Angel-chan: Yay! I finally have time to continue this story! Since I've already put a disclaimer on the first chapter, I don't want to repeat myself again. But first, I'm gonna respond to the reviews. Donch'yall feel special?

Ice Angel, Poppies are my Friend, Leia, Liyanette, and Rachel - Thank you for your encouragements! You have no idea how much that means to me! ^_^

hsaxdfelahgdflask (or something like that?!) - I apologize for being so insecure, as you so aptly put it. It's my first time doing something like this, so it's a little new to me. So I'm sorry for being insecure. But in any case, thank you for your... um... unusual form of encouragement.

U know who. =_=V - Yes, I know who you are, my Zious Guardian! Watch what you say, I know where you live! (J/K)

aratcorien - Thanks for your encouragement. *cries into Legolas' shoulder for a moment, then looks up, grinning* I've always wanted to do that... ^_^

Phoenix Song - Thank you for reviewing my story! BTW, I loved your fanfic too!

Dollrandir - Thank you very much. I enjoyed your fanfic a lot too!

The Unknown critic guy who is gonna give you hell./ - I told you, NO FLAMES!!! And didn't I just say "Be gentle"? "If you don't like it, then don't bother to review it"? So sue me, it's my first attempt at this sort of thing!

So, anyways, here is the second chapter! Oh, and please note, italicized words can either mean thoughts or flashbacks, and CAPITALIZED WORDS are emphasized words.

Mortal Friend, Immortal Friendship

Part 2:

Legolas stared in disbelief at what he saw. Two large brown eyes stared back at him. He had just found... A human child!

The elf was incredulous. What is this child doing here? he wondered. More importantly, how did this baby survive such a ruthless attack?

Then it hit him. The blankets! Of course! They were put there to hide the infant. The couple that Legolas had seen earlier must have covered her with them to conceal her from the Orcs. So that must mean that the dead couple in the other room were... Oh no. The child's parents must sacrificed their lives to save hers. Now she has no one left. Poor thing...

Legolas looked at the baby and cocked his head to one side. The baby looked back at Legolas curiously and cocked HER head to one side. She then reached out her small hands and smiled as though offering a friendly gesture. Legolas willingly stretched out his hand to her, and she accepted the elf's outstretched hand happily. Her tiny hands barely wrapped around one of his long, slender fingers. The girl giggled in delight, knowing that she had just made a new friend.

Legolas couldn't help but smile at this little girl's joy. He could immediately feel a strong bond of friendship building between them even as his hand was still in the infant's grasp. What should he do? He would feel a sense of remorse just leaving the poor child here, with no parents, no one to take care of her... But he knew that his father might not like him bringing home a mortal.*

But I can't just leave her here... Legolas thought. Finally, he resolved his decision. I know that my father might not approve of it, but I would rather risk his disapproval than the life of this child.

With that, he gently picked the child up in his arms, wrapped his cloak around her body, and left to meet up with his brother.

*~*

By now, the other elves had reassembled, and Lunorion was scanning the area, searching for signs of his younger brother.

"Where is he?" He wondered out loud.

Suddenly, he saw something moving towards them in the distance. Sure enough, it was Legolas, running to them. Lunorion also noted that he was carrying something wrapped in his cloak.

"I am sorry for delaying our trip home," Legolas said, catching his breath when he reached his brother.

"And well you should be!" the older elf scolded. "What took you so long? And what is that you have wrapped in your cloak?"

Legolas was slightly embarassed. "Oh... This...?"

The little girl turned her head and looked at the other elf. She blinked at him curiously.

"A human child?!" Lunorion was appalled. "Where did you find it??"

"Well, SHE was found in one of the destroyed houses over yonder." Legolas replied.

"But you can't expect to bring that mortal home!" Lunorion exclaimed.

"Why not?"

"You know how Father feels about mortals...!*"

"I care not." Legolas replied firmly. "This child needs someone to take care of her. Her parents had died, sacrificing themselves to ensure that her life was saved. I dare not let their sacrifices be in vain."

"And what of Father?"

"I... shall try my best to keep this a secret from him. Will you promise to do the same?"

Lunorion sighed. "Very well. I suppose I have no other choice. I will help you take care of her as well. So, have you thought of a name for this girl?"

"I have." Legolas looked down at the child in his arms, then back at his elder brother. "Her name is... Avasaiel."

*~*~*~*~*~*

to be continued...

Angel-chan: Whew! Another chapter finished. I hope you all liked it! And PLEASE review! I'll update sooner if you review!

*I don't know much as to what Legolas' father, Thranduil, is like, but in this fanfic, I'm just gonna say that, like Elrond, he isn't too fond of humans.