This one's for my faithful reviewers, you know who you are….

Chapter 7--Calm Before The Storm

Finally Legolas' ribs healed and Aragorn allowed him up. Jaisia burst into his room one day. "Legolas, are you busy?" she asked.

Legolas shook his head tolerantly. Jaisia never remembered to knock. "Nay, not really, what is it?" he asked.

"Good," Jaisia said. She grabbed Legolas' hand and pulled him to his feet. "Come shopping with me, please. It is no fun to go alone."

"I hate shopping , Jaisia, Arwen would go with you if you asked," Legolas said.

"I all ready asked her too, but she can not, she is busy. It will do you go to go anyway, please little brother," Jaisia begged.

Legolas sighed, knowing he had lost. "Very well, I will go with you," he said.

"Thank you, come on, we are wasting time," Jaisia said.

Once they reached the market Jaisia happily roamed through the shops. By now the shopkeepers were used to her and many liked the cheerful Centaur. Several times she paused to talk to the merchants about their families and other things.

Legolas followed, allowing Jaisia to enjoy herself. After two hours Jaisia headed for a tavern. "I am starved, come on, Legolas, lunch is on me," she said.

Once inside they found a table and got comfortable. While they were eating Legolas was sure he felt eyes upon them. Trying not to be obvious about it, he looked around the common room. No one seemed to be paying them any attention though. Legolas finally decided he was wrong and returned his attention to his food and Jaisia.

"I wanted to buy something for Arwen and the baby, but I am not sure what to buy. Do you have any ideas?" Jaisia asked.

"I am sure we will find something if we look around," Legolas said then the feeling of being watched came back stronger then ever. He glanced around again, still nothing seemed amiss.

This time Jaisia noticed. "Are you all right?" she asked. "You seem a little nervous."

"Aye, damn business about Darrin has got me jumping at shadows which is probably what he intended," Legolas grumbled. "Curse his foul hide."

"Do not worry, little brother, if he dares show his face again I will trample him to mush," Jaisia said. "I promise you that and you know I keep my word."

There was no doubt in Legolas' mind that she meant it. "I know you do, sis. My four footed guardian," he teased. "How could I ever live without you?"

"You could not," Jaisia returned and they both laughed. "Come on, we have shopping to do," Jaisia said. She paid for their meal then they left.

The market was more crowded now and it was harder to get through the people. Legolas was lagging slightly behind Jaisia when they passed an alley.

Suddenly a strong hand clamped over Legolas' mouth and a strong arm pinned his arms and he was yanked back into the alley. Legolas struggled violently to free himself then something sharp pricked his neck and everything went black.

Aragorn and Arwen were startled when Jaisia burst into the audience chamber and concerned when they realized she was crying. "Legolas is missing!! I cannot find him anywhere!!" she wailed. "Please help me find him!! I am afraid!!

Aragorn leaped to his feet and hurried from the room, yelling for his guards while Arwen tried to comfort Jaisia.

"Do not cry, Jaisia, we will find him," Arwen soothed.

"You do not understand,--" Jaisia wailed."--I swore no harm would come to him and I have failed!!!"

The cliffhanger Queen strikes again!!! (Waves Cheap, Tin Wand) R/R or you'll never see the elf again!! (Evil Laughter)