A/N: Here is another update! Also, I recommend the "Expect the Unexpected" by Lannyhoho. It is a story about Legolas' "bad" side. Read it!

I stumbled again for the umpteenth time. I cursed silently. My shoes were covered with dirt, mud, and some other unrecognizable mush.

My head started spinning again. 'You'd think after three days, the stitches would be all right!' I thought to myself. I leaned against the rock to steady myself. I let out a shuddered breath.

Sam and Frodo who were behind me approached me. "Are you all right, Ally?" Sam asked timidly.

I nodded my head, my eyes still closed. "I'm fine. I just need to pause for a moment. You two go on without me," I whispered signaling for them to go on.

Sam shook his head. "No, Ally. You need us to assist you. Pippin! Merry!" he called to the two hobbits close to us.

The two turned around and came toward us. "Yes?" Merry asked.

Sam explained, "Ally needs some help. Let us assist her as she climbs these steep steps."

I shook my head. "Honestly, Sam, I'm fine. See?" I said as I stood up abruptly with a bright smile. In an instant, the pain shot up to unbearably sore. I hid my grimace with an even brighter smile.

Sam sighed and shook his head. "If you are sure, Ally," he muttered. The four hobbits gave me an insecure gaze before walking on. Immediately when their back was turned I sank back against the wall.

'Oh, Eru. Help me,' I thought.

I stood up again and started on my way again. After about 10 shaky steps, I collapsed. I do not know how long I lay there, but I knew that I could not get back up. I strained my muscles. "Come on, legs. Get up!" I urged myself.

Finally, I exhausted myself and gave up. I wept and sobbed softly. I heard one of the hobbits give a yell in surprise and then heard, "Ally's not following us anymore!"

I heard soft footsteps descend the steps again. I tried to lift my head, but curiously, I could not. I groaned softly as pain swirled around me once more.

"Shh... Ally. You must rest. Do not tire yourself once more," a soft voice whispered to me. I tried to nod my head in agreement but could not. I opened my mouth to answer but no sound came out of my raspy throat.

My eyes fluttered open when I felt two strong arms scoop me up off the ground. I stared up to Legolas' set and firm face. He seemed beyond worry; almost agonized. When he felt my gaze, he looked down at me. "Do not worry, melamin. You will be fine," he whispered softly into my ear.

I was astonished by this endearment but thought nothing of it when my world became black. **************************************************************************** *************

When I was aware of my being, I opened my eyes slowly. Strangely, it did not hurt as much as it did before. I groaned softly as I sat up. When the other members of the Fellowship noticed my movement, most of them dashed up to me.

"Mellon, lay down, please," Legolas said almost pleadingly.

Aragorn looked at me and said, "No, Legolas. It is not necessary anymore. Gandalf already cast an enchantment over her. She will free from pain for a while."

Legolas seemed to be assured and sat down next to me. I looked astonished at Aragorn. "What? I am under a spell?"

Aragorn chuckled. "Nay, not that kind of spell. More of a protection spell. Gandalf and I felt it strange when you fainted. No one would faint from stitches or complain of a headache for so long." He sighed. "I am afraid it is something more wicked."

I looked up at him and whispered softly, "Tell me."

Aragorn looked at me then shook his head. "Nay, little one. I do not think you will handle the news well."

Legolas shot him a look and said, "It is not news to any of us, Aragorn."

I looked at Legolas strangely then said, "Tell me."

Legolas sighed then looked up at Aragorn to ask for permission. When Aragorn did not object, Legolas continued. "'Tis Saruman, Ally. He is controlling you once more. He moves you the way he wants you to move. He makes you feel the way he wants you to feel. He is making your life a living nightmare!"

I looked shocked. I looked at the hobbits who gathered around me also. They took my hands. "Do not worry, Ally. We shall protect you from this evil Saruman!" Merry vowed.

I was lost of words. I simply nodded. When the hobbits saw how quiet I was, they quieted too. I sighed then asked, "Why did he not kill me and rid me of this punishment?"

Legolas and the hobbits looked shocked then hurt at this question. However, Gandalf and Aragorn looked as if they had expected it. "That evil purpose lies still in the unknown, Ally," Gandalf said as he looked at me sympathetically. "But do not fear. As long as I live, you shall be protected from his evil."

I smiled and said, "And how will you do that?"

