A/N: if you read my other LotR, forget it!!!!! There are some ties, but only because I didn't feel like making up a new species with new names. So Sodo is Sodo, but he isn't Sodo. And I stink at making up names, so forgive me! Personally, I think Dalopa is THE dumbest name, but it doesn't really matter because she doesn't major in this anyway! And just in case you're wondering, Ohtar means "warrior" in elvish.

LEGOLAS

I was on my way into Rivendell for a visit when I passed a young elf child crying in his hands. I put my hand on his shoulder. "What happened?" I asked gently, trying to comfort him.

"My mother. She- she is gone."

"What is your name?"

"Ohtar. My mother's name was Dalopa."

"Where is she?"

"I do not know! I went to sleep last night, and when I awoke she was gone. I am all alone. My father died in war. I have no brothers or sisters."

"Come with me, Ohtar." I led him to the Rivendell castle. It was usually a cheerful place, but not today. No one was smiling, and some people were even crying. When I saw Aragorn passing, I stopped him.

"What is going on here? Why is everyone so sad?"

"You have not heard? Elves in the kingdom are disappearing- fast. We think it may be human-related."

I looked down at Ohtar. He bit his lip and his eyes were wet. "How many so far?" I asked.

"Four people have disappeared in the last two days, each time at night."

"This is Ohtar. His mother Dalopa is gone."

Arwen rushed up to us. I smiled inside at the sight of her. We had always been secret friends, but no one knew. It was as if we shared a precious secret. "What? What did you say?"

"Dalopa disappeared last night," I repeated.

"Not another one! Father just got word from Dadroc, another Elf-run kingdom. Elves are disappearing from there, too."

"Anything in Mirkwood?" Aragorn asked me.

I shook my head. "I don't think so, however my father seemed to be angry at the thought of me leaving. It is possible that he didn't want to tell anyone just yet…"

Aragorn looked puzzled. "This is strange to me. I do not understand why anyone would do this."

"Father is putting together a group to look into it," Arwen told me. "You should ask him about it."

"Why?"

"You would surely be useful." She looked at me expectantly.

"I honestly don't know if I could. If there is a problem in Mirkwood, I really should get back…"

"Come, Legolas! It would not hurt to talk with him."

~*~

When Arwen, Aragorn, Ohtar, and I entered Elrond's throne room, he was arguing with another elf in Elvish. When he caught sight of us, he stopped.

"Aragorn," he said. "Any word from your human friends?"

Aragorn nodded. "Yes, one will be joining us."

"Wonderful." He turned to me and studied the child by my side. "And who is this, Legolas?"

"Ohtar. He lost his mother last night."

"That is most unfortunate. I'm sorry for his loss. However, I'm afraid I must insist he goes home." I noticed that he did not speak to Ohtar directly.

"He has no family, nor a home," I said. "I am going to care for him." Ohtar looked up at me, his surprise showing on his face.

Then the door burst open and the most beautiful elfen woman I've ever seen ran in, guards rushing after her. She shoved me aside and ran up to Elrond's feet, and then fell to the ground. "Mercy!" she cried.

Elrond looked to the guards. He was clearly angry that they'd allowed this woman to interrupt us. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded.

"I'm sorry, Lord Elrond," one of the guards said. "I will dispose of her-"

"Wait!" she cried. "Lord Elrond, I beg you, hear what I have to say!"

Elrond looked to the guards, then to the woman. "I will hear only the answers to my questions. Your name?"

"I am Radona of Rivendell. I-" (her name pronounced ra-DON-a with a long "o")

"Your name is unfamiliar to me, and I would think that each name of my citizens I would at least recognize, even if I did not know who they were specifically."

"Why do you blame me for that? Is it my fault?"

Elrond chuckled. "You talk back to me. You are brave. What have you to say?"

"My father was one of the elves that has died. I seek revenge. I wish to investigate with the group you are putting together." I was impressed with the determination showed in her voice.

"I'm sorry, but you cannot. I will not allow for each person that has suffered loss to come along with this group. I'm afraid that-"

"Lord Elrond, forgive me, but-"

"First you talk back to me, next you interrupt? Have you no respect for your lord?" But although his words were harsh and spoken angrily, he was smiling. He was obviously impressed with this new kind of elf woman, as was I.

"I beg forgiveness."

"You are brave and humble. Despite your mouth, you know your place. Your permission is granted. You may stay here until tomorrow morning, when you may leave with them."

Radona smiled and gave a small laugh of relief. "Thank you, Great Lord! Thank you!"

A/N: I was trying to imply it, but I realize it's not so obvious, so I'm just gonna tell you straight-out: Legolas is beginning to fall in love with Radona. Please review!!!!!