Hello lovelies!

So this chapter will jump around just a little bit. Hopefully it isn't too confusing though!

Just as a warning: it will also get a bit graphic later, and for that I apologize but this is rated M.

Just as a reference, the attack in the last chapter occurred on February 26 (so that is when Merry, Pippin and Lehlina are taken). On February 30th, the orcs and Uruk-Hai are attacked by Eomer and his men. I have labeled each section with a date so you will be able to see how the time-jumps occur :)

I hope this chapter isn't too rough. I wanted to get it out before the weekend as I will be absolutely swamped.

Reader appreciation time ^_^

WickedGreen13: I love that, though there were few of them, they had some tough women fighting just as fiercely and powerful in their own right (Arwen, Eowyn, Galadriel, etc). It is always fun to me to see other females kicking butt (or at least trying their hardest). :) Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Jshaw0624: Here it is! I am glad you are enjoying it and hope you like this chapter :)

Foofie01: Thank you so much! I have done that myself – I totally binge on stories from start to beginning in a short amount of time. It's hard not to when you stumble across something you love! Haldir will be present soon enough and you will see the outcome then (though I have known for years now what I intend for him) :)

Martine9295: Hello, dear friend! Saruman will be in this chapter as well :) Even though he's a total jerk, he's interesting to attempt to portray. I try to intersperse parts of the books with the movies, but I don't want to go too far off-track since most people here are only familiar with the movie version. It's a bit tricky, so I throw in what I can when I can – even if it's small details. And I so wanted one more moment between her and Boromir, even if it wasn't the happiest and it was such a brief moment. I really did like him and enjoyed writing in extra little scenes with him in the past. I HATE saying goodbye to him. I really was like, well what if I keep him alive? But really, when it comes down to it, there are so many things that would not have played out the way they did if he survived. So ultimately, I pouted for a long time about it lol. And oh my gosh, you have been BUSY for sure! That is so awesome though! I am happy for and proud of you! You keep doing your thing :) Good luck with the Master portion. That sounds so daunting to me, but I bet you will be flawless :) Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Lelves: I am sorry! I left a cliffhanger on this one as well :) But not as bad as what I had ORIGINALLY intended. I hope you enjoy this one :)

Cotton Blossom Diva: I love your name! It's so cute :) Thank you very much, I am glad you are liking it so far. Legolas has always been an interesting character to me for sure. I really wanted to explore him some more. I have not read any stories with him coupled with males, though I am sure a lot of them have him paired up with Aragorn or Haldir I am guessing lol. Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Alright, here we go. Everyone enjoy and please review! Also, have a lovely weekend ^_^

Chapter 21: Spilled Blood

February 28, 3019

His stomach felt as if it had been lodged in his throat ever since the attack at Amon Hen just a few days prior. Aragorn had decided, with great relief to Legolas, that they should follow the path of Merry, Pippin and Lehlina, rather than pursue Sam and Frodo. The two hobbits would take care of each other while they continued their part of the journey. Aragorn had great faith in them, and knew that their paths would meet up again someday soon.

He had replayed in his mind over and over what had happened to Lehlina. He could not get the image of her being harmed by those fiends out of his head. When the fighting had first begun as they searched for Boromir, his thoughts immediately went to Lehlina. Where was she? She had left his side when they ran ashore, and he cursed himself endlessly for not realizing her silent departure. He knew in his heart that she must have seen Boromir follow after Frodo, and that she would have gone to check on them. So where was she when the fighting began? He had seen her bow and quiver laying against a rock, but he had not seen her other weapons in sight. It had, for a brief time, done his heart well to know that she was at least armed even if she would have no choice but to be in close quarters when combat arose.

The trio had been fighting against the waves of Uruks that had appeared suddenly when they heard Boromir blow the Horn of Gondor. Quickly they retreated, their swords ringing as they clashed and his arrows still firing rapidly.

