Cecilia Gray: Thanks for the review! I hope you like this chapter as well.

ScoobySnack: No worries Lacey! I know what its like to have a full schedule, then find the time to read what everyone else has written. It's a beast! But I'm glad ya found the fic! I hope to see the next installments of your fics soon… hint hint. EG

Amlugwen: Glad you like the story so far. You have an orc that reads with ya? Cool! And who said the orcs were defeated completely? EG Maybe I will add later what happened to the village… nothing like good old fashioned good versus evil eh? As for the elves that rape, this is from my imagination… and sides, ya never know.. a few centuries of loneliness could make one do strange things. Yeah, Thranduil likes his jewels… I swear… the guy would be a pain in the butt if ya took him to Zales! LOL Sorry if this story confuses you, I didn't intend for it to be so.. I just hoped to give people a good read. J In all honesty I don't know if elves could behave like men, but you don't really know 'what' people, human and elf alike, would do in situations. And yes, this is NOT a Legomance… and Mary Sues really irritate me so I try to sway from those.. course I'm not exactly sure what all that entails, but I leave it to my readers good graces to decide. J Hope you enjoy this chapter

Exrated: yeah, seems like bad things happen to good people.. or elves. Shakes head one day things will work out right. 

Gabby The Elf: THANKS! blushes I appreciate ya encouragement and feedback! Gives me fuel for the muse! And when she's happy…. I get to the writing. J Hope you like this chapter.

Gwyn:…. How's now? Sorry it took so long, but we've had some major thunder and electrical storms here lately and I don't wanna fry another motherboard. bites nails Enjoy!

Eck: THANKS! I tried to give the OC a good background and understanding. I get frustrated with OCs that are only touched on and/or end up shagging the lead character. I had fun writing how Aragorn irritates the elves.. but they still love him.. he's just too much fun to lose. :D  And the next party he throws, I'll tell him to send ya an invite!  Rivendell is the next chapter… we find Aragorn, Elrond and the twins. :D

Frodo: Thank you so much! Glad you liked the fic so far! It took me a LONG time to get going. I'm VERY surprised at the response its gotten so far… inspired me to write some other ones but unfortunately they are partially finished or being beta'ed right now. Hopefully I will have another done by the ending of this one.. even if it is a one chapter fic or a 'ficlet'. Thanks for your wonderful comments…. Really raises my spirits to see others enjoying what I wrote. I had hoped I got a good hold on the character mannerisms, but sometimes after reading so many fics, some of which just make ya cringe, I tend to pick up things from others and add to mine…. Which irritates me so I go and reread that characters parts from the books to get their personality. Time frame is before Fellowship, by a year or two I guess…. Things take a bit to set into motion. Hope you liked this chapter as well. :D

Nikki: Unfortunatley this is still 'getting' to Rivendell… next chapter is Rivendell… and the whole family! EG Gonna be FUN! At least that's my opinion. :D I just threw in Legolas's bit of history to give the reader a bit of understanding of what he has been through in his centuries, but I haven't written that story… it was just spoken to gain yarna's trust. I don't know if I will write some of the background stories I've hinted to, perhaps if I got enough reviews and demands asking for it I would but as of right now, I'm currently engrossed in three LOTR fics, two of which are ficlets. Enjoy the story!

Elenillor: Hope you had a great holiday… I personally don't celebrate them. Too much of a hassle. EG Sorry about updating at the time but since I don't celebrate holidays, I forgot that others do and silly me forgot that not everyone has time to sit and read. Hope you like this chapter… though its more background.. but they DO get to meet an elf. Next chapter is Rivendell and the fun family. EG  I look forward to ya email! Oh and OOTP is 'order of the phoenix" EG Email me and we'll hash out all kinds of HP stuff! lol

Starlight: THANKS! Hope you like this chapter too. :D

Sweet-n-sour-slytherin: Glad you liked the story! I tried to keep the rating down and not get too indepth on things that could be nitemare forming.. that's why it was only light stuff like a good whipping and bloody welts. Not to bad…. The evening news is scarier! Lol hope you like this chapter as well. :D

Hallabrethiliel: blushes profusely Thank you so much! I hope to get a good balance of descriptions in… to where the reader gets involved yet not overly described and loses interest. Hope you like this chapter.. next one is Rivendell .EG

Littlesaiyangirl: Hope you didn't wait to long…. The next  update wont take as long.. so breathe easy. :D Enjoy!

