"Legolas, let me have her." Gandalf told the elf gently, but his face set with determination, leaving no place for argument. Legolas looked at the wizard hurtfully, then down at his sister. He didn't want to let go of her! He was afraid to. She felt so frail in his arms. But he knew in his heart that the sooner he let his old friend tend her, the better chance she had of survival. He tearfully kissed her forehead then reluctantly handed her over to Gandalf who took her in his arms as tenderly as he would a newborn baby, and ever so gently carried her along.

"Do what you can!" Thorin urged Oin.

"Ai. My duty lies with the wounded." Oin agreed and hurried after Gandalf.

"My lord?" Baramaethor stepped over to Legolas and opened his palm. Legolas had to look away. His warrior was holding the broken toy.


Thranduil had been cleaned up, treated, bandaged, and was lying safely on a hospital bed. Elrond had refused to see the miscreants who had put his friend in here, until Legolas arrived with Alasse, and Elrond could see the full extent of damage they had inflicted on the poor child. Then he would unleash his full wrath on them! And he wouldn't be the only one. "Let me up from this bed!" Thranduil growled at the healer.

"I cannot allow that, my friend. You took a terrible beating and need to give your battered body a chance to start mending itself." Elrond shook his head.

"I've had worse, you know that!" Thranduil insisted.

"No, Thranduil. You are staying here."

"Elrond, my children are out there! I have to make sure they're alright..." Thranduil grunted as he attempted to sit up. Elrond immediately pushed him back down. "Elrond, let me up." Thranduil demanded. He had to get up! He'd left his daughter behind, and only Eru knew what had become of her! Thranduil, he had to go back for her! He wouldn't leave his children to die, alone and afraid, in a cave, dark, cold, and so far away! He wanted his little girl. He needed her here, to know if she was alright!

"No. You get up too quickly, you risk undoing my handiwork. You need to sleep."

"But, Alasse...she needs me! I have to go..." Thranduil attempted again to get up, but Elrond firmly placed his hand on his chest.

"Thranduil, Legolas is with her." Elrond reminded him quietly with a knowing smile. Thranduil laid back reluctantly. Elrond was right. Alasse had her big brother to look after her. He may not be able to protect her from everything, but he would stop at nothing to protect her and get her home safely. Thranduil nodded. Yes, Legolas was with her.


"It is a wonder she did not puncture a lung!" Oin exclaimed as he assisted Gandalf.

Gandalf had been working on Alasse for two hours, with Oin at his side and Fluffy standing guard over his mistress. Legolas had not stopped pacing ever since Gandalf had gently taken Alasse from his arms. The dwarves had made camp around the next bend where the Orcs had come from. Their hurts were cleaned and tended, thankfully none were life-threatening. "You're going to make the grass barren before winter even sets in if ye don't rest, lad." Dwalin told Legolas.

Legolas sat down dejectedly on a log. This was his fault! He hadn't been watching her like he should've! If he had, that Orc would never have been able to touch her! He didn't keep her safe! Legolas swallowed with sickening shame, and his stomach was in a horrible knot. He stared down at the disfigured toy in his hands. It had made Alasse's face light up for the first time since he'd found her. She'd been thrilled with the gift, and it had been created especially for her, with obvious love and affection. And now, it lay in his large hands, half-smashed, broken, just like his sister.

This was all his fault! If he'd been paying closer attention to his sister on his back, this would not have happened! Will she survive this? How much more must she be inflicted with? How much more do I have to watch my family suffer? And all for what? He thought dismally.

"She has your father's blood. As do you. She'll make it." A deep, melancholy voice spoke to him. Legolas looked up and saw Thorin standing there. Legolas's lip trembled.

"I thought you did not care about our father, for any trouble." Legolas whispered.

"You're right. I do not." Thorin said gruffly. "At least, I didn't." Thorin walked back and forth in front of the sad elf. "I've always regarded him with absolute disdain after what happened with Smaug. He may not concern himself with the fates of those not of his kin, that is for sure." Legolas shrugged. Thranduil had become more closed off lately to the outside world, especially to strangers. "But it is obvious he cares for you and your sister. That much even I cannot deny." Legolas blinked in surprise at the cantankerous dwarf king.

"Should I consider that as a compliment?" Legolas cocked his head.

"I do not waste my compliments on such a pointy-eared priss as King Thranduil, if you'll pardon the expression. Let's call it a mere observation." Thorin corrected him gruffly.

"Fair enough." Legolas sighed.