When they had gotten to the clearing, his eyes found Boromir protecting Merry and Pippin as he battled bravely though he was vastly outnumbered.

His heart had sunk.

Where was she?

Still fighting, he continued his attempt to creep closer to the man and hobbits, his eyes frantically roaming the clearing.

A startled cry interrupted his crazed thoughts, and he jerked his head to the right as he saw Lehlina's body twist and crumple to the ground. His blood boiled as he realized that one of the creatures has=d delivered a sharp blow to her cheek and temple. To her credit, she was still conscious and though she was disoriented, she kept moving. The Uruk that had hit her – oh, how he wished he could get his hands on him – was slowly stalking towards her as she tried to recover.

"Lehlina!" he yelled in warning. Her head lifted lazily as she sought him out and he wondered if she was too dizzy to see him. She had comprehended his cautioning as she turned quickly to see her pursuer. Clambering away from him quickly, she attempted to grab her weapons. Instead, she was dragged back down and flipped over. He spoke words to her, but Legolas had no idea of what was being said.

Pulling an arrow from his quiver, he notched it in place and began drawing it back as he watched her spit defiantly in the creature's face. Before the enraged Uruk-Hai could retaliate, the elf had released the arrow. He watched in satisfaction as it met its target and the being fell over dead.

Chaos had ensued as the commander had begun piercing Boromir with his own black arrows – no doubt dripping in poison.

The threesome had done their best to fight the remainder off as Aragorn took on the leader himself. They were working their way to the hobbits, wanting to protect them as Boromir had done. And Legolas wanted nothing more than to be by Lehlina's side – this woman that had gone through so much, this woman who had made him feel so much.

It all went downhill from there – the hobbits had been taken, their small builds making it impossible to fight back against such towering adversaries.

Lehlina, who was now anxious yet furious, was much closer to them than Legolas or Gimli. She fought harder and moved quicker, her blades flashing as they twirled and hit their marks. But they had gone after her as well. She was overrun, and not as skilled a fighter as her opponents just yet. He shoved forward, yanking another arrow out to fire off but there was too much commotion and they crowded around her. His eyes had widened in shock and ire as he watched the scene play out quickly in front of him.

They had embedded an arrow –his arrow – into her arm and twisted it back out as they disarmed her. She fell to her knees and cried out before they began to roughly pull her up. Gaining a second wind, she began thrashing around, kicking and punching – like a wild animal who had been caged. She had managed to escape temporarily before one of the Uruks used the pommel of their sword to bash against the back of her skull – knocking her down once more.

He fought even harder, pushing further – anything to get closer to her.

But one of them had flung her over his shoulder and across his back. Her body swayed as he turned and took off in a run.

No, he thought to himself, no! You cannot have her! He wished to yell this at the retreating figures, his distress palpable.

"Lehlina!" he had yelled once more, his voice slightly breaking.

Her head had lifted up slowly and their eyes locked once more. In an instant, her eyes closed one final time before she slumped fully against her captor.

You cannot take her from me, he thought to himself.

"Their pace has quickened."

His thoughts were interrupted by the ranger who was currently tracking the path of their foes.

"They must have caught our scent," he breathed as he stood up and took off once more. "Hurry!"

Legolas followed after him readily, his form sprinting up the hill that lay before him.

"Come on, Gimli!" he called over his shoulder, anticipating finding their friends. What could they possibly want with her? Why take her alive? Many reasons as to why had been running through his head, and none of them pleasant.

Hold on, Lehlina, he urged. We are coming for you.

February 30, 3019

"Useless!" the wizard seethed in anger, lashing out at those who had the misfortune of being present when Saruman realized what had happened. Lurtz and those under his command had attacked the company at Amon Hen, taking three captives with them as they fled – two hobbits and the girl. The rest had survived the battle, all but one. How did 200 strong and deadly Uruks fail at eliminating 8 beings – half of which were not even prepared for battle. They were weak, yet they prevailed. Fury coursed through him as he took a moment to step away from the others, wanting only silence.

