Hi everyone!

Well, here at last is the next installment!  Okay, well, I really have no good excuse for the delay in this one, but I assure you that it is for your own benefit!  Really!  =D  We are working hard on our next story, and it is nowhere near done, so the longer it takes to finish posting this, the shorter you all have to wait for the next piece in our series.  See the logic there?

*smiles at the death glares given to her from the readers who were angered at where the last chapter left off*

Well, I'll tell you one thing…it gets worse before it gets better, if it ever gets better.  *g*  Okay, I'll shut up now, and let you all get on with the story.  You might want to keep some tissues handy for upcoming chapters…

*gives evil cackle as she runs off to avoid the wrath of the reviewers*

Legolas sat under a tree, wrapping the thin cloth of his tunic around his shivering frame. He hadn't meant to come this far, and now he didn't know where he was. Earlier he had tried to fix his bow, but the fact that it was ruined beyond repair was finally setting in.

His hands now bore many tiny slivers from handling the broken wood. He had cast it away, frustrated, upset and deeply hurt. He would never trust them again. "Never!" he cried out in his anger, his voice wavering in the cold air.

His face was red from constant tears and he felt worn from the day's events. He snuggled closer to the tree in an effort to seek warmth. Now he was lost. He knew not what way was home, and the woods no longer seemed friendly.

A sob broke from his lips as thoughts of his mother and father at home crossed his mind. He would do anything to be cuddled up at his mother's side and hear her gentle voice flowing through the air.

A desperate cry suddenly pierced through the quiet night, and Legolas looked in the direction it came, ceasing his sobs so that he could listen better. When it came again he felt relief flow over him. Crawling somewhat unsteadily to his feet he shouted in return.

"Father! I'm here," he cried with immense relief, stumbling slightly over the rough ground.

In moments his father appeared out of the darkness, carrying a torch. Legolas wasted no time in throwing himself into his father's arms. Sobbing he began to tell him everything that happened, stuttering over his words constantly as he tried to get it out in a single breath. 

Thranduil stroked Legolas' hair as he shrugged out of his coat, wrapping it around his son. "Shh, 'tis okay Legolas, everything will be okay."

~*~*~

[I'll protect you from all around you,

I'll be here, don't you cry]

Legolas cuddled closely to his mother, fast asleep, his cheeks still red from crying. Feaear rocked him, careful not to wake him. She felt so irritated with herself for not being there for him when he had needed her most.

"You can't protect him forever," Thranduil stated as he entered the room.

Feaear let out a hushed sigh. She knew he was right, but Legolas was still so young and small. He needed protection. Thranduil sat down beside her and watched her as she rocked Legolas.

"What did you tell him?"

"Many things. He was upset that they broke his bow. I told him that we would make one together starting tomorrow. He liked the idea."

Thranduil smiled. "Yes, I suppose he did." He rubbed a hand along Legolas' cheek. "You want me to take him to bed?" he asked her.

Feaear shook her head. "No, tonight I think the two of us will just stay here," she smiled kindly. "Go rest my husband, all will be well."

He nodded as he began to rise from his seat next to her. "Take care," he told her fondly, kissing both her and Legolas on the cheek before leaving the two alone in the room.

~*~*~

"Legolas? Are you getting tired?" Feaear asked him, smiling tenderly.

The young Elf shook his head, but he could not hide from her the fatigue buried within his eyes. He had awakened in the early morning, eager to begin his new bow. He didn't want to miss his lessons tonight, but it was already late afternoon, and Feaear knew that he would not be able to stay awake long enough for the lessons to even start.

"Come along Elleer," she called to him, holding out her hand. Legolas picked up the branch he had chosen for his bow and clutched it tightly as he grasped her hand. He had spent most of the day finding it, and had begun to carve while listening to his mother's strict instructions on how to make it.

As of the moment it didn't look like much, and he felt slightly ashamed of it, but his mother had laughed gently at this statement. "Don't worry so, my son. It will be beautiful when you are finished." 

He smiled to himself as they walked back. He was going to hide the bow in his room so that his father wouldn't see it. That way he could surprise him when it was finished. Feaear squeezed his hand reassuringly, causing the smile to burst into a grin, followed a moment later by a yawn.

"Let's get you inside. Dinner should be ready, then it's off to bed with you," she told him.

Legolas looked at her questioningly. "What about archery?"

She shook her head. "Not tonight my son. You are much too tired. But we will go out tomorrow, I promise. We should be able to finish your bow by the afternoon, and that will leave plenty of time for lessons."

Legolas nodded, to tired to argue as she led him inside. After a quick change from his muddy clothes he found himself at the table, making certain that his bow was well hidden before sitting down.

He hadn't realized how hungry he was, and began to eat as soon as his plate reached the table. He did not enjoy everything on the plate, and with his fork he pushed some of the food off to the side.

"Eat your vegetables Legolas," his mother told him, seeing what he was trying to do.

"I don't want my vegetables," he whined, not looking up.

"Legolas, just eat," his father warned him.

Legolas scrunched his face up. His father always had the last say in everything. Slowly he ate them, making a face after each bite. He growled slightly when he realized his parents weren't paying attention to him. All they did anymore at the table was talk.

He gave a heavy sigh, placing his napkin on his plate. Feaear smiled gently when she noted the change.

"I'll be back," she informed Thranduil, gathering Legolas up in her arms.

Thranduil nodded, watching her disappear down the hallway before turning back to his meal.