"My point is, you and the little one have more fight in you than I would've assumed. I am learning the hard way on this journey not to underestimate individuals for their size, or looks." Thorin snorted. His eyes landed on Bilbo who was watching Gandalf and Oin thoughtfully. Legolas gazed at the hobbit. Yes, the little man certainly had more to offer than anyone could expect at first glance. He'd already more than proven himself to the elf.

"I just pray the fight will be enough." Legolas said sadly, hanging his head. He showed Thorin the broken toy. "Is it too much to hope for that it can be repaired?" He pleaded. Thorin took the toy and looked it over closely.

"No promises." Thorin said.

"I don't need any. The effort itself will satisfy me."

"I'm not one of the toy makers of this company. But if I know Bofur, he will do all he can to make it as good as new." Thorin smiled.

"I would be most grateful. She adores the little thing as much as the real Fluffy."

"I will see what can be done."

"I am sorry, Thorin, about your nephew. The odds do not sound favorable for him." Legolas stated. "But, he is in your blood. He and Fili both. He's a fighter for one so small."

"He's always been a troublemaker from birth. But somehow he always manages to come out of it. Thank you, Your Highness, for what you did back there, giving aid so he can be healed quicker. I do not throw thanks out to just anyone, and never without merit. I want you to know I am thankful for what you did." Thorin said seriously, his blue eyes sorrowful but earnest.

"It was the least I could do." Legolas said. Thorin stood up and went to find Bofur. Balin had been watching in the shadows. He smiled with the utmost pride as he watched Thorin walk off. He was a remarkable king. Never had Balin seen the day Thorin would be aiding, much less befriending an elf!

"So, this is what you've been doing on your holiday." One of the Mirkwood elves teased Legolas.

"Are you questioning my strategies as your prince?" Legolas narrowed his eyes.

"Of course not. I wouldn't dream of it!" Baramaethor exclaimed dramatically.

"We needed the dwarves, to help find Ada and Alasse. I couldn't have done it alone. They know these mountains even better than we do."

"Do you realize the ruckus that would deafen even our ears if your father heard you say that?" Baramaethor asked.

"Yes." Legolas rolled his eyes. "But I do not care. It would not kill Ada to lay aside his prejudices once in a while, when it comes to what really matters. Even Thorin Oakenshield risked losing the 'Arkenstone', more or less, to save his nephews!"

"Really?"

"Well, it was not the real one, of course. There was no time for either of us to travel all the way to Erebor and back without them being killed! It was the dwarves who freely offered to help us, once they learned that Alasse was involved! They spoke up the moment I mentioned her. They are not entirely repulsive, 'Maethor. One of them even took the time to make a beautiful toy for her! I think they speak for themselves by their unexpected gestures." Legolas said.

"They are a grouchy bunch."

"More than my father? I don't think so! Well, with the exception of Thorin. Ai, they are grumps. But we are not exactly the most welcoming bunch to strangers entering our kingdom of late now, are we?" Legolas smirked.

"Nope! But it keeps us safe." Baramaethor pointed out.

"Ugh. You sound just like my father." Legolas groaned. "Yes, it keeps us safe. Yet, I can't help but wonder now...is it necessary to be so antagonistic toward outsiders? This...came right out of the blue and threw our lives for a loop! Had Elrond not been so open and welcoming to such strangers, I might never have found my family again! And how would they have been received had they entered Mirkwood? With contempt and dungeons.

'If Alasse were to get lost, beyond our aid, I would only pray that if someone who could help her come back home, were they to find her, that they would! If I learned that she was kept under lock and key, alone and frightened, I would be as angry as my father and want to throttle the fool who would dare do such a thing!'"

"You are questioning the king's laws?" Baramaethor gulped.

"Laws can be altered, 'Maethor. Only until now have I realized that perhaps Ada's manner toward outsiders may be just a bit too mistrustful." Legolas sighed.


Glorfindel and Elrohir had stopped their horses only to regain their bearings. They were anxious to keep moving onto Rivendell. Elrohir kept mixing the herbs with water over the fire, keeping them steamed, hoping again to try to clear Kili's congested lungs. Fili sat as close to the fire as possible, with Kili in his lap. This reminded him too much of their recent imprisonment, but at least this time they were not chained, and they were receiving the help they desperately needed! Kili coughed sharply, his throat parched and wheezing. "Fili? Can you sit him up again?" Elrohir asked as he knelt next to them. Fili nodded anxiously and heaved his limp brother up to a sitting position. Elrohir held the bowl under Kili's face. "Breathe it in, Kili. Breathe." He instructed. Kili was wearily dazed and barely heard him. He tried to breathe deeply of the soothing plants, but even that single effort to breathe normally made him wheeze badly and start coughing again.