The fight had been short, and they had only grabbed two of the four halflings. He hoped desperately that one of them held what he needed. The girl, he knew, was part of the puzzle. He could see that she had more training than the hobbits in terms of combat, but she was still lacking. His band of Uruks had fought ruthlessly. In the process, however, that man had eliminated Lurtz. Ugluk was the next to take his place, wishing to keep order among the Uruks and to finish the duty they were tasked with. The captain had ushered them away toward Isengard, hardly stopping for a moment of rest.

But they failed him yet again.

All of them were dead.

The hobbits had escaped into the forest, alone and safe – at least for the moment.

He would have to send out more – many more.

The Rohirrim were a spirited bunch, but he had confidence that they could be destroyed – slaughtered. The men of Rohan would meet a bloody fate if it was the last thing he did.

Slowly calming himself down, he now stood in the midst of a gathering of Dunlendings. These people of Dunland were perhaps even more fierce than the Rohirrim, hell-bent on vengeance against the people of Rohan. These wild and vicious men had been forced into the mountains away from their land many centuries ago. Saruman had approached them, knowing that they would side with anyone who was against the men of Rohan. He could manipulate them to his advantage.

"The horsemen took your land. They drove your people into the hills to scratch a living off rocks." He took his time levelling his gaze at each and every man that stood before him.

"Murderers!" one screamed hatefully from the back, his eyes alight with malice.

"Take back the lands they stole from you!" his voice rose as he stood taller, spite evident in his dark eyes. "Burn every village!" he commanded. The savages before him roared in approval and agreement before taking their leave, their eyes set on every Rohan village they could find. Their lust for blood was strong and the very thing that Saruman needed at this moment.

It will begin in Rohan, he thought to himself. Too long have these peasants stood against you. But no more.

Turning once more, he strode off with purpose. The hobbits had escaped his grasp momentarily. He would have to put the failure out of his mind for now – a new plan would need to emerge. He was adaptable. He had always been quick on his feet and clever – too clever, some would argue. And unfortunately, the girl would no longer be of use to him – the orcs had seen to that, yet he could not punish them thanks to the horsemen. One thought lingered at the back of his mind about what she could have done in the days to come.

If only she had lived.

February 29, 3019

Her eyes were having difficulty adjusting to the bright sun that beamed down on her. They had stopped not long ago, and she had been lowered to the ground none too gently. She lay on her back, her hands tied in front of her as the rope bit into her wrists. They dug deep enough into her skin that it was rubbing it raw and blood was starting to drip. Her right cheek was swollen from the punch a couple days before and she knew a nasty bruise must have developed in that time as well. Dried blood caked her left arm where the arrow had pierced her, and also where she had been hit in the back of the head.

She had lost a lot of blood. Perhaps too much.

She had not been conscious for most of their journey. At times, she had been aware of the jostling as they ran, and she had heard the hobbits whispering to each other, but not much else. They had also taken turns calling out her name, trying to rouse her – fear coloring their every word. There had been at least one time where the hobbits discussed her and her current state, and she could hear the concern in their voices. She wanted to speak with them and let them know she was much too stubborn to die, but she could not get any words out as her throat was dry. She had been given liquid on occasion, but not very often and not very much – and especially not the kind she needed.

Her head was pounding, just like it had been for days, and she wanted so much to just curl up and sleep in a dark place.

Where were they now? How close were they to Saruman? She was sure that was who had ordered them be taken. But why her?

"You are a coveted woman," her attacker had told her before Legolas had killed him.

Why? What did he want?

Parting her parched lips, she took in as deep of a breath as she could and slowly turned her head to the side.

"You are late," an orc hissed as he faced off with the new leader. "Our master grows impatient. He wants the Shire-rats and the human now." She noticed now that a troupe of orcs stood behind him – she had not even heard their arrival.

The leader stood straighter, his form imposing as he glared down at the orc.

