A/N: I'm alive! Well, sort of. Work sucks. Life is boring. And...well, I'm addicted to Assassins Creed. And Tom Hiddleston. And a collection of other odd and weird, wonderful things. I not making sense. Brilliant! So I wonder what you will think of this chapter. I don't know what to think of this chapter - in fact I don't know what to think about most of the chapters I write. Good, right? Hope you've all been well and are enjoying life! And I do hope you're still enjoying this story!

As usual thanks to everyone for reviewing! It does wonders for a writer's muse.


And a big thank you to my long-time friend Chris who helped me go a little stupid with this chapter. See if you can figure out which part. The transformation was his idea. :D


Review Responses:

HogwartsDwarfKat: You're welcome! Pretty bandaid. *strokes lovingly* We cant have that, can we! Sadly my talents don't dwell in being a miraculous heart surgeon so I couldn't very well stop this story otherwise you would...umm...die. Yes, Legolas is starting to adopt the ass-hat persona just like his good ol' dad. I'm not trying to split them up. *shifty eyes* Much. *bows* Yes, I bow to your higher fangirlness whims, your nibs! I'm glad you're still loving it, and that you were able to appreciate the baby transition. It took me ages to figure out a way to bring it back without going over the top with it. Braig is in this chapter - don't worry! I'll try not to. Yeah, no problem but the Haldir OC story is a while away yet! Thanks, dearie!

Mischief Managed: Another person hiding in the shadows! Its so good to see so many avid readers starting to come out of the closest to comfort me. Truly. I'm honoured. You have restored my confidence, as have all my readers. If it wasn't for you guys I would have given up with this ages ago. Thank you so much, dearie!

Tlcatlady: Huge whoops going on right there. You know how he just loves to dig himself a hole. :P

MissCati: I can't quit. Fangirls would maul me, then resurrect me to maul me again and again until I agree to continue writing as the undead!

SavannahMaethilwen: Thanks, dearie!

Lordoftheawesome: Thank you! Your support means a lot!

Mellon: Thanks, dearie. Yes he does mean Marina's affection.

XxBlazestormxX: Do you know whats really sad? I get anxious when I don't see a review from you for a long time. Especially with that one hater who didn't actually state their name, I had a paranoid feeling it could be you. SO glad I was proved wrong! I almost cried when I saw your review. Ahem anyway. All good things must come to an end, dearie! *blushes* Daaaaaaaw. You make me blush like a firework. O.o Ok I'm tired. Ignore me. I'm enjoying working with Tauriel's character but whether or not I'm actually using her correctly is another question to be saved for the next movie! Yes...Lee Pace...ahem...you may not like what I do to him in this chapter. Fangirling for the win! Yes, I know. We shall fangirl together. I has missed you too, dearie! Happy to hear from you as always. I don't think I survive for a century but it could be interesting! You found a nickname! FINALLY! Mucho loves Blaze. :D

Guest: Thank you very much! I'll try not to cut it short. XD

Ano Nym: Wooo! I love favourite list. :D Thank you very much, dearie!

SpottedIvy: Thank you!

LoveFoodHateFat: As long as you don't murder me or the other readers, then that is fine. XD Yes, I know but I can be very sensitive to opinions and that one...well...it hurt. D: Tauriel and Legolas have been added to the ass-hat dictionary list. Jigar is so Purdy and awesome and and and awesome. We don't exactly kill Thranduil in this chapter but he does undergo a certain...change. Muahahhaa. Thank you, my dearie! Love juu tooooo!

Tikal: I don't know! How can someone be bored of chocolate? I DONT KNOW. Thank you, dearie! I'm glad you think its getting better rather than worse. Always a good thing. Cause Legolas doesn't think the same way a human does. His actions are purpose and he doesn't think its necessary or required to explain that to people. He is in a lot of trouble. :D Mucho love to you, dearie!

SNOstorm: I'm trying. *cowers under desk* Thank you, dearie. Eeeeee angst. My one, true love! Thank you, my lovely! It makes me feel so much better for you to say that!

Hope of the Darkness: No, no. I think we are in agreement that Leggy boy should suffer. Then again, we could both be cold-hearted bitches. XD

Abyss Prime: Dude, I love you!

Cottonwool: Thank you! I am doing what I can in order to update as quickly as possible but life does get in the way. :)

MoonVX: He is usually a dumbass. Hahaha.

Uchiha no Kaori: Yes, Legolas is once again showing us he is more than capable of being an idiot. Poor Marina.

Stylin'Fire: Yes ma'am! I will no longer listen to people who say this story sucks. I will definitely ignore the buttmunch (that made me giggle so hysterically. I have a new insult to throw compliments of you!). Thank you so much, dearie! Your words honour me!

Dora701: Oh shit! Here it is!

Blueoceanandfire: Bitch fight. Bitch fight!

BabyPhoenix Prime: Speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeddddd. Not good at it unfortunately. She certainly is! Thanks! He doesn't 'love' her no, but he holds affection for her. Never again will he be capable of holding romantic feelings for her. It wasn't even a Princely thing. Anyone would protect a friend from dying even if they were in the wrong (provided they don't kill your other friend first). She won't take him back quick nor will they get a divorce - even if she tried it wouldn't work. XD Thank you, dearie! I'll hold you to that promise!

Hikari Uzumaki-Inuzuka: Thank you, dearie! I wanted to put some compassion into the chapter and by using the Mearas I felt I achieved that somewhat. Plus I just love writing about horses, too. XD Yes, Jigar. Noble guy he is. Lets not forget that if he hadn't taken an arrow for Marina, Braig would have chomped his butt for not protecting her little mortal. XD Yes, I giggled in my own head writing that part. It was cute. I try not to make people impatient then people start throwing utensils at me. *sniffles* I love you too, dearie! And I hope you do! Thank you!

Mirabellec: Naughty! Never read instead of doing work...unless its a really worthy story. :P Thank you very much, dearie!

Mary Elrondile: Trouble. Trouble. Trouble. And more trouble. What more could you expect from this story? Me being a crazy angst writer after all. Thanks, dearie!

TSN: Thannnnkkkk yoouuu!

Akatsukiwerewolf9: By Eru, lets hope she doesn't leave him. Thanks, dearie!

Guest: Hello too lazy to log in! You might skip something important! No, no I understand what you mean and I appreciate your honesty. I will try to 'speed' it up a bit without rushing it. :) Thank you very much, dearie!

Counting Sinful Stars: Those stupid dots. *shakes fist* Foals are cuuuuute.


NOTE: I'm writing this at nighttime when I'm supposed to be going horse riding tomorrow. This could end badly.


MORE IMPORTANT NOTE: If I fall off while riding tomorrow I blame all of you! Because I love you all, and I love to please you all! So I'm tired. And stuff. Ok I'm going to bed now.


For a reason unbeknownst to Marina, the mortal wearily opened her eyes to peer into the dense dark of night. Mirkwood towered nearby, ominous and disturbing. Something had awoken her. There weren't any crickets. Or even a breathe of wind. The only thing Marina was really aware of was the persistent warmth surrounding the entirety of her body; Jigar was stretched out around her, keeping her warm and comfortable. But it was not he who had disturbed her. Peering around, Marina's eyes graced on Gimli's snoring form then onto Haldir who was sleeping, oddly enough.

Legolas and Tauriel were nowhere in sight.

That set her teeth on edge, a nervous roiling building in her stomach.

Don't be paranoid. They are just patrolling.

Marina scowled as her conscience made a point. Ah, but wouldn't they be patrolling in sight?