Gandalf's eyes twinkled as his face lit up with mystery. He pointed a long finger at my forehead. I felt a hot yet comfortable heat shoot up to my head. The beings around me gasped as they stared at my forehead. I asked timidly, "What? What is wrong with my head?"

Pippin's eyes were still filled with wonderment as he said, "A star on your forehead."

I looked at Gandalf with a look of shock. "Is it true? How will that help protect me?" I asked.

Gandalf looked at me with a smile. "'Tis no ordinary star. 'Tis the Star of Valar. With a bit of enchantment, I can brand it on your head to protect you from unwanted evil."

I asked curiously, "So does this mean that an imaginary force will keep orcs away from me?"

Gandalf's smile drooped slightly. "Nay, it does not. It only keeps Saruman's magic away. Orcs are just under his control, that is all."

After a long silence, Aragorn stood up. "All right. Let us let Ally rest a bit." The hobbits left hesitantly, throwing me sympathetic glances as they retreated to their makeshift beds. I looked at the fire made. Boromir gave me a sad look then when he realized I was staring at him, he turned back to the fire.

Gimli waddled up to me and shifted from foot to foot. "Um... Lady Elf. I just want to give you my apologies for not associating with you throughout this whole journey. I want you to know that when I meet Saruman face to face, I will give him a piece of my mind and a blow with the axe just for you," he said, his emotions taking control of him as he stamped his foot. The sound echoed off the walls of the mine while Aragorn looked at him disapprovingly. Embarrassed, Gimli shuffled off again.

I smiled and called after him, "Thank you, Master Dwarf!"

I saw him turn around, his face bright red and continue on his way.

I prepared myself to lie down in a peaceful slumber when I noticed Legolas still sitting there. He had a grin on his face. "So, it seems you have charmed everyone."

I smiled at him and said, "Yes it appears so," as I remembered what he called me back when I collapsed.

I scooted closer to him, for a reason unknown to me. "So, what was it you called me back there?" I asked teasingly. I saw him tense for a moment. "Did my elven ears deceive me when I heard you call me 'melamin'?" I suppressed a giggle when I saw the tip of Legolas' ears turn bright pink. When I saw how uncomfortable Legolas was, I stopped my teasing. "All right, Legolas. I shall say that my ears had deceived me. But mark my words, the next time you say it, I will not let you forget it," I said as I shook a finger at him.

Legolas smiled and then said hesitantly, "Actually, you heard correctly. I did call you 'melamin'."

I looked stunned at Legolas. "Why?" I finally said.

Legolas looked at me then confidently replied, "You were different from the other maidens, Ally. They always threw themselves at my feet. You on the other hand, almost pushed me away. With the glares you kept giving me, I thought you hated me!"

To my surprise, and probably Legolas', I laughed. "I did hate you, Legolas!" I exclaimed as I quieted down.

I saw Legolas' hurt expression and smiled slightly. "But that all changed Legolas, when you showed me how nice you could be. You have become one of my closest friends over such a short period of time!"

Legolas smiled. "So, do you return my feelings?" he asked hesitantly.

I was unprepared. How was I supposed to answer? The truth was, I had no idea. True, I was flattered by this. The most handsome elf in all of Middle Earth had chosen plain, old me. But watching Aragorn and Arwen taught me a lesson. Not everyone accepted the relationship. Aragorn would receive nasty letters telling him to stay with his own kind. Many have gone to great extremes and played nasty jokes on him. Even Elrond did not accept their relationship. I did not want this.

I stammered, "I...I... do not know yet. I must sort out my feelings, Legolas. I hope you understand."

I expected hurt and remorse in his eyes. But instead, he gave me a look of understanding. "I understand, Ally. Really, I do. This has been sudden but I hope you will think it over." Legolas smiled.

'How wonderful it is to finally have someone understand me!' I thought happily. I nodded and watched him leave. I sighed and lied down on the blankets.

'Do I return his feelings?' I asked myself.

'Of course you do,' one side of me said.

'No, you must think it over,' another said.

'What is there not to like about him?' asked the other side.

'What is there to like about him?' argued the opposing side.

I sighed angrily. I wanted one nice night of peaceful sleep and that elf comes up and proclaims his love to me! Now how am I to sleep?

A/N: Finally! I thought he'd never say it! It was so obvious anyway! Hehehe! Well, hope you enjoyed it!