AN: Hoo boy. This isn't exactly what I'd call my usual genre of fiction… Although I'm not exactly sure as to what my "usual" is. I'm also not sure if this plot is worth pursuing but perhaps you could give me a little input?

I have no rights to Tolkien's work ^_~

Chapter 1: Misfortune

Legolas wandered aimlessly about the woods. After spending most of the day with them, he had wished to escape the persistent nagging of his teachers. I already know how to shoot an arrow. In a moment of boredom and what he called good fortune, he found himself slipping away and exploring Mirkwood forest. He looked up at one of the tallest trees and quickly shimmied its trunk to sit himself down on a high branch. Soon, the soothing sound of the wind playing through the leaves of the trees lulled the little elf to sleep.

* * *

Three elves sat on a blanket spread out on the ground. They were in the middle of a forest clearing, soft billowy clouds rolling slowly through the sky above them. The smallest elf giggled as her father tickled her sides. Her mother watched on amusedly. The little girl, in a sudden burst of energy, broke free of her father and dashed away.

"Auruin!" her mother called, "Don't go too far!"

"Don't worry," she called back, "I know my way."

The little girl soon found herself walking leisurely through the forest. Her thick golden hair glinted brightly in the sunlight. A colorful butterfly danced in the air and the girl began to pursue it through the tall trees. It danced high and low then finally disappeared into the rays of sunlight above. She pouted before looking about her. She was lost.

A feeling of dread pitted in her stomach and Auruin began to twist in circles trying to find her way home. Coming up with nothing she lost all hope. The little girl sat against a tree, put her head in her lap, and began to cry. She didn't know how long she had been there but the light began to fade away into an eerie orange glow and her tears began to subside. Hearing a strange low grumble, she sniffled and looked up. Standing in front of her was a large grinning orc.

Her eyes widened in fear. The orc began to laugh and its chilling voice caused her to tremble. Fresh tears found themselves in the corner of her eyes as she shrank back into the tree. The orc lashed out at the girl, scraping her arm and leaving a large gash. She cried out in pain and the creature raised its hand to strike again. But in an instant, a slender arrow found itself imbedded in the creature's throat. Auruin turned her head to look at the source of her salvation and found a tall elven boy, not too much older than herself, was poised with a bow in his hand. She could only see his faint silhouette as the last rays of the sun glared from behind him and into her eyes.

Before she realized what was happening, the orc gathered the last of its strength to swing its arm down, slashing its nails through her face. Screaming again she fell limply to the ground in shock. Barely conscious, the last thing she heard was the boy's words whispering kindly and comfortingly.

"You will be alright."

* * *

The little girl awoke and the first thing she noticed was that she could not see. For a moment, panic gripped her heart but it slowly subsided as she heard the sound of her mother's comforting voice, "I know not why… We found her lying at the foot of a tree, an orc sprawled dead beside her." There was a pause and then, "Will she be alright?"

"The damage was extensive. You are lucky that you found her so quickly."

"Why was there an orc here in our forest?" her father's voice questioned.

"An abundance of orcs have been spotted throughout our forests recently. We do not know why."

Auruin felt her mother's fingers on her forehead, "Who do you suppose helped our child? Bless their souls and… this cloak…" her mother seemed to shuffle through something. "This brooch is lovely."

Finally, Auruin stirred. She sat up, her head spinning only a little and spoke causing and all those in the room to jump, they did not realize she was awake. "Mother, Father… I cannot see," she whispered hoarsely.

Her mother turned to the healer, an incredulous and questioning expression written on her features.

"It appears that there have been some unexpected complications…"

"Complications…?" her mother squeaked. The doctor walked over to a table, picking up a candle. He put it to the young girl's face but her eyes remained unseeing.

"She is blind."

The three simple words resounded in the walls of the small infirmary. The little girl, of course, had already realized the extent of her condition yet when spoken aloud her predicament seemed threateningly final. Her sightless eyes filled with silent tears and she cried into her mother's embrace.

* * *

Whew! *Wipes at brow* Sorry about that super dumb part. Does this sound like an interesting plot or am I in way over my head? All comments or suggestions are welcome. Hate it? FLAME it! There's nothing wrong with a little harsh criticism. ^_~