Denial rose fiercely inside the mortal. Legolas wouldn't do it. Having a soul mate was almost like having a binding contract - you didn't feel the need or desire to betray your other half. Then again, Marina had almost done the unthinkable by coming close to kissing Haldir. Cold began to trickle into her veins at the thought. Was this revenge? Would he actually do something like this to her? Inching slowly from Jigar's protective hold, Marina focused on the bond shared with the Prince of Mirkwood and tracked him back towards the Anduin, the moon easily highlighting her path.

A rustle seeped into the air followed by the quick intake of breath. Marina paused, contemplative, heart pounding as her gaze focused on a clutch of vegetation blocking her view. Easing her fingers through a gap, the mortal pushed the leafy plant aside.

"Ah, Legolas!"

Marina could only stare. Like a car wreck, it was impossible not to watch and try to make your brain understand exactly what it was seeing.

Tauriel, unmarred and beautiful, glowed eerily in the bath of moonlight, her fire-like hair a stark contrast draping over her shoulders. Red rose lips opened and closed in quiet moans and keens of pleasure. What could only be Legolas's muscular form knelt behind her, head lowered in concentration, his perfect features painted with ecstasy. Marina twitched and that movement acted as a beacon. Tauriel's head shot up, sharp green eyes easily sighting Marina through the bushes. A vicious smile curled her perfect lips.

"He's mine now, little mortal."

Mocking laughter chased Marina away as she run back the way she had come.

"Marina!"

Continuing to run, Marina wanting nothing more than to escape him. Back to Earth. Back home.

"Marina, wake up!"

With a heart-wrenching cry, Marina wrenched herself upwards, breathing hard and fast, conscious of the wetness gliding down her cheeks. Had that really been a dream? Prying open weary eyes, the mortal came face to nose with Jigar, a wet tongue flicking out over her cheek with concern. Unable to erase the image from her mind, Marina sobbed and darted forward, flinging her arms about the warg, burying her face in the familiar fur.

Little one, what is the matter? Though Jigar was not complaining and draped his massive head over her shoulder, clutching her to his chest. Did you have a nightmare?

Marina didn't answer save for nodding vigorously against his chest.

"What is it? Why did she scream? Marina, talk to me. Noldorin!" Haldir begged, kneeling by Jigar's paws. Previous occurrences had told him not to try touch Marina whilst Jigar had her within his grasp. It was a very dangerous thing to do. Wargs were protective and acted without thinking sometimes. Even now that the warg knew him, the Marchwarden could clearly see the liquid gold eyes watching him the way a hawk watches a mouse.

Extending his neck, Jigar lightly touched his nose to Haldir's outstretched hand. Nightmare. Though she will not tell me what it was about.

"I think we have a fair idea of what it concerned." Haldir growled, glancing over his shoulder with a venomous glare. Legolas remained unresponsive to three individual glares as he went about tacking up Arod. They knew he had heard Marina scream - the Prince was in such a stubborn mood that he ignored his wife's distress. Though he was sick with guilt because of it. Tauriel lay nearby in a thatch of springy grass, still unconscious. Legolas's movements were brisk and stiff, as if he were a robot doing everything automatically. Or perhaps it was simply Mirkwood lurking like a dark horror story scantly meters from their camp. Or it was due to the venomous looks being flung at his back.

Legolas was quite upset, contrary to the belief of his companions. Like an angry horde of bees, he was keenly aware of the distasteful stares drilling into the back of his head. Since crossing the Anduin, Legolas had been promptly ignored by all of them. And that hurt. Truly. Especially since Marina was acting as though he didn't exist. Not that he had tried to communicate with any of them; he knew he was in the doghouse and did not dare tempt the further wrath of his wife. What he did, he believed was the right thing at the time. But now, looking at the consequences perhaps he had been wrong. Glancing down at Tauriel's pliant form, he stared at her beautiful features, cocking his head to the side. There was affection but not of the romantic sort. He loved her as one would a friend, yet his actions obviously spoke a different story. Would Marina ever forgive him?

Risking an inconspicuous glance in Marina's direction, he was dismayed to find her still curled against Jigar. Just what had she dreamt about that upset her so? Catching Haldir's expression of disgust, he dropped his eyes back to Tauriel.

Oh.

Legolas paled. Surely Marina didn't think he would - not that he would ever consider it! Marina Cortez was his soul mate and wife. Blue eyes hardened. All he had to do was convince her that Tauriel meant nothing more than a friend to him.

Easier said than done.

"We've got to go. We're late enough to see that King as it is." Gimli grumped, wishing there was something he could do to comfort the clearly distraught mortal. After crossing the Anduin, it had taken them scarcely a day and a half to reach the start of Mirkwood whose trees were dark and ominous compared to the light and beautiful ones of Lothlorien. Gimli didn't like either place but if he had to choose, he'd rather go running back to Galadriel's home. Completely unbiased, of course. Rumor had it that there were giant arachnids in Mirkwood, too. Not something the dwarf was really looking forward to having to fight.

"Come on, Noldorin. We must make haste. King Thranduil is expecting us."

It wasn't real. It wasn't real. It wasn't real. Marina chanted the mantra over and over again yet no matter how many times those words rang in her thoughts, they seemed hollow and unreal. How could it have been fake? It had felt so very real. A fine tremble crawled its way over Marina's skin, and it had nothing to do with the cold for the sun was just climbing into the sky. No, this was horror taking hold.

Marina, enough. It was just a dream! Jigar felt her resistance, holding on to that ridiculous notion that whatever it had been, that it was real. Snapping his jaws together, the warg dived into her conscious, using their mental link to surround the image implanted in her memory before dragging it viciously from the forefront.

Marina reeled back, panting hard, eyes unfocused before settling uncertainly on the warg. "What did you do?"

I removed the dream from your conscious and moved it to your subconscious. It can only bother you now if you let it.

"Thank you." And she truly was grateful. Jigar flicked his ears in response, the tip of his tongue darting out against her forehead.

"We were worried, lassie. You were crying in your sleep." Gimli said, concerned, watching the mortal stand with Jigar's aid before climbing onto the warg's back. There wasn't time for breakfast. Food would rain aplenty once they reached the Palace, assuming everything went well.

"What did you dream of, Noldorin?" Haldir glanced up questioningly into the beautiful grey eyes.

"Betrayal." Was all the mortal said before turning away. "Let's get this over with."

"Yikes." Gimli muttered as he accompanied the elf over to Hasufel who stamped his hoof impatiently. "What do you suppose she dreamt about exactly?"

"I don't presume to know that which haunts, Marina." The Marchwarden hedged, tightening the girth on Hasufel before swinging up into the saddle, offering his hand down to the dwarf and helped him on. "What I do know is that it concerns Legolas. And possibly Tauriel - even I know that he once had a notion of bedding her."

"What?!"

"Be quiet." Haldir snapped, already unsettled by the conversation. The last thing he wanted to do was give Marina more of an incentive to kill the she-elf if she happened to overhear their conversation. Then again, the Marchwarden had a fair idea that the dream the mortal experienced probably had a great deal to do with Tauriel - perhaps more than it did with Legolas. Though Haldir was not entirely proficient in sensing female emotions, he knew jealousy when he saw it. That, he would keep to himself for fear of losing his head to the mortal. Women did not appreciate it when you pointed out they were envious of another woman.

"Haldir, you're going the wrong way."

Indeed he was. Hasufel was scouting the perimeter of Mirkwood whilst Arod with Legolas and Tauriel, and Jigar with Marina disappeared into the wide-gaping mouth of trees. Feigning indifference to conserve his pride for daydreaming, Haldir allowed Hasufel to continue before turning the reluctant horse in the direction of the others. He was sadly not immune to the deep chuckling behind him.

"One word, dwarf, and you'll be walking from here on out."

Gimli remained quiet though he was unable to stifle the few chuckles and snorts that slipped.

