Meanwhile, Legolas was frantically trying to keep karee from falling off the horse they shared because she was having too much fun to stay still. Karee was enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face and the playful whispers of the wind. She wanted to feel more of the sun and tried to stand up when she could feel someone trying to pull her back down. Startled, she opened her eyes and was going to turn around to stick her tongue out at Legolas when she noticed someone in the distance and waved instead. Her motions inevitably made her lose her balance and fell from the horse. Legolas cried out and was too late in keeping her from falling.

"Ouch!" groaned Karee as she rubbed her sore bottom. She looked up at Legolas as he stopped the horse in front of her and tried to keep his amusement hidden. She certainly looked a sight with her rumpled hair and dirt creased all across her forehead. Karee eventually got up and stuck her tongue out at him.

"My hero!" said Karee sarcastically as she hobbled over towards Legolas who got off the horse and walked towards her. He chuckled as he took her hand. "I extremely apologize for not saving you in time. It will teach you though not to stand up like that on a horse." Chuckling again, he bade her come towards the horse again when the person Karee was waving at before she fell caught up to the two.

"Hey hey karee!" yelled out Willy (short for wilemena), another close friend of the princess and also a sort of unsuccessful merchant with selling flutes. Nonetheless, the cheery elf maiden remained positive that someday she will reach that Mirkwood dream of being successful and well liked. For now, she focused on trying to get away from a certain dwarf who is the son of Gloin.

Rapidly walking towards the princess, Willy took hold of Karee and desperately shook her. "Um hi Willy? What are you doing this fine day today?" asked a puzzled Karee.

"You have to help me!" exclaimed a frantic Willy. "That Gimli just will not leave me alone! All he keeps saying is that I am meant to be with him!" Willy groaned as she heard a rough yell and the sound of running close behind.

Karee laughed delightedly as she saw Gimli running for all his stocky legs were worth. He had a romantic glint in his eyes as he came closer and closer. Willy shrieked as she attempted to hide behind Karee. Legolas walked forward and raised a hand in greeting.

"Good afternoon to you Gimli, son of Gloin!" said Legolas as he clasped hands firmly with Gimli. The little dwarf stopped to pant and catch his breath. He looked up hopefully at Legolas. "You haven't perchance seen a pretty young thing with a long braid down her back come skipping merrily along have you?"

Legolas faintly smiled as he looked over at the princess. Gimli glanced over at Karee ree. "Maybe you can ask the princess," replied Legolas.

Karee excitedly took a step forward, with Willy close behind. "What is her name dear Gimli?" Gimli thought for a moment and raised his finger in realization.

"Well, she is named after the greatest saleslady of all time! Wilemena is her birth name but I have heard she goes by Willy around here." Karee pretended to consider what he was saying for a moment until Willy sneezed behind her.

Gimli looked suspiciously at Karee. "Bless you princess."

Karee decided to rat out Wily. "Oh no that was not me, it was Willy who is right behind me."

She grinned as Willy gave a squeal of shock. "Karee! How could you! Argh!" It was all Willy could say before she realized that Gimli was approaching her. She started running around Legolas and Karee in circles as Gimli tried to catch her.

"Do not be afraid of the passion of this dwarf my love! Gimli will show you how he braids his beard, hardeeharhar." He continued chasing after her when a messenger came short of breath.

"Princess," he wheezed. "There was a kidnapping!"