"Here, drink this." Glorfindel said, bringing a water flask to his chapped lips. Kili barely sipped it then miserably shook his head.

"Kili, come on! You must drink more." Fili urged him. Kili tried. He drank a bit more before coughing again. Fili settled him back against his chest, keeping him upright.

"We will set back out shortly." Glorfindel told them, standing up. Elrohir handed Fili another wet rag.

"Fili?" Kili whispered weakly.

"I am here, brother." Fili smiled, brushing his sweaty bangs.

"Tell Uncle I'm sorry. I got us in trouble...again."

"He's bound to box our ears this time for scaring him." Fili chuckled sadly.

"Tell him...I tried to be brave." Kili sighed. Fili's stomach lurched. Why was his brother speaking like that?

"You're going to have to tell him, Kili. I'm not saving your rear from this one! Got my own to worry about." Fili attempted to tease him, but tears were threatening to penetrate his eyes.

"Tell Uncle...I hope I was...able to...make him proud of me." Kili whispered.

"No, no. Kili, Kili!" Fili gasped, gripping his chin and meeting his fevered eyes. "We'll make to the Lonely Mountain. We're going to be there, when Uncle opens that door, and we look on the halls of our fathers. We will be there, you and I together!" Kili smiled warmly at his brother then slipped back into unconsciousness. "Kili! Kili, please!" Fili panicked. Elrohir rushed to their sides.

"He still breathes, but we have to leave now! We can't afford to wait any longer." Elrohir told Glorfindel.

"Then let's be off!" Glorfindel agreed.


It was another half hour before Gandalf finally approached Legolas. Legolas jumped to his feet. "Gandalf? Will she be alright?" He asked dismally.

Gandalf let out a breath. "Well, I have managed to heal her ribs to the point that they are only broken and no longer shattered." Legolas shuddered with incredible relief. "However, considering the already previous injuries, her ribs are immensely fragile, Legolas." Gandalf told him seriously. "We must take extra care to be cautious and ever gentle with her. One wrong move or jolt and my work will be undone."

"I understand." Legolas nodded.

"Every one of her ribs were struck. It is going to be a daunting task, trying to get her back to Rivendell safely."

Legolas nodded again. "Can I please see her now?" He begged.

"Of course, my boy. Go." Gandalf smiled then informed the dwarves and Bilbo on her condition.

"Mithrandir, we have a litter prepared for the princess." One of the elves told him. "We will bear her safely to Imladris, no matter how long it takes."

Legolas strode to the rocky wall where Oin was sitting on the ground by lots of lantern light. Alasse was lying flat beside him and Fluffy snuggled next to her, his large nose and giant paw protectively on her small hand. Oin saw Legolas approach and stood up. "She's resting, laddie. I'll leave you two alone." He said. Legolas nodded gratefully then sat down next to his sister. He reached out his hand and gently touched her face. He squeezed her hand and kissed it.

"I'm right here, Alasse. Please, get better." He bit his lip.


"What do you think will become of the quest?" Bilbo asked Balin. With all that was happening, the journey to Erebor had hardly been spoken of, but it was still on their minds.

"We will most likely continue on, even after Kili is better." Balin sighed. "We cannot abandon this purpose. But we will go together, so we must wait." Bilbo sighed, nodding.


Once the horses had recovered their strength, the foursome practically flew towards Rivendell! Riding at normal pace, would've taken another day, but galloping at full speed, they reached the valley a couple hours before dawn. "You go on ahead! Get Kili to my father. Fili and I will not be far behind." Elrohir told the captain who nodded and urged Asfaloth to go faster.

"Can Lord Elrond really help my brother?" Fili asked anxiously, hope and fear somersaulting in his stomach.

"Yes, he can. I only hope we made it in time." Elrohir replied.


Elrond had retired to catch a few hours' sleep, after making sure Thranduil was in a deep, peaceful doze. After waking and checking on his friend, he went to greet the rest of the household. Lindir came rushing to him. "My lord Elrond! One of the guards spotted Captain Glorfindel, bearing a dwarf. They should be arriving any moment!" Lindir told him. Elrond ran out to the courtyard to meet them.

"Elrond! This young dwarf needs your services. He is very sick!" Glorfindel exclaimed as he rode in on Asfaloth.

"Follow me, my friend." Elrond answered and led them to the healing ward.