Haldir sighed and gave Hasufel a gentle kick, spurring the weary gelding into the unknown clutches of Mirkwood.


Spider web.

Spider web.

Marina let out a feminine shriek as a tendril of the sticky strands draped over her shoulders as Jigar passed under one. They were by far the biggest spider webs Marina had ever seen in her life - it couldn't be natural. There wasn't a spider in the world this large to create such a huge web. Oh, wait. Middle-Earth. Let's add giant spiders to the list. Her companions hadn't been very forthcoming as to the dangers of this particular wood, and for good reason it seemed. No one wanted to mention the spiders. Or they just wanted her to remain ignorant and squeal like a little girl...

"Hush! Spiders are attracted to noise." Haldir and Legolas had muffled the horses' hooves as well as their weapons to cover any noise made so as not to bring attention to themselves. Gimli didn't jangle at all luckily. Marina pouted at the Marchwarden sullenly and without helping it, glanced at Legolas. Normally her husband would have rushed over to see what had frightened her. Instead, the Prince was distracted keeping Tauriel at bay; the she-elf had woken shortly after entering the woods and now she was being a handful. Pun intended, for Legolas's hands slipped in trying to hold her, much to the mortification of both Legolas, Tauriel and in extension, Marina. Fierce anger had pulsed through her veins. Even if it was accidental, it was wrong. He even had the gall to seat the assassin in front of him!

At the very least, Tauriel had been gagged, so Marina didn't have to hear her speak.

Turning away with a deep scowl, and trying to keep betraying tears at bay, Marina gave Jigar a nudge with her heels, encouraging the warg to go faster ahead of the others. Increasing his pace to a swift, swinging walk. Jigar drove ahead of the company which forced them to go faster in turn. It had been foolish of Marina to believe that once everything was said and done, that there would be no conflict between herself and Legolas. Just because it was Middle-Earth and he was an elf that showered affection upon her did not mean they would always see eye to eye. Now she was beginning to realise that even the perfect relationship had its problems. And this was the worst they had had. Naive indeed to believe that a fairytale could be, well, a fairytale.

Bitter and sullen, Marina allowed her shoulders to hunch, dismayed with the direction of her thoughts. If Legolas felt some description of affection for Tauriel, what did that mean for their relationship? Was the risk of the she-elf becoming his wife more of a possibility than Marina had first considered? That was a chilling thought, so much so that the mortal's body went rigid and Jigar grew concerned beneath her.

Is there anything I can do?

Marina desperately wished to say the deepest, darkest desire she had at the moment, but there was the fact that Jigar would do it. Without question. And without regret. If the woman dared ask, the warg would kill Tauriel. If the situation allowed it. More accurately, if Legolas allowed it. And the chances of that happening were second to none. Jigar would die - Marina was certain of it, if he attempted to kill Tauriel under her husband's guard. Casting another venomous glance over her shoulder, Marina was surprised to find herself staring into steely emerald eyes. Tauriel's eyebrows came down hard and though she was bound and gagged, it was quite simple to tell that the she-elf didn't like Marina anymore than she liked her.

No Jigar. I'm afraid not.

Pity. Jigar rumbled as Marina turned back to watch the ever creepy woods around them growing denser. I would have taken great pleasure in ripping her head off. That particular comment was followed by a rather graphic image rolling around in Jigar's conscious.

"Eww Jigar that is - aaaah!" Marina shrieked as a spider web dangled onto her shoulder and stayed there, yanking her off the warg and up into the trees as though it were being pulled. Struggling and writhing in an attempt to free herself, the mortal made the mistake of confirming her own fear. Above in the trees crawled an immense spider the size of a cow, fangs dripping with saliva, hurling its web up with the sticky points on its legs. Marina screamed.

Marina! Jigar rushed at the tree supporting the spider, causing it to shudder right up to the very top but to no avail.

Haldir fired his bow at the spider, taking out one of its many eyes. Shrieking in pain, the spider shook itself, curling up further into the tree and away from the stuck Marina who was damn near freaking out. Gimli, using the Marchwarden's head as balance much to the elf's annoyance, stood up on Hasufel's back and with a mighty roar, threw his smaller axe toward the web.

"Well...that didn't work." Gimli summarized as his throwing axe stuck like glue to the sticky substance, less than feet from where Marina lay trapped.

"You think?" Haldir snapped and continued firing arrows at the spider to keep it at bay. Though that wasn't the only problem they had now. The noise made had attracted more of the grotesque arachnids and they were all but pouring from the trees, varying in size and coloration.

"Hang on, mil-nin, I'm-" Legolas began, heart clenching painfully to see his wife so distraught until she interrupted him in a shrill tone, the expression on her face chilling him to the bone.

"I don't want to be rescued by you."

Tauriel cocked an eyebrow, casting a glance at the stunned Prince until he recomposed himself. "You don't have a choice." That said, Legolas swiftly dismounted and ran towards the base of a behemoth tree, easily scaling it as though he had claws for hands. Marina watched him with growing anger as the elf obliterated any spider that dare come at him with a single slice of his dagger. Crouching on a branch directly diagonal to where the web had captured her, Legolas fought off a handful of the giant spiders, the material wrapped about his forearm flung away by the scrape of a spider pincer. The cut, though healing, was very transparent against his smooth skin. Marina couldn't help the satisfied smirk that pulled at her lips. Magic was fighting against his superior healing rate; it wouldn't heal for a long time. Even if it was a horrible thing to be pleased about, Marina decided he deserved that cut for as long as it stayed.

That thought process was brought to an abrupt halt as the web sagged dramatically, wringing a yelp from Marina's throat as the movement forced her head to swing up to see a gigantic spider crawling down, larger than its companions and completely black with twelve beady red eyes. Saliva dripped from its pincers as it grew closer and closer. Marina, unable to move, murmured a spell, feeling her heart race as the energy seeped from her muscles. It was the only spell she could amass enough concentration to hold with all the fear racing through her veins. Birds flocked from nowhere, pecking and sweeping the spider with sharp beaks and strong wings. Irritated by the flying pests, the spider rose up and crunched at least a dozen in its massive pincers.

"Holy spider." Marina breathed as the towering arachnid ignored the rest of the birds even as they harassed and pecked at its eyes, utterly concentrated on the juicy human meat trapped in its web. Spiders didn't get to dine on much more than animals; a human, orc or an elf was a special treat, and they were loathe to let such a delectable meal escape or be rescued.

Training had honed Marina's skills but in terms of control, the progress was not great. There was too much fear, and not enough stable mentality to summon something greater or produce fire to ward the spider away. A long tendril of goopy saliva dripped onto Marina's breeches, startlingly her when the substance began eating away at the material. A ragged scream was drawn from her throat as the acidic saliva made short work of the breeches and attacked the flesh of her calf.

Legolas and the others (minus Tauriel) panicked at the shrill scream, and though they could not see entirely what was happening they knew the woman had been injured. The Prince kicked a spider in the face, watching with satisfaction as it fell shrieking to the ground to be killed by Jigar, before he leapt from the tree and straight onto the web holding his wife prisoner. Rage flooded his veins to see that the better part of her calf had been stripped of flesh, baring the muscle and bone beneath. Tears ran unbidden down cheeks streaked with dirt, grey eyes darting to him.

"I said I don't want to be saved by you." Marina croaked, suffocated by agony and the continuous burning of her leg.

Legolas didn't get the opportunity to reply, even if he was conscious of the sting against his heart, as the behemoth arachnid lunged for its prey. Crouching over his restrained wife, the Prince flicked his daggers, easily deflecting the deadly pincers with practiced ease that said he'd done this many times before. He had lived here after all - it was no wonder he knew how to fight them. Marina watched with reluctant awe and arousal as Legolas protected her, using his daggers and body as a shield against the ridiculously big tarantula. Yes, tarantula because it looked exactly like one. Except bigger, and horrendously uglier. And it looked much like a pin-cushion with all the arrows embedded in its hide.