~*~*~

Feaear made her way through the corridor, her footsteps leaving silent echoes in her wake. Checking behind her shoulder one last time she disappeared through the doorway, slipping into the cold night. Over her shoulder she carried a pack which was filled full of supplies. She had gathered them earlier, making sure that Thranduil had not been watching. As she slipped out the door, she failed to notice the pair of eyes watching her from the balcony window above.  They narrowed when seeing her go out into the night once again. 

Thranduil had been aware of her slipping out for the last few nights, carrying with her supplies. He never spoke of it to her. Sometimes her actions were strange, but they all had one thing in common—they all had a purpose. At first he had ignored it. Though her actions worried him some, he saw no real harm in what she was doing. 

As the nights passed he began to wonder, and this time, he had been ready. His most trusted guards and friends had been standing near his door. As she slipped out into the night he gave the command.

"Get the horses ready, I want to know where she is going."

~*~*~

Feaear dropped the pack gently on the ground, checking her surroundings once again. She had done so for the last several nights, hoping that her secret would remain quiet. Once satisfied that all was safe she moved along the low bushes, searching through them with keen eyes.

"You can come out, it is safe," she called out gently.

For a moment it was silent, but then the bushes shook as three Dwarves appeared. First came the father, bold but battered, who was then followed by the mother who held her young child. She had found the family nearly a week ago.  They had been injured in a recent run in with Orcs, and she did not even know how they had managed to survive. She knew in her heart that she had to help them, because of her own experience with the creatures, but she also knew that Thranduil would forbid it.

That was when she had taken action. She had supplied them with food and water, as well as blankets to keep off the night chill. They stayed in the forested realm, careful to stay hidden from the hunters that passed by.

Tason, the father of the family, nodded his head in a small bow of respect and gratitude, his thick dirty red beard brushing against his battered clothes. "My lady. We cannot show how much this means to us. We are forever grateful. Our lives are in your debt."

His wife, Elen, nodded in agreement, rocking her young infant against her chest. The baby was still very young, and it had been born just a week before Feaear had found them. They had named the child Elleerfeaear, to show their appreciation toward the lady Elf.  

Feaear smiled. "I am glad to help.  I do not have the heart to cast a soul away in the time of need. Come, I've brought you fresh food, and clothing that I had made to keep you all warm." She talked quietly as she drew the items from the pack. So intent she was in doing her task that she did not notice the sounds of footfalls until it was too late.

She turned around, fear etching her face as Thranduil drew into her sight, mounted upon his horse. Several others followed him, and the silence grew as the two parties stayed still.

"Thranduil…I can explain—"Feaear started, drawing up enough courage to face her husband.

"No," he declared fiercely, his voice hardening. "There is nothing here to explain." His eyes fell over the Dwarves that huddled together in a small group.

"Arrcryliss," Thranduil addressed the warrior by his side. He rode up beside the Elven King, an inquisitive and apprehensive look in his eyes.

"Yes, my Lord?"

"Kill the Dwarves, and when you've finished escort Feaear out of these woods and make sure she does not return, under the penalty of death. The rest of you, follow me back." With that he turned and left without looking back.

Feaear felt her head sink, and it seemed as though her heart falling. Something that happened next, however, gave her a last bit of hope.

"My Lord?" Arrcryliss questioned before Thranduil disappeared from sight.

The Elvenking halted, but he did not turn around. "What is it?" he asked, irritation evident in his voice.

"Do you think these actions are necessary?  The Dwarves have done no harm, and Feaear—"

"Feaear is a traitor, let her live with that for the rest of her days. And you know the law—no Dwarves will find hospitality under our woods.  Do I make myself clear?"   

"Yes my Lord, but there are other options."

"Is this task beyond your handling? If that is so maybe you would like to join the fate of the Dwarves," Thranduil threatened, his voice dark.

Arrcryliss sighed. "No my Lord, it is not."

Thranduil nodded in satisfaction before heading back to the palace, leaving the two Elves and the Dwarves alone.

Feaear still hadn't moved.  She was sitting with her knees folded under her and her head was resting in her arms which lay on her lap. Never to return? How could she go on? Never to walk under these woods again, to never sing in the early mornings or to smell the soft scents of the flowers, to never see Legolas again? The thought broke over her and she was unaware that tears were sliding down her cheeks until she felt someone wiping them away.

She opened her eyes to see Arrcryliss kneeling in front of her. "Shh, it is all right my lady. Please don't cry."

"All right?" she questioned, "How is everything all right? How can I go on knowing that my son is alone? How can I? Could you do that? Could you leave knowing that your son still needs you?"

"It would be hard," he told her, thinking of his own son at home. "But it would be better than returning, and having him see you die."

She nodded slowly, realizing the truth in what he said. He drew her into a warm embrace, glancing at the Dwarves that were still standing nearby. He could not understand why they had not run. He let out a breath of air as he shook his head in wonderment.

"Go," Arrcryliss told them. "Leave these woods and do not return if you value your life."

This statement surprised the Dwarves, and Feaear also. She lifted her head up and looked questioningly into his eyes.

Finally the Dwarves nodded, leaving slowly. As they left, Tason whispered to her, "I am sorry my lady."

She smiled slightly and told him, "Do not worry about me.  I would do it again if I had to."

After they left, Feaear looked to Arrcryliss and questioned, "Why?"

Arrcryliss smiled gently, "I cannot kill those who play no part in treachery. Come, I will help you find another place to stay." He held out his hand to her, helping her up.

Feaear shook her head. "No, I know where I must go, and only I must go there. I thank you for all you have done. Leave now, my friend, for I do not wish for you to fall on the bad side of my husband.  Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta, [May your ways be green and golden.]

TBC…