"Elrond, the prince is almost too far gone!" Glorfindel told his lord as they reached the infirmary. "I have done what I can. He needs your help."

"Lay him here." Elrond instructed. Glorfindel set the dwarf on the table. Elrond took in his appearance. The normally husky prince was malnourished, pale, and his breathing labored. Elrond felt for his pulse.

"This is Prince Kili, one of the captives." Glorfindel explained. "Elrohir is nearly here with his brother. Fili is uninjured, but weary and anxious for his brother."

Elrond listened gravely to Kili's afflicted breathing. "This is the worst case of pneumonia I have seen in a lifetime." He said dismally.

"Ai." Glorfindel nodded.

"Where is the rest of the party?" Elrond turned to his friend.

"They are on their way. A band of Mirkwood elves, Legolas's troops met us. Coincidentally, they were searching for the wolf. They are escorting them back as we speak."

"A fortunate turn of events." Elrond approved. "Did Elrohir inform you about the conditions of Legolas and Alasse?"

"Legolas is fine. But Princess Alasse has some broken ribs. Aside from that, and being terribly frightened, she was not too seriously hurt."

"That will be some good news for our Elven king friend." Elrond sighed with relief. "At the moment, we must concentrate on this young one. He is incredibly weak. Fetch Elladan, will you?" Elrohir entered at that moment and prepared to assist, leaving poor Fili to stand in the door watching with his heart in his throat.

"Kili...is he..." Fili asked, afraid to say the dreaded word.

"He still remains with us, Prince Fili. Welcome to Rivendell." Elrond nodded toward him. "But I must ask you to have a seat to the side while we tend your brother. After we have treated him, I wish to examine you too."

"I'm fine, my lord. No need for that. Just please help Kili! That is all I ask." Fili replied. Elrond nodded. Elrohir started bathing Kili's face with fresh, cold water. Elrond took Kili's limp hand, and placed his other on the dwarf's face and began whispering in a chant Fili could not understand, nor did he care to. As long as it kept Kili alive, that was all he cared about!


Legolas woke to whimpering, and realized he'd fallen asleep next to Alasse. He propped himself up on his hands and saw that she was crying. "Alasse? Wake up, love. I'm here." He said quietly.

"Legolas..." Alasse wept.

"Shh. Take it easy, sweetling. Try to calm down for me, alright?"

"I hurt."

"I know." Legolas kissed her head. "You've been hurt."

"Where is Ada?" Alasse asked worriedly.

"He's not here, darling. But I will take you to him as soon as possible." Legolas smiled sadly.

"It hurts!" Alasse whimpered. Legolas bit back tears and stroked her hair.

"How is our princess?" Gandalf asked as he came to them.

"Legolas, it hurts." Alasse looked up dejectedly at her big brother, her eyes pleading with him to make it better.

"I know it does, Alasse." He kissed her hand. Fluffy licked her sad face.

"Alasse, child? You are awake, I see." Gandalf spoke to her.

"I want to go home! I want Ada!" Alasse rubbed at her eyes.

"We'll be leaving shortly, my dear." Gandalf assured her. "But first, I need you to try and drink this." He held a cup to her lips but she refused.

"Alasse, you must." Legolas insisted. Alasse drank a little, then pushed it away. Fluffy sat up and placed a paw on her hand.

"How's the lass?" Balin asked Legolas as he, Bilbo, Gloin, and Dori appeared.

"Miserable, I'm sorry to say." Legolas sighed, looking up at them.

"My lord? He have a litter here to place her on." Baramaethor told Legolas as they also appeared with Gandalf behind them.

"Thank you!" Legolas breathed in relief. "Alasse? We're going to pick you up and put you on a stretcher, then you will be carried back. But you need to stay still and rest, okay?" He told his sister.

"Will you be there too?" Alasse asked anxiously.

"Of course I will, love." Legolas smiled. "I will be right here with you."

"You promise?"

"I promise." Legolas nodded, rubbing her hands. With a nod from Gandalf, Legolas and Baramaethor gingerly slid their hands under her small body and slowly lifted.

"Careful! Easy with her, easy!" Gandalf warned them. "Easy, easy...slowly...don't jostle her! Nice and slowly, that's it." Gandalf sighed with relief when they finally, carefully laid her on the stretcher. Legolas removed his cloak again and tucked it in around her.

"Ah, ah!" Alasse cried out when he accidentally nudged her side.

"I'm sorry, darling! I'm sorry!" Legolas sniffled. Alasse looked at him hurtfully. She winced and looked away. Gandalf knelt beside her, placing his hand on her face, and whispering. Within seconds, she was passed out.