"Get away from my wife, you wretched spider!" The Prince growled and smote the tarantula across the vast majority of its eyes.

A shriek echoed in the air, and like a retreating horde, the spiders faded back into the woods, as the tarantula crawled away from the Prince and his mortal wife. Silence descended.

"Phew." Gimli breathed. "Legolas would you mind throwing my axe back?" Said weapon was caught nary an inch from his nose. "He is in a bad mood." The dwarf remarked, casually sitting back down on Hasufel's rump. The horses had shied at the spiders but otherwise had not bolted. It might have been different if Jigar hadn't been protecting them. Several spiders lay dead upon the ground, legs curled. Jigar panted nearby, saliva dripping from his jaws though his eyes stayed tight on Marina who was still held captive by the web.

Tauriel watched the interaction with calculating eyes, noticing the familiar terms of what could be deemed as affection as Gimli and Haldir discussed Legolas's latest mood swing, along with the lack of common sense. Though Tauriel had seen them fight with each other, it was clear the two were friends even if they wouldn't admit it aloud. Next her gaze swiveled to Jigar who kept searing gold eyes on the mortal high above them. His loyalty fascinated her, and during their encounter, the she-elf now had a healthy dose of fear of him. The scratch on her cheek had long since healed but the one on her arm was taking longer, having to repair muscles and veins. Had she been human, Tauriel knew her arm would have been useless for the rest of her life. Almost losing a limb was certainly a good lesson to adopt respect for a very powerful, very dangerous beast.

"Don't touch me! Don't you touch me, Legolas Greenleaf!" Marina's distorted voice spiraled down to Tauriel's keen ears, garnering her attention as she honed in on their conversation.

"You're being a child." Legolas bit out, grasping his wounded wife by the wrists and heaved her out of the ensnarement of the web. Marina writhed against him as he locked her against his chest to restrain her thrashing. "Cease your struggles, Marina!"

Feeling soft curves against the length of his body caused an instantaneous reaction in the Prince, though Marina was so in the throes of anger that she didn't notice. Legolas grit his teeth against bodily impulses, marveling at the difference of holding Marina compared to Tauriel. There was no comparison. How he could ever have been attracted to Tauriel baffled him. This little minx of a human was truly his. Forever. Unable to resist the temptation, Legolas pressed his lips against the back of her neck.

Marina could feel his own healing energy attempt to enter her body, to soothe the wound caused by the spider's saliva. In her gut, the woman knew that only her power could heal it. At best, all his could do would be to lighten the pain. And now he was using it to his advantage.

"No, let me go you pig-headed prick!" Marina elbowed him in the abdomen; it was no use. Legolas wasn't letting go. Drawing in breath to scream, the woman let out an indignant breath as his hand clamped over her mouth. Grey eyes narrowed.

You asked for it.

Petite teeth bit into the flesh of Legolas's palm. With a startled hiss, the Prince let go, just enough for Marina to escape his hold and back to the edge of the web, balancing precariously on the flimsy substance. Legolas couldn't quite come to terms with the fact that his wife had bitten him. Yes, she had bitten him before...but not like this. This hurt, not only physically but mentally. The Prince had never seen her quite so angry with him; a wild, haunted look staining the beauty of her storm grey eyes. And it was all to do with Tauriel. Granted, perhaps he shouldn't have denied Marina the opportunity to kill her own assassin but how could he not? The she-elf had been a friend, one that he had cared about immensely and still did. He could not condone her to death - especially when nothing had happened.

So distracted by his own rampant thoughts, Legolas did not see Marina wavering pointedly on the edge of the web until she cleared her throat. Legolas stared at her as the heel of her uninjured fought gradually inched backwards towards empty space.

"What. Are. You. Doing?" Legolas enunciated every word, unable to understand just why she was putting herself in danger. Then his eyes caught sight of Haldir standing uncertainly beneath the general area of where he assumed Marina would fall.

"I told you. I don't want to be saved by you."

"Don't!" Legolas lunged, missing his wife by millimeters as she fell back, plummeting through the air and straight into Haldir's arms. "Marina!"

Tauriel blinked once. Twice. Now she was convinced. Marina was not a good wife for Legolas. Not in the least. Elven wives were not useless nor defenseless. Marina Cortez was both. Now the she-elf was even more determined to rid the Prince of the selfish human. Eyes narrowing, Tauriel continued to watch this particular scenario play itself out before her very eyes. Arod shifted beneath her, whickering nervously at the tension growing in the air.

"You are crazy, Noldorin." Haldir scolded her, kneeling upon the ground, cradling the shivering female close to his chest. Keeping an arm draped about her hips to keep her settled on his thigh, his other hand tentatively pulled apart what remained of her breeches from her calf, pausing whenever she hissed as it pulled the burn. It was a grave injury; the spider's saliva had burned right the way through to the bone, eating muscle, vessels and cartilage. Easily a foot long and half a palm in width, it was a wonder Marina had not fainted. Yet as his eyes swiveled to the woman's weary eyes, he noted the loss of color and the tight pinch of her lips.

"Hey at least you caught me." Marina hid the pain in her voice quite well but Haldir could clearly see she was suffering.

"You are very brave, sweet girl." The Marchwarden murmured, brushing sweat-streaked locks from her forehead.

Marina offered a slight smile, glancing up as Jigar towered over them with a growl. "It's ok Jigar. Haldir is just trying to help."

I'm not growling at him. I'm growling at you. What do you think you're doing? You could have killed yourself!

"I didn't. Leave it as that."

Flicking his tail Jigar raised a lip with a snarl. I will not leave it. You are my pack; my family. What would Braig do if something happened?

Youch. Low blow. Marina abated. "Ok I'm sorry."

"You'll be more than sorry by the time I've finished with you!"

All heads snapped around to see Legolas striding across to them, kicking spiders out of his way and breaking several spindly legs in the process. Few occasions had ever been recorded to see the Prince truly irate. This was a very rare opportunity to see Legolas Greenleaf thoroughly pissed off. Even more so than when she had resurrected their child. A tinge of fear welled up beneath Marina's breast. The normally blue, beguiling gaze that could charm just about anything was gone, replaced by an impenetrable blackness; a dark, tempting navy.

Marina flushed red and felt a telling heat in her belly as his dark gaze settled on her.

Don't be aroused. Don't be aroused. For God's sake woman, you're supposed to be angry with him!

It was the hormones. It had to be the hormones.

Oh, why does he have to be so sexy when he's mad?

"Settle down, laddie." Gimli tried to placate his friend, stepping in his path to stop his progress.

"She is fine."

"Step aside, Gimli." Legolas's voice was like ice, eyes of navy glaring down at his dwarven friend.

"I can't do that."

"Then you leave me no-"

Whatever Legolas had been about to say remained a mystery for the barreling form of Jigar sent the elf careening a few meters before landing face-first in debris of the wood. Gimli burst into laughter at the appalled expression on the Prince's face as he sat up. Jigar looked all too pleased with himself though he watched Legolas carefully for any sign of retaliation. Marina slapped a palm over her mouth, torn between yelling at Jigar for possibly hurting Legolas and laughing along with Gimli. Settling for neutrality, Marina used Haldir - who was chuckling discreetly under his breath - as a leaning post and hobbled over to the warg who was laughing in his strange way.

As amusing as it is to watch you two-legs fight, your wound needs attending to. Jigar bent his legs, nudging the scrambling woman onto his back as she struggled with the deadweight of her leg. That should be worrying. Appendages that go numb after a wound is not a good sign.