"I do not take orders from Orc-maggots," he growled insultingly. "Saruman will have his prizes. We will deliver them."

Lehlina's eyes darted over to a small cluster of visitors that had noticed her. They were shuffling towards her, their eyes gleaming. Nervously, she tried to wiggle backwards along the grass though she had little strength at the moment. Thankfully, their attention was rerouted as the Uruk captain barked at one of his followers in a questioning tone.

"What is it? What do you smell?"

"Man-flesh," he simply responded.

"They have picked up our trail," he deduced, his eyes wandering over to her. Picking her up roughly, he turned to the others.

"Let's move!" he began running, his breathing steady even as he carried her dirty form. Not even sparing a glance at her, he squeezed her painfully. "You are perhaps more trouble than you are worth."

She shut her eyes, not wanting him to see her tears. She did not wish for any of them to see her cry though she did not cry out of fear or sorrow. She cried out of happiness and relief. They were near, she thought to herself thankfully. They are coming for us.

Before she fell into unconsciousness once more, she breathed aloud one name in the smallest of whispers, hope dripping from the very name itself – "Legolas".

February 30, 3019 – around dawn

"I'm starving," he pointed out. "We ain't had nothing but maggoty bread for three stinking days."

Ugluk scrutinized the Uruk-Hai that was demanding something substantial to eat. Lehlina watched worriedly as the tense moment unfolded. Her eyes sought out the hobbits that were on the other side of the circle – they had separated her from them early on, allowing little to no interaction with her dear companions.

"Yeah!" an orc added, "why can't we have some meat?" His beady eyes swiveled to Merry and Pippin. "What about them? They are fresh."

"They are not for eating," Ugluk ordered, his patience wearing thin with the orcs and even his own group.

Another orc chipped in, "what about their legs? They don't need those."

Lehlina's eyes widened as Merry and Pippin began to display their panic.

"They look tasty."

She stood up and swayed dangerously before speaking in a croaking voice, "Do not even dare to lay your hands on them."

"Get back, scum!" Ugluk finally snapped as he shoved the orc back. "The prisoners go to Saruman," he raised his voice so that the others could hear, "alive and unspoiled." His yellow eyes blazed with ferocity as the second orc probed him.

"Why alive? Do they give good sport?"

Lehlina could tell he did not wish to answer, but he had to give reason to keep blood from being shed.

"They have something," he began, his eyes narrowing. "An Elvish weapon – the master wants it for the war."

An Uruk-Hai placed a hand on her shoulder and roughly shoved her back to the ground. She hardly paid any attention though as she finally realized why they wanted the hobbits. They believed that one of them had the ring. But Lehlina knew full well that they did not possess it. What would they do when they found out they had grabbed the wrong ones and that they, in fact, did not have it? Would their leader be able to hold them back? Would he even try?

"What about the filthy human?" the first orc asked, his eyes turning towards her in delight. He began stepping forward, the second orc following behind him as they regarded her. She began to scoot backwards on her butt while she glared daggers at them. "Not my first choice, but she will do in a pinch."

Ugluk roared before he raised his scimitar and lopped off his head cleanly. Lehlina exhaled finally, grateful for the death as horrible as it sounded.

"Looks like meat's back on the menu, boys," Ugluk rallied as they all ran forward, desperate for a piece. Lehlina turned her head and swallowed, biting back her gag reflex.

Suddenly, she emitted a low cry as a hand roughly grasped a clump of her hair and yanked her backwards. She was being pulled across the earth on her back and she tried to reach up and grasp the offending hand, but it was made difficult with her wrists still bound. She tried digging her heels in the earth, hoping to find enough purchase on the ground so that she may get into a standing position. Her heart pounded as she noticed that the second orc from the previous argument was also taking advantage of the meal distraction to go after the two hobbits.