"She'll sleep now. Maybe even a full day." Gandalf said. "We'd best be going now." Baramaethor and the other elf cautiously lifted the stretcher between them and began walking ever so carefully after Dwalin and Bombur. Thorin lingered in the back with Gandalf, Bilbo straight ahead of them. Legolas walked right by his sister, every now and then squeezing her hand. Fluffy walked directly under the stretcher. They were once again on their way.


Hours later, Kili's coughing had lessened, and did not make everyone's ears screech as it had before. He wasn't shaking so much now either. "It appears that our young friend is going to make it after all." Elrond told his sons. "He still needs close monitoring, and his fever hasn't completely left. But I think he will survive." His sons smiled in relief when they heard a thump on the floor. They looked behind them and saw Fili laying sprawled, unconscious. Elrohir quickly stooped next to him.

"He's alright. He's just fainted. He is thoroughly exhausted. I don't believe he has slept at all in the passed week. I will look after him, Ada." Elrohir said, scooping the little man up in his arms.

"Very good, son." Elrond nodded.


Thorin's party rested in the afternoon while the scouts rode ahead to inspect the area. Legolas wouldn't leave his sister's side. "Gandalf? Fili and Kili, do you think they're alright?" Bilbo asked.

"Oh, I believe so." Gandalf smiled, smoking his pipe. "They must be in Imladris by now. If I know Elrond, he will have Kili jumping out the windows to startle us when we arrive. Though I do feel that would be more of Kili's idea of a proper greeting than Elrond's."

"If he does, I'll snap his neck." Thorin hissed.

"Your Highness." Bofur approached Legolas. His brother Bombur and Dwalin were behind him. "It's not much, I did the best I could under the circumstances. But, here." Bofur handed Legolas the toy. It was still misshapen, but not as badly.

"Hannon le, mellon." Legolas smiled, taking it. "I thank you for the effort."

"Oh, that wasn't nothing. Anything to cheer the lass up." Bofur shrugged with a worried smile.

"You need food." Bombur told Legolas.

"I'm fine." Legolas shook his head.

"It's a wonder you elves are able to stay on your feet, with chicken bones for limbs." Dwalin huffed with his arms crossed.

"Are you implying something, you bald eagle?" Legolas snorted.

"Bah." Dwalin growled. "Look at ye! How do ye expect to get any fighting done looking like that, skinny princeling? Ye need to eat some real grub, something that will stick to your ribs!"

"How can I, when our friend here eats enough for four dwarves?" Legolas smirked, pointing to Bombur.

"Ha!" Bombur glared. "Eating's my hobby, elf. What is yours?"

"Stroking his pretty hair." Dwalin sneered. "I bet he croons to it the same as he would an elf maiden."

"Careful." Legolas scowled, drawing one of his knives. Dwalin pffted and walked off with Bombur who threw his head in the air.

"Don't mind them, Prince Legolas. You're alright, for an elf." Bofur said quickly. "They're a bit rough on the compliments, but it just means they like you. They've accepted you as an ally."

"I can handle myself in combat, Master Bofur. Blades or otherwise." Legolas said cockily. Alasse was stirring and whimpering. "If you would, please fetch Gandalf, will you?"

"Right!" Bofur agreed.

"Alasse? What's wrong, love?" Legolas asked. Alasse woke up, startled, tears running down her face.

"Leggi?" She hiccuped.

"Yes." Legolas nodded, squeezing her hand.

"I...I was dreaming! I...I thought...we were back there..."

"Shh. It was a dream. We're on our way, and you're with me." Legolas shushed her. Alasse hugged her middle.

"Hurts, Legolas."

"I know. Gandalf will help. Oh! Here, you go." Legolas smiled, handing her the toy. She took it and rubbed her eyes.

"Legolas?" Alasse asked, her tone dead serious.

"Yes?"

"Do you think...do you think Ada still loves me?" Alasse whimpered, looking despondent. Legolas frowned in horror.

"Of course he does, Alasse! Why would you ask such a thing?" Legolas sputtered.

"The necklace. He wants Nana's necklace."

"Yes. So..."

"Do you think he...wants that...more than me?" Alasse's lip trembled. Legolas's face fell. Where had that nonsense come from?

"Oh, Alasse, no. Never! He loves you so much." Legolas said, tears filling his eyes. "Why, when we rescued him, all he wanted me to do was find you! Who ever told you such a thing?" Alasse started to cry. "Try to sleep now. I'm right here." Legolas told her.