"You'll regret that, Jigar." Legolas casually warned the warg as he swung himself up behind Tauriel who sat obediently before him. Helping Marina now was an entirely lost cause. Jigar would not let him near. All Legolas could do was hope that Marina healed her wound properly and completely. If the poison from the spider's saliva was not removed it could cause irreparable damage. "Mil-nin, you must use a cleansing spell to neutralize the poison!"

Jigar flicked his tail dismissively before the company continued on into the depths of Mirkwood.

Marina glanced over her shoulder to raise an eyebrow at her husband. Holding up her hand, she looked away and said, "Talk to the hand cause the face ain't listening."

Legolas knew it was a custom from her world to ward other people away. He stared at her.

Marina glanced back and swallowed hard.

Oh, dear.

Smoldering blue eyes of limitless depths all but attempted to drown her.

Marina gulped, eyes following the subtle hint of his smirk before her eyes went too far and landed on Tauriel. The anger came flooding back and his advice was promptly thrown into the proverbial bin.

Shifting back to face the woods ahead, Marina could all but hear his deflated sigh and grinned victoriously. And then her leg started hurting with a vengeance.

Fricking spiders!

Though on reflection, Marina could grudgingly adhere to Legolas's advice, Risking the chance of the poison remaining in her system would not only threaten her own life but their daughter's as well. As the companions travelled deeper into the wood, Marina closed her eyes and concentrated on the environment, sending out tendrils of energy to the dead spiders on the ground, and to the sick trees that she sensed could not heal themselves. A spider's influence, no doubt. Using their now unneeded life source, Marina murmured a minor incantation

Galadriel had taught her to cure aliments. Poison was one of the more common discrepancies to be rid of. Like a suction, Marina cracked an eye open to watch as the sickly black substance oozed from the wound in her leg before disappearing into the wind.

The difference was palpable; her shivering stopped and her mind focused enough in order for her to use the rest of the borrowed energy to reform the muscle, bone and flesh that the spider's saliva had destroyed. It was harder than Marina had first thought. Using one spell was easy enough. To heal this extent of damage required more than one spell; one to reconstruct bone, to replace muscle and replenish flesh at a ridiculous healing rate. And the energy required to do something so complicated was a lot more than the spiders and sick trees had to offer.

Take my energy. Jigar interrupted her thoughts with his gentle baritone.

I couldn't, Jigar. I've...I might kill you accidentally.

You won't. I am bound to you like Braig. You won't take anymore than what you need. Trust me.

Stomach whirling with anxiety, Marina tentatively reached out to Jigar, almost floored by the seemingly limitless energy residing in his body. The warg was extremely powerful - though he could not use the power like Braig could and influence the environment, he was certainly the perfect mate for her dear friend. The swirling energy responded to her touch, curling around her wound without even a single incantation. It was like wool being coaxed into a ball as the energy started working on Marina's injury; bone healed and clicked back into place. Muscle formed and tightened. Skin sealed the injury and nothing save a few spots of blood remained.

"I saw that! How'd you do that, lassie?" Gimli hollered from behind Haldir, wriggling about madly on Hasufel's back in an attempt to get a better look.

Legolas's lips twitched, smiling in relief. At least she had listened to him, if only reluctantly.

"I don't really know." Marina's lips twisted into a perplexed pout before her fingers carded through Jigar's thick fur. "But I owe it to you. Thank you, Jigar."

Anything for you, little one.

Legolas stared blankly at the back of Marina's head. Oh yes, it was thanks to Jigar that her wound was healed and cleansed of poison. With a soft snort, the Prince shook his head.

Women.


The city of the Woodland Realm was beautiful though it was wilder than Lothlorien, and lacked the grace of the Galadhrim though it did not ruin its sheer brilliance. Gnarled roots acted as walkways beneath heavy-shadowing trees, elaborately curling around the buildings as though the elf-made structures had been there even before the seedling. And the elves were different; no less beautiful but carried another air that those of the Galadhrim did not. Creatures of the wood they were, wilder and a great deal more ambitious than their graceful cousins.

And that difference was not lost to Marina as the company was led deeper into the city by two dozen elves, all dressed in dark armor that spoke of the heritage of their home. Getting a little lost in its history, the mortal had picked up some of the information divulged by Legolas when they arrived at the entrance. The forest used to be ruled by Sauron in his fortress Dol Guldur, and after being defeated the woods had been titled 'The Woodland Realm' or 'Wood of Greenleaves'. Any further opportunity to learn of this beautiful, eerie place was dashed when the company was met non too gently by their current elven guard.

They were scrutinized and questioned, particularly because of Jigar's presence and Tauriel still tied up like a common criminal. Marina had damn near lost her cool. Even after Legolas's explanation that the she-elf was a prisoner to face justice, the damn elves had still released her. Any explanation or demand had fallen on deaf ears, and with pure leadership, Tauriel had taken her place at the head of the group and led them dutifully in the direction of Thranduil's throne room. As if she had never been tied up in the first place.

Arod and Hasufel had been left at the beginning of the city in a gigantic stable with all the others horses. They hadn't minded at all and contently accepted their new temporary masters and guts themselves on drool-worthy oats and long-awaited sugar cubes. Jigar had not been so obliging and after a heated verbal battle with the Sindarin elves, they eventually allowed the warg to accompany them. Hence the reason for so many elves. Marina walked in the centre of the congregation, hidden by Jigar's massive bulk as he kept the mortal protectively at his side. Even that didn't stop the appraising glances from reaching the mortal; a mix of contemplative, enquiring and interested expressions. The interested elves put her on edge for a reason she could not decipher.

"They are deciding whether you are a threat." Haldir murmured in her ear.

"Well I'm not, am I?"

"That's not what I meant. A threat; a challenge. In the view of Sindarin elves, even a married woman is fair game to one who can defeat their current consort. And that," Haldir watched as his words sank in. "Relates to both men and women."

Horrified, Marina fixed her eyes on Tauriel's form at point, feeling a nervousness settle in her heart.

Shit.

So if the bitch wanted Legolas for herself, all she had to do was defeat Marina. And that in itself, wouldn't be an overly difficult feat. If Marina was to keep her use of magic a secret, then she couldn't very well go around turning Tauriel into a flaming piƱata. As appealing as that thought was. Whatever happened, Marina wouldn't let anyone, much less Tauriel, take Legolas away.

Even if he was a pain in the ass more often than not.

Marina could decipher one thing though. Mirkwood was starting to feel more like a horror story than a sanctuary.

Though in terms of scrutiny, Jigar and Legolas had it almost as bad as Marina. The warg was judged for being what he was whilst the Prince was observed purely because no one had seen him in months. And boy were they coveting him.

Females.

And shockingly, males.

Didn't need a dictionary to know what sparkled in their eyes.

Marina inconspicuously slowed her walk so that she was just a step in front of Legolas, guarding him from appreciative glances. He said nothing but she knew he knew what she was doing. And Marina hated him for it - that he had reduced her to a possessive wife. Then again, perhaps it was not an overly bad thing to be possessive of him when he was rightfully hers, or supposed to be. Bloody Sindarin elves and their competitions.

"I don't like this place." Gimli whispered, rather pointlessly. Nearly everyone could hear him.

"Agreed." Marina whispered back.

"Silence, dwarf." An elf snapped.

Gimli went for his axe only to remember that he had been stripped of his weapons. Swearing in his own language, the dwarf hobbled along, glaring and throwing dwarvish curses at any elf that dare look his way. Haldir had not been disarmed because he was well-known as the Marchwarden of Lothlorien and trusted a great deal more than a dwarf. And Legolas, being the Prince, they couldn't exactly go against one of their own even if he had gone adventuring for a few months. And returning in the company of unlikely companions was enough to get suspicions on edge, particularly with the human's obviously pregnant condition. Only a handful of elves were privy to Legolas's wife yet they were no less curious than the ones who weren't aware.

