**A/N: Wow, so here I am at chapter 8 of this story... Never thought I'd get this far with this being my first work of fan fiction. I was afraid I'd get all kinds of nasty reviews that I've seen other first time writers receive, but apparently I have yet to experience that.

Thanks to all who gave reviews, they are very much appreciated.

- joebob: Hmmm, some dialogue is in italics and some isn't? Never noticed it myself, where did you see this? I'm pretty sure I got all the dialogue italicized. How odd.

-Aireroswen: Yes, it's nice to see Legolas get captured isn't it? What a predicament he's in now. You're not too strange to be excited about it, after all I was too. Oh the insanity of it all.

- melissa greenleaf: It's certainly nice to see someone get so excited over my strange little story. Keep those reviews of yours coming!

Quick note of explanation (you better read it or else this chapter won't make sense):  I decided to change this story into first person narrative from Raneth's point of view. I thought it would help with the understanding of her character and make the story a little more interesting. I got the idea when I was reading La Revolte d'Ayachi in French language arts class. So here is the result, hope you don't find it all too confusing.

On to the story now...**

Looking up at me from the ground, his blue eyes flashed an array of emotions from anger to disappointment. After many long years of living amongst men, how strange it was to finally meet another elf, only to betray him and hold him as my captive. I had always wondered what it would be like to finally meet a fellow elf, but never had I thought it would have turned out like this. With my last words I turned my heel back towards Daromer who had begun giving orders to the others. Several men went to Legolas holding ropes in their hands, no doubt used to tie his wrists and ankles.

"You can not do this Raneth, this treachery is for men! You are an elf, you should know better than to stoop to this," he shouted after me, "You do not deserve to call yourself an elf!" I shut out his voice from my head and continued without missing a step.

"Mattos, prepare your horse, there is a message that needs to be brought quickly to Thranduil of Mirkwood," I called out to one of the younger men, known for his speed in traveling.

"Yes, of course," he replied dutifully, running off to the area where most of the horses were kept. I went to where Daromer was standing, watching as the others were still struggling to tie up Legolas. I suppose they had gagged him, for only muffled sounds could be heard coming from him.

"Where are the instruments for writing? We should write the letter of ransom quickly so Thranduil will receive it soon enough," I asked Daromer, feeling his arm wrap around my waist and closing the distance between us.

"Ever since you left the camp last week I had been thinking about the next time I could have you close to me," he whispered into my ear, "close like this, and more." His breath swept past to tickle my neck and ears, sending a shiver through my body. I thought I would surely give in, but I somehow managed to gently push myself a step back from him while trying to calm my burning nerves.

"Later, my love. There is time for that later," I told him, regaining my composure, "For now we must concentrate on the task at hand."

"Very well then, I shall be looking forward to that later time," he said slyly, then pointed to a small wooden box sitting on a nearby stone, "the things you will need for writing are all in there. I trust you will be able to think of an appropriate sum for the ransom." I smiled at him and nodded before heading towards the large, relatively flat rock.

In the box I found a few rolls of paper, a couple quills and some ink. Quickly taking out the necessary items, I placed them out on the rock and smoothed out a sheet of paper. Dipping the quill into the ink, I began writing in the Common tongue, a language I was sure he would understand. And so the letter read:

Our greetings to you, King Thranduil of Mirkwood.

It is our deepest regret to inform you that we are holding your son, the prince Legolas, as our captive. Our purpose is not to kill him; in fact we hope that it does not come to that. If you wish to have your son back safely, there is but one demand we have of you before we will release him. Gather ten of your most valuable treasures, which I am sure you have many of, and send them with no more than three of your messengers to the eastern edge of Mirkwood on the Old Forest Road to wait for our arrival. If we should have any suspicions that plan is at all changed on your part, or find that the price you give us for your son is insufficient, we will leave taking him with us and it is certain you will never set eyes on him again. As for the messenger of this letter, send him back to us unharmed or risk the fate of your son. I trust you will make the right decisions regarding this grave matter.

Your Friends in Rohan

I carefully folded the paper and got up from the rock to look for Mattos. I found him soon enough, tending to his horse and packing the necessary supplies for his journey. I passed him the letter, telling him to be careful while on the road and bid him luck as he climbed into the saddle. Tucking the letter securely into his pocket he said a quick farewell and was off, speeding towards the north. I fondly watched as he left, remembering the time when he joined our company as a young boy, barely even fifteen but ambitious and full of zeal. Mattos was one of my favourites, being one of the youngest and eager to learn from me and listen to my stories.            

Standing there in the coolness of the night my thoughts turned to what Legolas had said to me before. I tried to ignore his comments, but they kept coming back and somewhere within me, I knew I was a disgrace to my elven blood. But after the long years of living amongst men, I had grown accustomed, though never quite comfortable, to such feelings brought on by the many things I had done that went against the nature of my kind. My love for the human, Daromer, being the greatest of these deeds. Or perhaps the worst.

I headed back to the main area of the camp where most of the men had laid down to rest, and some sat on the outlying rocks keeping watch. Legolas had been tied up and was propped up against a rock, glaring at me with those frigid blue eyes as I passed him. His words came flooding back into my mind, but I shut them out once again.

I found Daromer standing close to the still burning campfire in the shadow of a large rock. In silence I stepped behind him and brought my arm around his chest to pull him close. It had only been several days since I left the camp, but it felt as though I had been away from him much too long. A sense of relief and familiarity came over me as I pressed my face against his back and breathed in the scent of him, an earthy smell that reflected his labours.

"The letter is sent then?" he asked me.

"Yes, Mattos left with it not too long ago," I told him.

"And our plan for the ransom?" he continued. I quickly informed him of what I had written in the letter. He nodded thoughtfully, taking into account what I had said to him. I felt his hand wrap around mine at his front, and for a moment he held it there, then let go to turn and face me.

The five years I had known, and loved him seemed all too short. I took into detail everything that happened during our times together, for I knew that eventually he would fall to mortality and I would continue my life without him. It seemed to me that he would pass in front of my eyes like a butterfly, a creature of a brief season who, in the blink of an eye, be gone forever. Driving back my thoughts, I focused on the present moment. His deep brown eyes stared right into mine as he slipped each of his arms around my waist and brought his face down to land a light kiss on my forehead.

"Perhaps we should go elsewhere," I suggested to him quietly. Even though all the other men knew what was between us, I certainly did not enjoy being seen showing my affection for Daromer by them. I led him by his hand behind of the large, upright rocks, away from everyone else. And out of the sight of Legolas.

**A/N: Hehehe, sorry to disappoint those of you who thought this would a standard "Legomance" Ugh, that word makes me shudder. No offence meant to anyone who enjoys them, sometimes I indulge too.

Another thing, the line Raneth says about how men have such short lives is actually taken from Philip Pullman's book "The Golden Compass" and changed around a little bit. I found it to be such a good line, perfectly describing Raneth's situation with Daromer (or any other elf/human relations for that matter).

And lastly...

What do you think of this chapter? Don't like the way it's written? The love stuff making you gag? Too much of my original character and not enough Legolas? Or maybe the other way around? I don't know if you don't tell me! (hint: Review!)**