Her head turned upward and her heart raced as she saw one of the Uruk-Hai was the one pulling her away from the others. Fear gripped her and she doubled her efforts to escape his clutch. He finally dropped her to the ground before huddling over her, his legs straddling her and his weight pressing down on her small form.

"I am ravenous," he murmured lowly as he pulled a large knife. Her eyes bulged and she began writhing, but his weight was too much, his frame too large. She pulled her wrists against her binds and twisted them back and forth, hoping to get loose.

"Stop squirming," he snarled angrily, before backhanding her across the face – the same side she had been punched. Her head fell to the side and blood immediately began trickling from her mouth. Sputtering, she was able to spit more out as she continued to fight against the ropes. The Uruk grasped her chin and turned her to face him. "Look at me," he ordered. "I want you to look into my eyes as I cut you into pieces."

Tears began gathering in her eyes as she stared back at him, her hands still working. She gasped as he cut a slit in her pants from her waist to her knee on her left side. Ripping it apart, he positioned the blade against her upper thigh. Slowly, he dug deep into her skin.

A scream began to emanate from her, but his hand had moved from her chin to her mouth, covering it tightly so as to not alert the others. He began to move it down her leg, in a sawing motion as if he was hoping to carve a large slice from her thigh. Tears streamed down her face as she screamed into his dirty and large hand.

Suddenly, the camp was alight with activity in the dark. Shouts erupted and hooves pounded as a group of men on horses ambushed them, spears flying precisely. Her attacker lifted his head as he took note of the attack. Lehlina was glad for the momentary distraction, but knew she needed to get herself out of the situation now.

Finally, she was able to pull one wrist from the rope and she shoved it forward and hit him in the throat as hard as she could. Immediately, he let go of her and grabbed at it while spluttering. Sitting up as well as she could, she yanked the knife out of her leg with a pained cry before stabbing it viciously into his chest. He fell backwards with the force and she scrambled on top of him. Pulling the knife out, she straddled him, adrenaline coursing through her and keeping her conscious though her leg and other injuries screamed in agony. Driving the blade down once more, she stared into his eyes, her own expression wild and manic. The blood loss and immense fear she had been feeling for her life and her friends' was enough to push her over the edge – to transform her into a dangerous animal.

He moaned in pain and looked away from her, and she slapped his cheek twice to get his attention.

"Look at me!" she yelled. "I want you to look into my eyes as I end your life!"

Something had come over her unlike anything before.

Raising the knife again, she plunged it down several times until he expired, crying out as she did so. She stabbed him a few more times afterward just to be sure, blood now covering her hands, and face. Her hair, greasy and bloody from her head injury, hung limply in front of her face. Her chest heaved, trying to catch her breath. Leaving the knife in the Uruk, she slid off of him and rolled onto her back. Her eyes briefly looked down to her leg and she curled her fingers into a fist as tears continued to fall. Her skin was an absolute mess – covered in blood, and split open deep and wide.

Her adrenaline was starting to wear off.

She turned her head weakly and saw the horsemen fighting in sync, swiftly felling their enemies with no mercy. She had no idea who they were, but she knew they might be able to help them. Men who could help the hobbits. But not herself.

She was past the point of help, she knew.

Tears blurred her sight almost completely and she looked back up to the sky before closing her eyes and pressing her hands against them. She would never have the change to see her friends ever again. She had acquired new family in her short journey. People that she would have loved and cared for until the end of time. Never again would she sleep under the stars with the fellowship. Never again would she relentlessly get under Haldir's skin. Never again would she be pulled into another prank pulled by the twins, or be able to confide in Arwen and listen to her own stories.

Above all else though, she wanted so much to see Legolas again – just once more. She wanted to tell him how much she cared for him, how she did not want to ever leave his side again. That she could not imagine a world without him. That she had only found peace when she was with him.

His eyes flashed in her mind – those striking deep blue eyes that could stare into her very soul and see things that she herself could not. She remembered his smile – his smile that had recently been causing her stomach to flutter, especially when it was aimed at her. And when it turned into a smirk, well, she adored that. It was so fitting for him. It was playful – not cruel in any way.

