It's been awhile since I last updated. I was having troubles with this chapter. I've finally decided to split it into two parts so you can have an update!

Oh, and BTW… thank u all so much 4 the great reviews! =)

"Aragorn, look!"

Aragorn's eyes snapped to the left and focused on the spot Arwen pointed out.

Slowly descending the mountain was Elsa, and slightly behind her was Elrohir carrying Legolas.

"Elsa!" Arwen called and hurried to her friend. She smoothed back her hair and looked deeply into her eyes. "Are you all right? You aren't hurt are you?"

"No," Elsa said returning Arwen's embrace. "I'm fine. It is Legolas who has befallen the worst."

Arwen turned to Legolas, for the moment forgetting that her brother was even there. "What happened?"

"He's been poisoned."

Aragorn had now caught up and he gave Elrohir a look. "What are you doing here?"

"A lady needed my help."

"We are going to Mirkwood," Elsa explained. "But we must hurry."

"Our horses are only at the base of the mountain. 'Tis not far."

The small group began on their way, Aragorn helping to share the load of Legolas' weight. The short trip was made in concentrated silence, only broken a couple times when Arwen asked Elsa a question about the events that had taken place.

In no time at all, they had reached the base.

"Someone should go back to Rivendell and inform Elladan of these recent occurrences," Aragorn said as he began throwing packs off his horse to reduce the weight.

"I will go," Elrohir volunteered.

"Then that is settled. I will take Legolas on-"

"No," Arwen interrupted. "I will take Legolas." Then, more quietly to Aragorn, "I am the faster rider."

Aragorn nodded, keeping his smile to himself. "Very well."

Arwen mounted her horse and then Aragorn and Elrohir lifted Legolas up in front of her. With a brief word of farewell, Elrohir took off for Rivendell.

Aragorn took his mount. "Elsa, you will ride with me."

As Elsa climbed up behind Aragorn, Arwen called, "I will meet you in Mirkwood," and then heeled her horse into a run.

Aragorn followed, but at a bit more leisurely gallop.

"Do you think he will be ok?" Elsa asked over the pounding of the hoof-beats.

"If we get im to Mirkwood before the poison advances."

~*~

Tathren sat on the windowsill of her own room. It was only late afternoon, but she was nevertheless tired. Her head leaned back on the wall which supported her back. She could almost fall asleep in the warmth of the fading sun…

The past six days had been anything but easy on the young she-elf. It had all started with the news of her father's death. Once over the initial shock, Tathren had coped as well as could be expected. Sadron also had been a great comfort to her.

Lady Meren, however, was an entirely different story. She had cried until she had no tears left. She now lay in her bed on the brink of death, not accepting comfort from even her daughter.

Tathren did not have the heart to go and see her mother at present. She was too used to the queen being the perfect picture of strength, security, and confidence. Now she was a mess. Indeed, going to see her mother was a chore, one that she had to thoroughly prepare herself for in advance.

But those were not the only violent changes in Tathren's life. Until Legolas was found or Lady Meren revived, Tathren had been declared the Lady of Mirkwood. Lady Meren could still give commands, but Tathren now had the power to overrule them.

That was probably the most fantastical idea of all to Tathren - her new role. She had not fully stepped into it yet and had given one of her most trusted councilors the power to make decisions in her stead until she was more prepared.

An urgent knock at her door caused Tathren to stir. Rising from her position, Tathren called, "Enter."

The elf at her door obeyed. "My lady, a rider is approaching Mirkwood. It appears to be Lady Arwen of Rivendell."

Tathren left her room immediately, but not quickly. She had no idea how to handle this situation. Rivendell was holding Legolas prisoner, but Tathren and Arwen had been friends for so long. But maybe now she could talk her friend into letting her brother go.

Tathren neared the front gate as Arwen breezed in and halted her horse about a hundred meters in. There was someone else with her. It looked like…Legolas! Tathren ran full speed to see her brother. "What happened?" she asked as she helped Arwen bring him down.

"He's been poisoned. It's a very long story and I will tell it to you later, but he needs attention now."

Tathren waved two guards over to carry Legolas. "I know someone who is a good healer. We will bring him there." Tathren led the way with Arwen at her heels and the men carrying Legolas close behind.

Hushed rumors spread like wild fire in the wake of the poisoned prince. Murmurs filled the air with compassion for Tathren, something close to hatred for Arwen, and deep grief for Legolas.

Arwen tried not to let the cold looks get to her, but she was a woman of the people, and their approval meant so much to her. Quietly, she said to Tathren, "We must talk soon and clear up these misunderstandings."

Tathren merely nodded, still quite unsure of her own feelings regarding the whole situation.

It was only a matter of moments before the small party reached a room. Tathren knocked on the door.

The outside showed no sign of the room being exceptional, but once a young elf opened the door and Arwen was allowed to step in, she saw quite the opposite. Shelves were filled with powders, plants, liquids, and pastes. There was also a small section devoted entirely to books. It was obvious a great healer resided there.

Arwen's sharp eyes saw Tathren relax noticeably in the company of the elf. Immediately she knew who he was. Legolas had explained the situation to her and Tathren herself had volunteered a bit of information. The healer was Tathren's love.

"My lady, this is Sadron, the greatest healer in Mirkwood," Tathren spoke as Legolas was carefully maneuvered onto a long table.

"I'm afraid I cannot tell you what poison was used," Arwen said regrettably.

"It matters not," Sadron replied as he hurried about the room filling his arms with various jars. "But you must all leave."

"I cannot stay?" asked Tathren.

"No," Sadron said firmly. "If you wish, I will come speak with you as soon as I have something worthy of reporting. Please, leave now."

Tathren was none too happy about leaving her brother, but she did as Sadron requested.

"Tathren," Arwen said once they were back outside. "I must speak with your father immediately."

"You cannot. He was killed days ago. And mother is nearly dead from grief. You must bring your matters to me."

The news hit Arwen like a brick wall. How could this have happened?

"Please, let me show you a place to rest. You look troubled. We will talk later."

Arwen nodded as tears formed in her eyes. Her heart ached more and more with every step she took after Tathren. Before she slipped into the room, Arwen turned back to Tathren. "Aragorn was coming after me with a friend. You will watch for him, won't you?"

"Yes, my lady, of course. If you need anything-"

"Thank you."

Tathren nodded and left her friend to be alone.

Arwen barely had the strength to reach her bed. She collapsed on the bed, all her worries overtaking her.

Legolas…poison…Elsa…Rivendell…Elrohir…war…

And now on top of everything else, she learns that her friend's father has died and her mother is near death. And she may very well lose her brother as well. Not for the first time Arwen wondered at where Tathren got her strength. Tathren took life as it came, and wasn't afraid to come out with battle scars.

Arwen shut her eyes tightly and tried not to think of everything that was going wrong. All she could do now was wait…wait for Aragorn…