As for Jigar, only Legolas's interference had stopped the warg from procuring a wicked-looking muzzle.

"This doesn't mean I forgive you." Marina had said in response to his intervention.

"I know." He had replied with a wistful smile.

Glancing back now, Marina could see Legolas walking, eyes downcast with a low slump to his shoulders. Was he unhappy to be home? Life seemed pretty good. Wasn't he looking forward to seeing his parents? Marina wondered what his mother was like; she couldn't wait to meet her. And tell her how her son was an annoying, loveable, irresistible pain in the ass.

Tauriel led the group into what seemed to have a resemblance to an antechamber; a long stretch of pristine, polished rock floor that led up a set of stairs to a throne framed by what appeared to be gigantic antlers. And on it, swathed in silk, sat none other than the person Marina had been dreading to meet.

King Thranduil.

And what a dish.

Aristocratic features; high cheek bones, dramatic brows, a sculptured nose and a chiseled jaw seemingly from Adonis himself. Pale hair, a few shades lighter than Legolas's, cascaded over shoulders embroidered with rich cloth. A spiked crown circled his head, making him both intimidating and all the more alluring. It was easy to see now where Legolas got his good looks from. His dad was a knockout.

And an asshole to boot.

On their entrance, the magnificent figure all but unfolded himself from the regal throne, making it look simple and tireless. And mouth-watering as he descended the steps, almost as if he were gliding. Marina resisted the temptation to gap speechlessly as the being paused at the bottom of the steps to appraise them with pale, calculating eyes.

The scuffle of boots on polished floor echoed across the antechamber, followed by the occasional snick of a blade touching the ground. Kneeling was considered respectful to any sense of nobility but having not been born into such a time era, Marina glanced around with something akin to dry humor as the elves paid homage to their King. Those who remained standing were the three outcasts; Jigar, Gimli and Marina. Legolas and Haldir did not meet the floor as others did but gave a half-bow that was infinitely more dignified that spoke of their higher rank.

"Tauriel, you have returned. A little worse for wear." Thranduil's cultured, silky tone was quiet yet seemed to echo in the vast room.

What, did everyone work on queue in here or something? For as soon as Thranduil spoke, it was though a silent command had been issued and all the elves switched to standing again, and separated from the tight formation around the band of companions to congregate out the door in something very familiar to military fashion. Marina watched them leave before snapping her eyes back to Tauriel who rose to address her King.

"Aye, my Lord. Though I have done as you asked." Turning, the she-elf narrowed hard emerald eyes on Marina who stiffened reflexively. Garnering attention was never at the top priority of her list.

"Trying to kill your future King's wife of your own volition," Thranduil paused to let his words sink in, watching with growing amusement as Tauriel lost a shade of color, "Is not something I believe I asked you to do."

"You knew." Legolas interrupted with ice hard eyes, glowering at his father with such venom, Marina found it quite hard to believe they were even related aside from the similarity in features. "You knew what Tauriel intended to do and you let her!"

A pale eyebrow rose. "You're upset, my son."

"How do you expect me to react when-"

"But she is not dead, is she?" The King smoothly talked over his son and swept past Tauriel, ignoring the she-elf as she gaped speechlessly at him. Legolas flinched defensively as Thranduil came to loom over him. "I see no reason for you to remain upset."

"So you're saying that if someone were to try and kill Legolas, but managed not to, you wouldn't be upset?" Marina's voice entered the fray and silence developed rather quickly. No one dared breathe. Interrupting King Thranduil could be signing a death wish. Patient and understanding though he was, the Elven King detested being interrupted. Cool, pale eyes skimmed over Marina curiously, almost in fascination. The next thing Marina knew, she was pressed against a warm chest, fur-soft hair falling against her cheek.

"My daughter. Of course I would be upset but this is not to say I cannot be forgiving. No harm, no foul yes?" Thranduil cooed soothingly and much to Marina's appalled shock and surprise, carded his fingers through her black locks as though she were a child. It was strangely soothing and terribly disturbing. Leaning back out of reach, Marina wondered where this was coming from. Daughter? Open affection? What?

"Sir, I-"

"Please, call me father." The King of Mirkwood purred, reaching out to brush the tips of his fingers against her cheek, ignoring Marina's stunned expression (and Legolas's twitching hands from his peripheral) and lowered his eyes to her swollen stomach. "Marina Cortez. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I heard of your tragic encounter and I can't explain how my heart sings to know you survived."

Marina was creeped out for a number of reasons. One: Thranduil hadn't stopped touching her and no matter in which direction she moved or manipulated her stance, his long, slender fingers followed with something akin to a child making grabby-hands at a cookie. Second: There was no way in hell she was calling this man father. Three: He was so off his rocker that she wasn't sure what to make of him, much less whether it was possible to trust him with her life. Or whether to believe that he had no intention of killing her to replace her with a pretty elven bride named Tauriel.

"Father." Legolas warned cuttingly, striding across the pristine floor to all but rip his wife from his father's grasp. "We have travelled far and are weary. Will you give us shelter or shall we go elsewhere?"

Thranduil appeared vaguely insulted from what Marina could see from behind Legolas. Honestly, the elf was so possessive. Glaring at the back of his head, the mortal shifted around him to stand at his side instead, noting the King smiled brilliantly at her for it. The temptation to inch back behind her husband was suffocating. Why the hell was the guy so fricking creepy?

"You wound me, Legolas. Of course. Welcome to The Woodland Realm, my friends."

Jigar cocked his head to the side. Something tells me this is not going to be fun.

I second that, Marina agreed.


"Vegetable. Vegetable. Vegetable. Oh, carrot! I would eat a rock if it would make all this green rubbish go away!" Gimli snarled beneath his breath, sitting uncomfortably on a bench piled with cushions to make up for his lacking stature. The elves had made quite a joke of it, in fact; seeing how many pillows they could stuff beneath him before it all tumbled down into a mess, Gimli with it. If it came down to which elves he preferred, the dwarf would have said the Galadhrim in an instant. These elves were nuisances; dancing and prancing around like children and playing pranks on him.

"Stop your complaining, dwarf. Appreciate that we feed you at all." Tauriel leaned against a wall nearby, oddly brooding and not joining in on the feast.

It had been thrown in a grand hall with nothing but a long stretch of table heaped with food, and large cushions and furred rugs (salvaged from dead animals) about the floor. Thranduil seemed to have a throne in every room though this one lacked in grandeur and was a great deal smaller. Marina currently occupied it, looking every bit as uncomfortable as Gimli assumed she was. Elves congregated about her, wishing her praise and well wishes for the birth of her daughter, which was no longer a widely kept secret as to the nature of how she conceived.

Gimli didn't like Thranduil. Not that he really liked any elf save perhaps Legolas. But he really did not like the Elven King at all. And he really didn't have any reason - he just didn't like him.

"You should appreciate that Legolas let you live, she-elf." The dwarf grumped and resigned himself to a rather puny carrot.

"I do. More than you know." Tauriel murmured, knowing the dwarf hadn't heard her but needing to say so all the same.

Emerald eyes drifted around the room to spy the dark, hulking shape of Jigar curled up on the floor, using one of the large cushions as a headrest. Gold eyes surveyed the scene, switching from target to target as the occasional growl echoed from his stomach but the eyes mostly stayed on Marina. Even Jigar, given his diet for meat, was not allowed to have any description of the substance within the bounds of the city. If he wished to eat, he had to go and hunt on the outskirts and face the dangers of the wood. He was happy to wait. He would rather starve than leave Marina with these sharp-ears, or bring her with him. But Jigar knew she would be expecting a pup soon and it would not be wise for her to be away from the safety of her mate.