As Uruk and men died around her, she opened her eyes once more and looked at the stars. They were so incredibly beautiful to her – mesmerizing, even. She remembered looking out her window at home and seeing them late at night – wondering if someday she could reach them, if she just stretched far enough.

This would not be a bad place to die, she thought to herself.

Lehlina, she imagined Legolas calling softly to her. Turning her head to the side once more, she saw an Uruk-Hai near her sneaking around, his sight set on a man that looked to be the horsemen's leader. Sitting up slowly, she pushed back the pain and exhaustion for as long as she could. Leaning over the Uruk-Hai she had killed earlier, she spotted a throwing knife that was sheathed on his side. Pulling it out, she blinked back the black pinpricks that danced in her vision. Pulling her right arm back, she aimed at the Uruk that was now almost behind the leader, his sword raising high above him. With a steadying exhale, she threw the knife with all of her might and watched as it spun through the air until it was lost in the darkness. She smiled in satisfaction as the Uruk fell to his knees, his own sword clamoring to the terrain. As he fell face-first onto the ground, she noticed the hilt of the blade sticking out of the back of his skull.

The man she had saved whirled around and took in the sight before him before whipping his head to her, his eyes narrowing in confusion and curiosity.

With all of her strength spent, she slumped onto her right side as her hands curls against the grass and her nose inhaled the scent of the earth.

Please protect my friends, she thought to herself, hoping that Merry and Pippin were safe.

The man was now approaching her as the remaining Uruk were being systematically dispatched. He sheathed his sword as he picked up his pace towards her, his mouth moving, a question pouring from him. Everything was muffled – she could not hear or understand him.

Her heart slowed and she struggled to keep her eyes open, even as the sun was beginning to rise.

I am so sorry, Legolas, she thought. I tried – I fought as hard as I could.

And with that thought, she began slipping into darkness.

A flash of blue eyes widening sprung into her mind as she finally succumbed to her injuries.

February 30, 3019 – sunrise

"A red sun rises," Legolas lamented as he slowed his pace. He takes in the pink sky, his anxiety for the trio's safety hitting him harder than ever. "Blood has been spilled this night."

Aragorn nodded at Legolas, his frown deepening as he takes a moment to catch his breath.

He was knocked out of his reverie when he heard Legolas gasp sharply and stumble backwards. He approached Legolas, his hand shaking the elf's shoulder.

"Legolas," he tried to pull the elf's attention to him. Legolas began to pant slightly, as if he is about to hyperventilate. His eyes dart around madly, not even registering the fact that Aragorn is there.

"Legolas?" Gimli questioned, his usual humor gone. He stepped forward in concern as he eyed the elf prince.

"Legolas!" Aragorn yelled at him, both hands now grasping and shaking him. The elf looked at him, his eyes wide and shining with unshed tears. "What is it that ails you?"

"I-I heard her," he stuttered, "I heard her." He said yet again as his eyes turned back to the path they were following. He broke Aragorn's hold on him and took off in a sprint. "We have to get to them now," he hollered, not even bothering to turn around. Gimli took a deep breath, shaking his head back and forth – exhaustion seeping into his bones from all of the running they had been doing the past few days. Sharing a concerned glance with Aragorn, he took off at a pace he could hold at his stature. Aragorn's eyes drifted to the red sun that was beginning to pelt down on them. He could only hope and pray that all three of their companions were safe. Judging by the look in his friend's eyes, he knew that something must have happened to Lehlina – to what extent, he did not know. But he feared that if it was anything too serious, that Legolas would be devastated.

Please let them be safe.

The Eored were busy tossing one carcass after the other into a pile in the middle of the silent camp. The Uruk-Hais were cumbersome, making the task long and tedious. The orcs were easier to move, though no less pleasant.

