steer the woman back to the warmth.

Gilraen rolled her eyes at him, startling him slightly. "I'm well aware of her capabilities, Young Prince," at the use of that specific title, Legolas' eyes widened, and she continued, "but I won't leave her out here alone." Gilraen's eyes softened. "She has been alone for too long." She hardened her eyes at Legolas, breaking free from his grip, and marching off through the snow again.

Young Prince. Legolas pondered over her use of that specific title. It had been centuries since someone had referred to him thus. He groaned as he realized that Lainien was the only one who would know of the term, meaning she had spoken to Lady Gilraen about their history. How much has she told her? He wondered, staring at the back of the woman as she marched resolutely through the snow.

Enough, apparently, he thought, remembering the hard look in the woman's eye as she turned from him. Still, he could not let her stay out here. Who knows how far Lainien has gone?

"Please, my Lady, come inside. I can send for someone better suited to search for her." When he received no response he added, "She would not want you out here like this."

This made her pause. Gilraen could practically hear Lainien's admonishments. Turning, she narrowed her eyes at Legolas, and then began walking back towards the hall, brushing past him. He sighed. She has definitely heard stories of me from her.

They returned to the hall, Legolas staying half a step behind her the whole way back, ready to assist her if she needed it. When they reached the steps, Elladan was coming from inside, carrying several pieces of toast in his hand.

"You're up early." He said, smirking at Legolas as he followed Gilraen up the stone steps. Legolas stopped, glaring at him. He reached for a piece of toast, but Elladan moved his arm quickly, keeping the bread out of reach. "That is not for you." He said, sitting down on the top step.

Legolas lifted a brow. Elladan chuckled, "Be on your way. My father has asked for you." He looked over his shoulder at Gilraen, "You as well, lady Gilraen."

She stopped and looked over, nodding politely to Elladan, and retreating into the hall. Legolas nodded to him as well, and followed after Gilraen, matching her quick steps easily.

She found herself at a loss when it came to Legolas. He appears kind and gentle, but I know what he did, she thought, sneaking a glance at him. Part of her wanted to see the two elves repair their broken history, but another, more childish part of her wanted to watch Lainien punch Legolas. She smiled lightly at the image. No, she thought, I don't think that will bring Lainien true peace. She frowned, Lainien deserves to be happy after all she's been through. Whatever gave her happiness, Gilraen decided, was best.

The two approached Elrond's chambers and Legolas knocked softly. "Enter." Came Elrond's voice, and Legolas opened the door, holding it for Gilraen. She nodded her head and stepped past him.

Legolas and Gilraen each sat across from Elrond, who was sitting in his usual chair, legs crossed, and reading a large, leather text. He smiled as they sat, and closed his book.

"I hope you both enjoyed the feast." He said.

"It was wonderful," Gilraen said animatedly, "the food was perfect, and there was much happiness."

Legolas was rather sheepish as he admitted, "I perhaps indulged too much in your potent wine."

Elrond turned his gaze to him with a rather stern expression. "I am aware of the incident that occurred last night," he said, "thanks to my wine and your indulgence."

Gilraen looked to Legolas, curious as to this "incidence". Legolas shifted in his seat and looked down at his hands. "I am sorry for my indiscretion." He said.

Elrond's face softened slightly. "It is not to me that you should be apologizing, but Lainien." Gilraen narrowed her eyes at Legolas, and looked back and forth between them, hoping for more information.

"What happened?" She asked finally, when neither spoke again. Elrond looked to Legolas.

"After the feast," he began, "I came upon Lainien. I was rather inebriated, and she was sleeping." Gilraen sincerely didn't like the beginning of this story, her thoughts going to dark places, and her concern for her elf growing quickly.

"I gave her reason to believe that I would have hurt her." He said, not willing to go into detail. "She reacted to the threat, understandably. She probably would have done more, but I believe she realized I was not in the right mind, and left."

Worse could have happened, Gilraen thought, slightly relieved, but still concerned about where Lainien had gone. She didn't take a coat, nor did she change her clothing, she mused, concern radiating from her now as she thought of Lainien wandering the woods in the snow.

"I would not have truly hurt her there while she slept." He said. "There is no honor in that."

"And I suppose there's honor in hurting her while she is awake, then?" Gilraen snapped at him. "Haven't you done enough?"

Legolas looked at her, his temper rising slightly in his defense. "I haven't done anything to her. I have only just arrived yesterday."

"I am not referring to anything you've done this century." She said, her eyes cold.

He continued to glare at her. "You wouldn't understand." He said, his voice lowering. "I didn't have a choice. She forced me to act."

Gilraen wanted to respond, but Elrond held up his hand. "Enough. We are not here to discuss events in the past. We are here to discuss the future." He stood and walked to the large arch leading to a balcony. Standing at the entrance, he gazed out over the valley of Imladris. "We are here to discuss Estel."

Legolas' temper died instantly as he remembered his true purpose here. The child.

"I'd like to wait until Lainien is here to discuss Estel." Gilraen said softly. "She will be impacted just as I with whatever we decide." Elrond nodded, coming to sit back in his chair, placing his fingers together.

