A/N:: Hey people! Usual disclaimers apply! Warning… this chapter's kinda Mary-Sueish, I apologize… but enjoy!

It was very late… or was it very early? The late beams of twilight washed into the small infirmary where Gandalf slept fitfully. Elrond, Aragorn, and Legolas stood around the bed, looking sadly at the old wizard. He was not well. Every minute seemed to suck a little bit of life from him; even breathing itself seemed difficult.

"There isn't much time," said Aragorn, breaking the silence.

Legolas nodded in agreement. "I leave at dawn."

The three jumped when the doors flew open and Arwen burst into the room. Ignoring the other two in the room, she strode over to her father and stood in front of him her eyes downcast. "Laera has gone," she stated simply.

"Where has she gone?" Elrond asked, his voice suddenly very low. If it were from anger or from fear, he himself wasn't sure.

"She wanted to accompany Legolas on his quest… I should have told you father, but I promised her to wait until dawn. I couldn't even wait 'till then…" her voice faltered and she paused to catch her breath.

"Lord Elrond…" said Legolas.

"Find her," was all the old elf could say.

In no time Legolas mounted his horse and sped toward Elhite Vale, fear creeping into his heart. "Quickly!" he urged his horse. He did not think of his own safety. All he knew was that Laera was somewhere in Nimhorn territory and the most likely outcome of such a scenario was almost too much for him to bear. He clenched his teeth and rode on.

***

Laera gazed about her in wonder. She had left the safety of the birches a while ago and she was still in awe of what surrounded her. The stories had been true. Elhite Vale was nothing less than beautiful. The forest floor was carpeted with pretty pink and blue flowers which gave off a sweet aroma, the trees were elven-like; tall, their bark a creamy white. The leaves of the trees formed a canopy of foliage above her head so thick that the sunlight, which had managed to sneak through, seemed almost green. She hadn't seen a single Nimhorn, although it was quite early still.

After a few more minutes of walking, Laera once again wished she had taken the extra effort and brought a horse. Her tender feet were already blistering and her brother's shoes were of no help anymore. She was tired and sleepy and wondered when Legolas was going to find her. She also wondered if Arwen had told father. He won't be happy… she thought.

She stiffened when she heard a rustling to her left. Laera's hand instinctively came to her throat, her fingers wrapping around Arwen's necklace. Her pace slowed and she looked about her anxiously. The forest no longer seemed friendly and inviting. It had become a frightful and foreboding place, its very trees hiding what may be keeping watch on Laera's every move.

Dare she take out her bow and arrow? She decided against it. Although she knew the basic techniques for using one, it took her nearly five minutes to get the arrow nocked right. She'd be killed before she had the chance to aim. Nimhorns cannot stand the smell… she remembered, continuing on her way.

The noises now became much more distinct and it seemed to come from all sides. She gasped as a tiny arrow passed a mere few inches from her face, striking a nearby tree. They may not like the smell of the rock, but Nimhorns, like elves, were skilled archers. In panic, she broke into a run.

The rustling was now the sound of small creatures moving swiftly through the trees. Arrows came frequently now and it took most of Laera's energy to dodge them. Suddenly, a Nimhorn dropped down from above and fell lightly on its feet a few steps from Laera. She was frozen in fear. Surely her adventure wouldn't end like this? The creature looked up at her smugly, amusedly. The stone seemed to have no effect on it now. In one hand, it playfully tossed a dagger into the air and caught it. It seemed to be mocking her.

She backed away slowly. There was nothing else she could do. The Nimhorns had emerged from their hiding places among the boughs and sat on the branches, watching, waiting. She wondered why the Nimhorn just didn't attack her and get it over with. But then she realized… they like to play with their victims.

In the stillness, which had grown very thick throughout the wood, came the sound of an approaching horse. The Nimhorns began to speak in their own language, looking about, curious as to what was to happen next. The one who was trying to intimidate Laera, however, now only seemed interested in killing her. Laera shrieked as the creature leapt from the ground straight at her. She covered her face with her hands, ready for the inevitable blow. She felt small fingers grasp the necklace and heard a distinct snap as it fell from her throat.

Instead, she felt someone grasp her wrist and lift her off the ground and onto a horse. She kept her eyes shut, clinging onto the figure as tightly as she could. Behind her, she could hear the sounds of little footsteps chasing her. The forest, which only a few moments before had seemed peaceful and tranquil had now burst with life. She also heard whistling sounds as arrows flew through the air.

Through the haze her fear had enveloped her in, she felt a sharp sting on her shoulder and cried aloud. "Do not worry, Laera. We are almost there," a familiar voice soothed. Laera opened her eyes and stole a glance over her shoulder. She wished she hadn't. Behind them, sprinting across the forest floor, swinging from tree branches, and jumping from bush to bush were several dozen Nimhorns.

After what seemed like an eternity, they finally burst through the greenery and shadows of Elhite Vale into a sunny plain. The bright sunlight was a stark contrast from the mellow green light of Elhite Vale and pierced her eyes. Soon the rider stopped the horse and nimbly dismounted. She, in turn, stumbled off of the horse and fell to the ground in pain. Her shoulder screamed in protest whenever Laera tried to move.

"I was wondering when you would find me," mumbled Laera, gingerly fingering the arrow, which stuck out from her shoulder. Legolas squatted next to the injured elf and slowly wrapped his fingers around the shaft.

"Think happy thoughts, Laera," Legolas advised.

"Whatever for?" she questioned. At that moment, Legolas pulled out the arrow with a sharp tug. A scream that Legolas was pretty sure must have been heard in Rivendell resonated throughout the plain. The next few minutes involved him dressing her wound and wrapping her shoulder. Throughout the ten or fifteen minutes it took to perform this task, not a word was exchanged.

As Legolas put materials he had used away in one of his bags, Laera chose then to speak. "Are you angry with me?" she asked meekly.

"No," he replied, turning to her. "In fact, Laera, I'm thrilled. Not only do I have the Riasol gem and the Arioc beast to worry about, now I have a foolish elven girl to watch over. I'm returning you to your father immediately."

Laera stood in protest. "No, I will not go back," she said determinedly.

Legolas turned to her in surprise. "You won't, will you? Then I have no choice but to leave you here."

"Here?" she cried. "To be killed? Would you have that on your head Legolas?" She was shocked as Legolas actually paused, seemingly pondering over this option.

"You are right," he admitted grudgingly. "Your father would not like that. Besides, there is no time to go back, Gandalf is nearly dead."

"I knew you would see it my way." Smiling, Laera mounted the horse with a little difficulty and turned to Legolas, "Well? What are you waiting for?"

"We camp here tonight," he stated settling on a rock.