Half asleep, he missed the sounds that would normally have warned him of the approach of others. The first he knew of it, was when his horse stopped and the tip of an arrow slid under his chin. Then he woke up with a start.

Welcome Legolas Greenleaf of the Mirkwood Elves. Who is this that you bring with you? Asked Haldir, a Guardian of Lothlorien.

Greetings, Haldir. This is a girl, named Brianna. She is sorely wounded and I seek the help of Lady Galadriel to heal her. She is a quarter Elf, and as such is close enough kin for us to have obligation.

What is the other three quarters then? Dwarfish, Hobbit? Haldir asked with a sneer of contempt.

Her maternal grandfather was an Elf who said that he was from Rivendell, and that his name was Elrond. Probably not true, but still she is part Elvish. She is human otherwise, she is from Bree. She was kidnapped from her village by a band of Orcs and a Ring Wraith.

A Ring Wraith! Here, Haldir's eyes widened.

Yes. Estel and I rescued her, but then they returned for her. The Orcs. Here Legolas paused, to try and cover his reaction, They violated her, and the Ring Wraith as well. I believe that Sauron wished to breed from her a new race of Orcs to rival Sarumon's Urak'Hai. She is in grave need and though I've slowed the effects with althelus, she is slipping away from the Light. Legolas swayed and nearly pitched from his saddle. Haldir reached out and steadied Legolas. I have ridden for weeks from the borders of Gondor and the Greywood. You must aid her! Or must I ride for Rivendell and Lord Elrond? Legolas' eyes flashed with repressed anger.

Let it never be said that Lothlorien would turn away an Elf in need. We will aid her for your sake, Legolas. Come. Haldir turned and began to walk into the heart of the woods. Sighing with relief, Legolas followed him.

"Legolas? The dark is closing in, and I'm afraid.The cats go mew and the mice go squeak.no, no, no, get away." Brianna mumbled semi conscious, "William.William.oh the blood and the necklace shining in the sun.Legolas, don' go away.you went away once and the Orcs got me.where am I? Am I home? Are we in Lothlorien yet? Oh help me, I'm falling and I can't find my way home." Haldir raised his eyebrows in query,

Is that the girl?

Yes, her mind rambles and she senses that she is failing. At least she is not pregnant with some Orcish whelp, and she doesn't have to feed something like that as well. William was her brother, and from what she's told me, she loved him dearly.

Does that mean she loves you too, O Legolas, the breaker of maidenly hearts? Legolas blushed at Haldir's comment.

No. I am merely someone she can depend on.

"Legolas? Legolas? Oh you're here, where are we?" Brianna tried to sit up in one of her brief moments of lucidity. "Who's that?" She asked, pointing at Haldir. Haldir stared in horrified pity at the lines of black that traced up and down her arm, some as thick as his thumb. He could see her fever flushed face above the blankets that Legolas had wrapped her in, her eyes green and translucent and her red hair standing out in a fuzzy halo around her head.

"We're in Lothlorien, and this is Haldir. He's an old friend of mine and I'm taking you to Lady Galadriel who'll make you better." Legolas told her softly as he held her closer to his chest.

"Good, because I'm so cold, Legolas, so cold. I feel like I'll never be warm again. Sing me a song, Legolas." She turned her head to rest it against his chest, the sickness reducing her to a child seeking comfort. "You know Rosie's song, I sang it to you, remember when we were with Aragorn? It starts 'On a summer's day." Her voice cracks as she tries to sing it. Legolas winces at the sound of her once stunning voice.

You should have heard her when she sang it the first time, Haldir, she was so beautiful. Then Legolas began to sing it for her,

"On a summer's day, the sun shining bright,

"Rosie went down, went down to the river." Legolas continued to sing it for her, ignoring Haldir's look of disapproval. He finished, Brianna asleep again and looked at Haldir, It's a song of her family, Haldir. It comforts her, and there is little that does.

Fine. I think that you are falling in love with her. I saw it when Estel fell in love with Arwen. That same look of longing and total despair.

Longing for her to recover, Haldir, and despair at what she has suffered. Don't you dare condescend to me because of this girl, she has suffered more then you ever will and is still strong. She survives, and if what had happened to her happened to you, I think that you would be mad by now. She is still clinging to her sanity, so don't you dare patronize her or me! Brianna whimpered at the sound of the anger in Legolas' voice. Legolas soothed her by stroking her head until she settled back into sleep. His eyes still blazed in anger at Haldir.

Ok, whatever. Lady Galadriel is ready to receive you. Dismount, and let the grooms take care of your poor horse. Legolas looked up dazedly; unbeknownst to him they had reached the halls of Lothlorien while he talked to Haldir. Slowly he dismounted, still cradling Brianna, who awoke and tried to stand, slipping out of her covering blanket. Haldir took a step backwards in disgust as he saw the full extent of her sickness. As Legolas had been unwilling to pause to fashion new clothing for her, she still wore only the torn shirt. Thick bands of black traversed her body, centering on her pubic region and swirling round her stomach. Many of the scratches and bites were festering, despite the kingsfoil's influence. She wavered on her feet like a newborn colt, fragile and confused. Legolas gathered her to him and gently covered her with the blanket again, supporting her in her weakness. He looked up and was struck by a sense of déjà vu. The Lady Galadriel and Celeborn, her consort descended the stairs like they had when he and the Fellowship had entered Lothlorien.

Legolas, welcome to our halls. What is it that you seek? Galadriel spoke softly and regally.

Lady, I seek a cure for this girl I hold in my arms. She is sorely hurt, and slipping into Shadow. I beseech your aid. Legolas asked. Galadriel looked at him calmly.

I will ask my healers if they can do anything, and I will send messengers to both Mirkwood and Rivendell asking for their aid. Come in and rest Legolas, for I can see that you are most weary.

Can't.have to look after Brianna. She'll be frightened when she wakes if I'm not there.

Go with her then, and the healers will settle you both in the same room. Legolas nodded dumbly, and followed the healers summoned by Galadriel. Galadriel watched him go with concern in her eyes.

She turned to Celeborn and said When we send word to Mirkwood, we must inform Legolas' father of this unseemly infatuation. Until her story is proven, we should carefully watch her. I feel a deep unease at letting her stay. Celeborn nodded in agreement as they turned to face the corridor that Legolas and his burden had entered.