"Whatever is decided," Legolas said, "Estel has the support from Mirkwood. My father accepts his claim on the throne, should he one day seek to claim it."

Gilraen smiled slightly at him, glad that her son had one less mountain to climb. Just as she was about to thank him, Legolas and Elrond turned their heads sharply to the door. Legolas stood quickly and moved to stand closer to the door, putting Gilraen at his back.

Lainien burst through the door to Elrond's study, taking in the three people in the room quickly, a dangerous fire burning in her eyes, and hair hanging about her face as it fell from her braid. Gilraen took in a sharp breath as she saw Lainien, her spirit raw and wild, and was frightened for a moment.

As she finally tore her eyes from Lainien's face she noticed the blood. Lots of blood.

"I need to speak with you, Elrond." Lainien said sharply, her tone severe and demanding. There was thick, dark black blood smearing her face, just under her jaw, and upon the front of her dress. The now ruined dress was torn at her collarbone, revealing her shoulder, and it now ended just above her knee, looking as if she had cut it off in great haste. Overall, the elf looked bloodied and fierce as she stood in the doorway, all muscles tensed and standing absolutely still.

Elladan came in behind her looking concerned and anxious. "Father, I'm sorry for bursting in," he said, slightly breathless, "but she came charging from the forest moments ago like this, saying she needed to see you."

"It's fine, Lainien, come in." Elrond said, moving towards her. She took a step back from his approach, eyes narrowing. He paused, frowning.

"Lainien, what happened?" Gilraen asked, stepping forward as well. "Are you hurt?"

The elf switched her gaze to Gilraen and Legolas took a very deliberate step between them. Lainien's eyes widened, and if possible, hey eyes lit up further with a hot fire.

"You presume much, Young Prince." She said darkly, her voice low and dangerous as she stared down Legolas. "My Lady," she said, switching her gaze, and softening her glare, "I am fine, but I would prefer to have this conversation alone with Elrond. I don't wish to frighten you."

"Speak please, I am not easily scared."

Lainien stared at her for a moment, deliberating. Shaking her head softly she lifted her lip in a slight smile, relaxing her aggressive stance slightly and looked to Elrond again.

"There are orcs in the forest." She said quickly. "I came upon the creatures who had attacked the Young Prince and his guard just days ago. There are many just outside your protection, just waiting." She glared at Legolas again. "They followed them here."

Legolas was first surprised that she knew of the orc attack. He hadn't yet told Elrond. Then, he was angered by her accusation.

"They were here waiting for us! We did not bring them." He said, trying to control his temper.

"I often travel those woods," she replied, "and I have not seen them any other time but today!" As she raised her voice, the dizziness she had been fighting earlier grew stronger, unsteadying her. She closed her eyes, swaying slightly, trying to regain composure. Elladan came from behind her and grasped both arms, trying to steady her.

He felt her tense considerably, all the muscles in her arms constricting, and he could see her shoulders tighten. But she did nothing to throw him off. He suddenly realized that her white cotton dress, now wet from snow and covered in blood, was sticking tightly to her frame and clinging to her.

He let go quickly, not wishing to make her uncomfortable. At the sudden loss of support, she stumbled slightly. Elladan moved to hold her again, but Legolas grasped her forearms to prevent her fall. She yelped in pain and staggered backward from the prince, holding her right arm over her chest.

He looked down at his hand and saw, not black orc blood, but silvery, red blood. Elven blood.

"I will bring her to the healing rooms." Elrond said firmly, coming now to her side. "My son, prepare the guard to hunt down the remaining orc."

"Wait," Lainien said firmly, hoping her voice didn't waver. "There are many orc, perhaps 20, maybe more." Elladan nodded to her as he swept through the door.

"I will go as well." Legolas said, following Elladan.

"Legolas," Elrond began.

"It will be fine." He insisted, turning and smiling lightly at Elrond. He stopped in the doorway, pausing for a moment and looking back at Lainien.

She met his eyes, hers still alight with dancing fire. Rest, came his voice in her head, and then he turned swiftly and left.

Lainien stared at his retreating back, surprised. She recovered quickly, however, and stepped out of Elrond's hold.

"I will also go," she started, "right after I've changed." She looked down at her dress with annoyance on her face.

"That is not wise," Elrond said, closing the distance between them, "you are hurt in at least one place." He nodded at her arm, which he could now see sported a deep cut coming from just below her elbow and extending almost to her wrist. As he spoke, blood fell from her finger tips and onto the wooden floor.

"I will have it cleaned and be off." She said, straightening and walking out the door. Gilraen stepped forward, "Wait!" She called. Lainien turned.

"Wait, Lainien. Please, stay here with me." She looked at the elf, attempting to put all her pleading into her eyes and thoughts. I don't want to be here alone, waiting to see if I'll lose someone else.

Lainien's resolve almost broke. Almost. "You won't lose me, Lady, I promise." She walked back to her side and kissed her forehead lightly. "I have to do all I can to protect you and Estel," she explained, "and that means fighting those who would harm you."

She grasped Gilraen's hand for a moment, nodded to Elrond, and left.