Haldir awoke slowly when the bells chimed midnight in the palace. For a moment he almost believed that he had died for he had never lain in such a comfortable bed before. He looked up at the ceiling for a few moments and sighed. He was in Eomer's bed. He cannot leave yet, for the pain was cutting him to pieces and Eomer may come back. But if he was found even within feet of this room, he would be beaten until he bled to death.

                Motivated by this thought he tried desperately to move but the pain surged through him and he had to bite his own fingers to refrain from crying out. Where had Eomer gone? What if he was caught? He would be exiled if anyone found out that he was helping him.

                He looked down and saw that some of his blood had spilled onto the sheets. But that was not a problem; he knew the girl who washed them, and she rarely said anything. He frowned as he looked out the open window… He supposed he could climb down on the ivy, were he not injured. But he would fling himself out the window if anyone did come.

Eomer Speaks-

                "How about… we go back to your room for a look?" Lord Aragorn said to me in a low hiss. I did not reply for my heart was racing. If I said no, he would go anyway. If I said yes, he would go.

                "Anything you say, my lord." I said quietly, trying to avoid his handsome face.

                "Anything I say." He nodded as I lead the way to my room. I prayed that instant that he would not hurt the elf, regardless. I would claim full responsibility for every thing, of course. The night breeze circumvented the halls. It would have been a lovely evening if it were not for the circumstances.

                Before pushing opening the door, Lord Aragorn gave me another look. He raised an eyebrow and then flung it open. To my surprise, the bed was made and there was no one in it. My heart was nearly leaping from my chest at this point.

                He looked at me again and then under the bed. He flung open the closets, the cabinets and looked out the windows. He then turned back to me. "My mistake… captain." He said softly and then stormed out of the room. I took the herbs out from my sleeves and looked around, softly calling to Haldir.

                A faint cry caught my attention as he came out from behind the shelves. He nearly collapsed again. I caught him easily in my arms and cradled him against me. He was gasping hard. I laid him on the bed and tore open his clothing. I treated him the best in the circumstances, for I only had the pitcher of water beside my bed and a few herbs I was able to sneak up here.

                But he seemed much better after two or three hours. He turned to me again and this time, he kissed me hard as I tiled his face up to mine. "You are so beautiful…" I whispered, catching my breath as I looked into his jade eyes. So large and fair were they, as if drenched in moonlight.

                "My savior." He said as he leaned against me, "I have to go, but I will see you soon."

                I nodded, not daring to ask him to stay. I gave him one last kiss and we pulled apart.

Legolas Speaks-

                Glorfindel has been more than kind to me as he treated my injuries. Never in my life had I ever received such kindness from anyone save him and Haldir. On the other hand, I had never been treated so cruelly by a master before. I did not really know what to think of it all.       

                "Legolas?"

                "Haldir!" I gasped and embraced him. I noticed that his pale skin was flushed and he looked very tired and frail.

                "Are you all right?" I said as he sat down, "What happened?"

                "Long story, I will tell you in the morning."

                "I'm afraid you won't have time to."

                "What do you mean?" He said curiously and a little sharper than usual, "They didn't switch my position again did they?"

                "No." I said quickly, "… They switched mine."

                Haldir swore under his breath and he asked me what I was to do. I told him softly about what happened. Leaving out, of course, how I had become Lord Aragorn's personal little whore. He looked at me sympathetically and hugged me again. I could see that he was somewhat angry but did not want it to show.

Haldir Speaks –

                The moonlight was brighter now and I could see so much sadness in Legolas's eyes. Grief was not difficult to read in elves. His beautiful blue eyes glittered with pain and his slender body seemed frailer than ever. He forced a smile upon the full lips and before turning to me again.

                "You must be tired," He said softly, "Go on and get some rest."

                "Why aren't you resting, it is quite late and you have to be up earlier than I do."

                "I don't know, I suppose I am not tired."

                "Something happened, didn't it?" I whispered gently.

                "Nothing… forget about it." He replied quietly. I rubbed his shoulder gently before going to rest. But Legolas remained awake, looking into the stars and softly singing to himself. His voice was so beautiful and yet so sad that it yanked at my heart.

                I slowly drifted into a deep sleep. Deeper than I have slept in months. I awoke to the feeling of Legolas's hand, shaking me. I looked up only to find the sun already in the sky.

                "Come on, you are going to be late, they'll not be liking that."

                "Right…" I muttered as I sat up, "Did you rest at all?"

                Legolas shook his head but smiled again, "I need not sleep all the time." That was no answer but I accepted it for the time being.  But I read anxiety and fear in his eyes and his distressed face.

                "Legolas wait… I know something happened while I was gone… will you not tell me?"

                "We can swap stories later." He said as he stood up. I did not press and quickly washed up.

Legolas Speaks-

                Here I was, faced with him again. I was quiet, not wanting him to get anymore satisfaction out of me. He glared at me for a moment and then his expression softened slightly.

                "Come here, elf." He said quietly. I did not come too close to him but neither did he protest.  "Have you given my proposition more consideration?"

                "I am not going to be your whore." I snapped.

                "Temper… Look, I have already made you as mine and you might as well take the better end of it all. I protect what is mine quite well. No one will ever lay a finger on you as long as you agree to my terms."

                "With all do respect, Lord Aragorn, I will you give you no such satisfaction. You may own my body but you will not play with my soul this way."

                "I did ask for your soul."

                "Then understand this, you are a fool, and you know nothing of my people."

                "My, my, elves are stubborn aren't they?" He hissed as he grabbed my wrist, pulling it hard. I pulled backward, nearly breaking free but I was grabbed again this time nearly losing my balance. He looked at me and laughed, causing me to stir with anger and a little fear.

                "I will die…" I said softly.

                "You will not. If you die, your dear friend will be punished on your behalf."

                I had nothing to say to this and I could not drag Haldir into this, I was not that selfish. I gave him one last look and quickly pulled away. There was nothing left to say as I carried the empty tray under my arm. He had won.