Eomer knelt on the ground while some of his other men recovered as they stitched up wounds. His eyes rested on the unmoving form laying in front of him. He had been staring at her for the better part of an hour – his dark brown eyes taking in everything about her, questions forming in his mind. Questions that would never be answered.

The poor girl was an utter mess. She had nasty bruises on her temple and around her eye. Blood had dried in a trail down from one corner of her mouth. Flecks of blood coated her face, neck, and hands from when she had undoubtedly killed the Uruk-Hai laying near her. The creature had many stab wounds – she must have hit her breaking point and snapped, though he could not necessarily blame her. She also had many wounds of her own – one in her arm, and one on her leg. A jagged and very deep wound stretched from her upper thigh to just above her knee. What pain she must have felt in that moment. Her lips were dry and cracked, a sign that she had been severely dehydrated for a few days now.

It was strange to him to think that he had seen her in her last moment of life. She had protected him with the last bit of strength she possessed. He would always be grateful, but never be able to express his gratitude. He had watched her collapse to the ground in exhaustion as he ran to her, desperate to aid her. They had not even known their opponents held someone captive, let alone a human. And a young woman at that. What business did they have with her? He sighed, knowing that was another question that would go unanswered.

"We should be heading back," a voice spoke lowly from behind him.

Eomer only nodded to his second-in-command's suggestion.

"What will you do with her?"

Eomer mulled over the idea – he refused to burn her along with the Uruks and orcs. She did not deserve to be near them.

"We will give her a proper burial."

He could hear Haleth sigh behind him, wanting to argue but knowing it was futile.

"Very well," he muttered. "Who was she?"

Eomer shook his head back and forth as he moved strands of hair away from her face.

"I know not," he began quietly, "but she saved my life."

Haleth was quiet for a long time before shuffling closer to the still girl.

"Then she truly deserves to be at rest – I would request the honor to bury her."

Eomer kept his eyes planted on the stranger before them, her body beaten, blood and broken.

"We shall do it together," he commanded softly.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his friend nod once before leaving to begin preparations.

"I do not know who you are," he leaned down to whisper to her. "But I thank you for what you have done." His thoughts traveled to Eowyn, his sister, who he knew would be equally thankful. Perhaps she would have even been good friends with this girl who had survived much for as long as she could. "It is because of you that I will see the faces of those I love yet again." Leaning back, he pushed himself from the ground and turned away from her.

His footsteps heavy, he began his short trek back to his men and to Haldeth who stood waiting.

His heart nearly gave out in fright when he heard a sharp, rattling intake of breath. He whirled around, his heart pounding faster than he had ever recalled, only to see the girl sitting up and gasping deeply for breath. He staggered forward, his eyes large as he struggled to understand what his eyes were now seeing.

She took no notice of him as her eyes moved around wildly, looking at the dead Uruk next to her, to the brightening sky above, to her leg. Her breath picked up a rapid pace as panic overtook her, her hands shaking erratically. He knelt in front of her, his much larger hands engulfing hers and squeezing them gently, attempting to steady them.

Her eyes finally found his, and he saw the frightened and distressed look in her eyes. Confusion settled over him as he took note of her eyes. The right was light brown, but her left eye – her left eye was entirely violet, with no hint of brown within them. He had never seen any creature with eyes like hers before. What was she? Normally, he would have been worried that she was a supernatural being, one that could be the undoing of them all. But his fears were quelled as he realized she was just a horribly confused and scared young woman.

"You're alive," he said breathlessly with an almost questioning tone in his voice. His warm eyes probed hers as he tried to calm her down. Her eyebrows lowered in confusion and he was wondering if she could even understand him.

With great effort, she responded back in the quietest voice he had ever heard, her throat raspy.

"What?"

A/N: Hi again! I was going to finish this chapter without the last section containing Eomer. But I thought that would be pretty darn evil of me, so I decided to add it in here Especially since I am not sure when I will be posting the next chapter.

Please review if you enjoyed and have a lovely weekend!