Snorting resignedly, Jigar ignored the babble of the sharp-ears and counted deer in his head to pass the time.

"Eat, mil-nin." Legolas bid softly, standing next to the throne.

"I don't want vegetables. I want meat." Marina whined for the third time. In no way was the mortal vegetarian; vegetables, particularly carrots were her worst enemy. There was no fulfillment from eating them. And they didn't exactly taste appetizing. The mental image of a juicy steak, medium rare and dripping blood was mouth-watering. Poking the plate of vegetables in her lap, Marina heaved a gigantic sigh. Though Legolas and she had not discussed what happened, he was the only support she had within arm's reach. And with Thranduil nearby, having what seemed to be a heated discussion with the Marchwarden, Marina was loathe to be parted from Legolas.

"Eat or I will force feed you."

Turning speculative grey eyes on the Prince, Marina cocked an eyebrow. They were at odds (or rather she at odds with him) and here he was cracking dry jokes. Yet...there was no joke in his blue gaze. He was serious. With a grimace, a carrot became victim to Marina's teeth. Legolas smiled ever so slightly and wove his fingers through her hair, and she allowed it. Just having him touch her soothed some of the anger lingering in her heart. Though she didn't forgive him. Not in the least.

Wriggling in the throne that was surprisingly comfortable, Marina plopped her half-eaten plate of vegetarian heaven on the wide arm of the elaborate seat only to make a face when it was dumped back in her lap by none other than Tauriel.

"You need to eat it if you wish to defeat me, human."

"Tauriel!" Legolas barked.

Vegetables went rolling across the floor, the plate clattering to the ground as Marina surged up from her throne. The hall went deadly silent, no sound made save for Jigar's deep, baritone rumble. Tauriel ignored Legolas's remark and glared down at the short mortal, slightly surprised when the human met her stare just as fiercely.

"You want to fight, Tauriel? Then bring it the fuck on. I'm sick of being threatened by everyone who thinks they're better than me. You want Legolas for yourself? I dare you to try and take him." Marina spat at the tall she-elf.

"Marina!" Legolas was outraged for a reason the mortal could not fathom.

"You challenge me, mortal?"

"Yeah. I challenge you."

The aforementioned reason soon became quite transparent. Brawling wasn't typically done in any of the schools Marina had attended, and because she hadn't gone out all that much she'd never been privy to seeing one. This left her completely flummoxed as a shattering pain exploded over her shoulder, sending her toppling into a pile of cushions behind the elaborate throne. What the hell was that? Then she saw Tauriel rapidly approaching, fists ready to inflict another astounding punch of force. Now Marina understood why Legolas was angry. This is exactly what Tauriel had wanted. An acceptance of a challenge.

Marina had challenged her, however unintentional though it was, it was done.

Eyes searching for Legolas, Marina was surprised to see him thoroughly restrained by a handful of elven guards, stopping him from coming to her aid. Haldir and Gimli were similarly disabled. Jigar wasn't as easy to detain and continued to struggle against two dozen elves, throwing them across the hall and snapping at them when they were in reach of his razor sharp teeth. Focusing on her companions wasn't such a good idea for Tauriel was nearly on her.

"Father, she is pregnant for Eru's sake! Stop this!" Legolas yelled desperately, pleading with the King as Thranduil raised an eyebrow at his outburst.

"You heard her, Legolas. She issued a challenge. Our Tauriel is free to accept no matter the condition of the challenger."

Marina knew there would be no help; no valiant hero to save her. This was all on her. Marina clambered to her feet, rocking unsteadily as Tauriel laughed at her attempt to defend herself. Closed fisted attacks landed on Marina's arms and shoulders, hips and thighs - the only reason Tauriel could not land a hit on her ballooned stomach was because that was the only part of Marina's body that she needed to protect. This could not continue. Magic was straining beneath her skin, healing the possible bruises and lacerations from Tauriel's knuckles and sharp arm braces.

Another hit. This time to her sternum.

Marina snapped.

With a shrill cry, all the subdued energy became a whirlwind of angry emotion and leapt from the mortal's body as Marina uttered a long incantation, summoning all elements in which to harass every enemy within the room. Even King Thranduil was set upon by angry sparks of flame, appearing from thin air and latching onto the material of his clothes. Tauriel was assaulted by what seemed to be tiny wood sprites, biting at her flesh to the point that a cry of fear left her throat. Marina watched on with growing malice as elves began pleading with her after figuring out that she was the one controlling the rampaging energy.

Their cries fell on deaf ears. Marina giggled, giddy with the strength flowing through her veins, and murmured another incantation, this time directed at the Elven King. The flames dispersed, much to Thranduil's satisfaction, until an odd expression crossed his face as he felt himself becoming smaller. Marina grinned. In Thranduil's place, amidst the pile of splendid robes, sat a white kitten who cocked its head to the side and gave a confused mew.

A stampeding horse; a water sprite, hit Tauriel in the back of her calves, sending the she-elf sprawling to the floor. Marina used the opportunity to summon her claws and set them against Tauriel's throat, making sure to keep the rest of the sprites in a controlled perimeter about her.

"I win." Marina said simply, staring into the emerald gaze.

Whatever Tauriel had been about to say was lost to Marina as a contraction ripped through her body. With a low gasp, Marina stepped back from the downed she-elf, clutching at her stomach at the very moment clear fluid splashed down her legs. Oh, God. Not now! Concentration shattered, the sprites disappeared into thin air and the elves were free to move again; albeit with scorch and various bites marks and bruises littered over their bodies. Tauriel leapt to her feet, heart racing in the realization that this may be the only chance to kill the mortal; a magic user no less. Perhaps not as useless as she first thought but the mortal still wasn't good enough for Legolas.

Relinquishing her dagger from its sheath, Tauriel went forward to strike when something brushed against her leg and a bemused voice that sounded vaguely like Thranduil echoed up to her. "Stay your hand, Tauriel. You are beaten."

Tauriel gazed down with growing horror to behold a snow white kitten with a thorny crown circling its petite head. With Thranduil's voice coming from its mouth, no less. Lifting a paw, the kitten pat the she-elf's boot comfortingly before impulse took over and a bath was initiated.

"My Lord?"

Pale eyes glanced up, paw raised halfway to continue a good bathing session. "Can't you see I'm busy, Tauriel?" Little sides heaving with an exaggerated sigh, the kitten trotted over to where Marina lay breathing hard in a circumference of pillows, surrounded by his son and her friends. A hiss escaped from between his teeth as the gigantic warg looked down at him with hungry gold eyes. "I am not food, warg. Legolas, your wife appears to be in labor."

Legolas glanced down at the kitten, wondering how in the hell Marina had turned his father, the powerful and seemingly unstoppable King Thranduil of Mirkwood, into a tiny kitten. And why he was very grateful for it. "It would seem so, father. Where may I take her?"

Scratching at a furry ear, the kitten shook out its fur before jumping lightly onto the heaving stomach of one Marina Cortez, staring at her with pale eyes. Purrs resonated within the kitten's chest. In the throes of contractions, Marina barely noticed the slight weight of the animal on her stomach until one subsided enough for her to focus on the environment. A kitten. A white kitten. With a thorny crown. Ah, yes. Thranduil.

"It suits you." Marina said breathlessly, cringing as another contraction tore through her middle.

Thranduil ignored Marina's barb and flicked his tail. "I think your room shall suffice, Legolas. Come along, children." And with that the King-turned-kitten leapt off the woman's stomach and pattered away, tail held high. And they reluctantly followed with the rest of the elves remaining behind in the hall to nurse their wounds, and discuss a certain mortal.


Not now. Not now. Please.

Braig whined pitifully as pain wracked her stomach, a telling sign that her pup or puppies were going to make an appearance. It couldn't happen now. Not with the half-blood watching her nearly every passing second. For a few days now, the silver warg had know that the time was approaching but never did she think that her pups would be exposed to this devilry. She should be having them in Marina's presence; with Jigar, a proud father. Braig stilled, paws digging into the dirt. At such a stage of pregnancy, Jazorg had allowed her free roam of his territory, under watch naturally. But she had not been subjected to his control in nary a week. A growl rolled from between her teeth. She also knew that Jazorg figured that when she gave birth, she wouldn't leave her pups, hence leaving her unable to return to Marina.

Braig couldn't wait to show him that a pregnant warg with newborn pups was not as stranded as he assumed.

A few orcs; bands that Jazorg had been recruiting passed by the tree she was resting under; their red eyes surveying her critically. Braig bared her teeth until they retreated. They were not stupid. With the way the warg's body rested upon the ground, and the trembling of her belly, it was easy to know she was in labor. Another sharp slash rent her belly. Braig was terrified, wishing Marina was here with her to comfort her. Having never been around her own mother, Braig didn't know how to raise pups or if she could by herself.

"Ah, my pet. Your children will make fine additions to my growing army." Jazorg morphed into form with a chilling smile.

They will not serve you. Braig barked savagely at him. Not whilst I draw breath!


Legolas paled under the on-slaught of usually petite, gentle hands as they turned into vicious clamps of womanly wiles. Though Marina did not scream, the mortal made up for it by turning his fingers red. Whether or not that was entirely necessary or pay back for denying her the right to kill her assassin, Legolas was not sure but decided it could well be the latter. And he couldn't think of any reason to withhold the opportunity.

Seeing the mortal lay on his bed in the midst of labor, sweat clinging to her skin, it was a sight Legolas had never truly expected to see.

This was his wife.

And she was giving birth to their child.

He was going to be a father.

A couple of she-elves were attending to the panting mortal, consoling her with their gentle voices and encouraging her to push. Legolas was only allowed in the room because Marina had begged him to remain. It was normally a custom for males not to be allowed in the 'birthing room' until the baby was born. The Prince of Mirkwood was all too eager to watch his wife; to comfort and help her even if it did mean losing the feeling in his hand. He was honoured by the opportunity she had given him and deeply grateful.

A she-elf observing the process of the baby exclaimed suddenly in elvish with a joyful grin.

"W-what?" Marina panted.

"The baby is crowning, mil-nin. You're doing so well." With his free hand, he stroked the wet locks back from her face, smiling softly as she subconsciously tilted into his touch.

"God, where is an epidural when you need one!" Marina cried out as another particularly painful contraction stole the very breath from her lungs. Having only been in labor for scarce minutes, the mortal knew she was going to have a rather simple birth compared to some of the women she had met in her own time. Her mother had always complained about being in labor with Marina for forty-eight hours. Very lucky considering the lack of pain killers in this realm.

Soft fingers soothed the hair away from her face and Marina couldn't help but be comforted by it. Legolas was right by her side. He wasn't with Tauriel. He was right here. With her. Warmth flooded in her chest and the tight grip she maintained on his hand lessened to a degree. Perhaps he could be forgiven. But not yet. Not when this situation could be used to her advantage to inflict unintentional pain upon him.

Marina wished Braig were here. It would have been a dream come true to have her dearest friend present to witness this wonder. And have her support, and unwavering protection and affection.

"Push!" A she-elf bid the human.

"You try pushing a watermelon through a keyhole. Don't tell me to push!"


Braig trembled at the first sight of a small tail, releasing a pained yelp as the pup slipped free of the confines of her body and slumped to the forest floor, covered in blood. Instinct spurred the moment the little body started to whine and squeal and twisting around, Braig dutifully dragged the length of her tongue along her tiny son's body, nuzzling and cleaning him. Jazorg's presence retreated to the depths of her mind; all the warg's focus was on now was the second little pup to arrive in the world.

Blind and vulnerable, Braig's little pups, male and female wriggled through the grass to reach their mother's stomach and suckled contently as she licked them both clean. Pride swelled in Braig's chest as she beheld her two pups. The male was a dark grey with silver paws; clearly taking after his father. Whereas the female was a great deal smaller and weaker, Braig observed worriedly. Though she was beautiful. A pure white coat which undoubtedly descended from her great, great grandmother who served Azorg the Pale Orc. Yet she was frail, and sick-looking. Braig whined, encouraging the young female to drink more but the tiny warg simply cried.

"It will die, Braig."

Whipping her head around, Braig snarled ferociously and paused when Jazorg's scream rent the air. Blue eyes widened. A massive black warg smote the half-breed across the face with a gigantic paw, knocking him to the ground. Golden eyes met ice-blue.

Jigar.

How-

There is no time, my love. Jigar trotted to her, bending his neck to nuzzle her affectionately, hearting soaring to finally be back in his mate's presence before turning his molten gaze to his pups. Braig's tail thumped erratically against the ground in her happiness before she too turned her attention back to their children. Very carefully, Jigar picked the little male up by the scruff while Braig did the same with the tiny female.

Jazorg scrambled up from the ground, absent of his staff at the very moment he needed it. Clutching the bleeding sores across his face, an enraged roar tore from his mouth as the adult wargs and the fragile pups escaped through a portal.

"Damn you, Marina Cortez!" Jazorg screeched.


A baby's cries rent the air.

Legolas held the squirming bundle in his arms, marvelling at how fragile she was and yet so beautiful. His heart was beating so hard and fast he thought it may escape from his chest. But it only had one place to go. Blue, blue eyes sought tired grey. The Prince sat on the side of the bed, lowering their precious daughter into his wife's arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Our daughter, Marina. We have a daughter." Legolas wrapped his arms around his small family. "Have you thought of a name?"

Cracking a smile, Marina leaned up to press a kiss to the Prince's ever-inviting lips. "I thought you would like to."

The Prince seemed pleased and pressed his lips to hers before murmuring, "Nina. Let's name her Nina."

Marina was mildly surprised. Logic had always dictated (well perhaps more fantasy than logic) that elves would definitely name an infant from their own language. To have Legolas name their daughter with Marina's own nickname, it garnered another ounce of forgiveness toward the elf. But it did suit the squalling baby.

"I think it's perfect." Marina smiled beautifully at her husband, allowing Nina to suckle at her breast and quieten her cries for a time, as grey eyes narrowed on the elf. "But don't think you're off the hook yet."

Legolas's brow furrowed in puzzlement. "Off the hook? Marina, I'm not a fish."

Rolling her eyes, the mortal sighed. Elves would never understand her slang.

"Did someone say fish?" The white kitten jumped onto the bed. "A granddaughter! I can forgive you for turning me into a kitten Marina, for producing such a beautiful-" Only to be kicked off by a startled Marina.

"Oops."

Legolas stared where the kitten had been before bursting into laughter.

"Hysterical." Came the muffled voice of Thranduil somewhere on the floor.


Yes? No? Positive? Negative? MAYBE? MEOW?

Yes, Thranduil will remain as a kitten for a while.

Yes, he will eventually return to his normal state of sexiness.

Yes, I am cruel for not giving him a lot of dialogue but he will get lots next chapter!

Yes you're supposed to be confused about the portal.

No, I'm not going to explain how it worked.

I love you all so dearly.

Ahem...back to normal speech. So I'm a little bit miffed about this chapter. Something didn't feel right. Though it all played out according to plan in my head. I don't know. As usual I'll leave it up to you, dearies.

Oh, and the female baby warg has no name yet so if anyone has suggestions, throw them my way!

Next update will be in a week hopefully. Thank you all so much for sticking with me, and I hope you continue to do so! Ciao, dearies!