Hex of the Unseelie: Thanks! I wanted to give the impression that Strider may be serious to the outside world but when he's at home, all hell breaks loose. LOL  hope you like this chapter… next one is the actual venture into Rivendell.

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Chapter Eight

Dawn was breaking, the sky changing from a steel gray to a soft purple hue and streaks of orange blossoming on the horizon. The shadows of night faded back from the light of the sun, folding in on themselves and disappearing from view.

Yarna lay curled up in the thick leather coats, a light casting of dew settled gently on her still form. Legolas knew that she needed sleep, but Rivendell was just a few hours walk away, and they would be able to get plenty of food and drink, and would be able to rest more comfortably once safe inside Rivendells' borders.

Lightly jumping off a rock that he perched on during the night, the elf knelt beside the sleeping form and nudged her awake. Yarna jerked involuntarily as she rose from her dream state, whimpering and moaning in her sleep. Legolas's brow furrowed as he drew nearer, his face hovering inches over that of the human woman.

Grey-green eyes fluttered open and adjusted to the face hovering over her, hot air breezing across her face. Momentarily confused, Yarna let out a yelp of surprise and fear, her hands automatically jerking forward and entangling with the fabric as they forcibly moved trying to force the foreign presence away.

Within the span of a second, the Elf found himself flat on his back, the wind knocked out of him, and a dazed look upon his face.

Panting, Yarna raised to a sitting position and saw Legolas laid sprawled out on the ground a few feet from her. Realizing what happened, apologizes spilled out as tears began to well up in her eyes, "I am so sorry Legolas. I did not mean to harm you. I am sorry. I was confused….."

Legolas regained his breath, raising himself up on his elbows and looked at Yarna with a mix of disbelief and amusement, "No need to be Milady. I should have known better than to approach you in such a manner. I did not mean to startle you."

Yarna glanced up and started to laugh. Legolas frowned at her, then raised his hand to examine his head. After a quick inspection, he burst out laughing as well, his hand pulling a stray stick from his hair, which was standing straight up resembling antlers on top of his golden head.

After a few moments of mirth, both settled down and regained their breath.

"I do not mean to laugh, but I just could not help myself."

Legolas hiccupped in air and held up his hand dismissively, "I found it rather amusing myself." With a groan, he got up to his feet and held out his hand to Yarna who gladly accepted and was soon standing beside the elf.

"You should eat. There should still be some roots left in my coat pocket." Legolas dipped his hand into the deep pocket of the overcoat that Yarna slept with now draped on the ground and pulled out a handful of the plants and handed them over, "We should be in Rivendell by late afternoon, and then have a proper meal."

Yarna smiled and accepted the offered roots and made a quick meal out of them. She looked slowly around her surroundings, to the wide grassy plains on her left, to the dipping valley gorge to her right and finally around to the mountain behind her.

The craggy edges of the mountain walls softened to slight slopes and gentle waves, from their sharp angles and threatening shadows. A large precipice jutted out from the side of the mountain, and the wide valley stretched beyond, its end unknown to her eyes. The bright greens of the hills contrasted with the pale virgin snow of the mountain peaks.

A strange sensation floated into Yarna's heart. She felt at peace for the first time in her life. Something just felt right, to be here. On the plain. In this valley. Even in the finality in the mountain behind her. For the first time, life just seemed right.

"We head for the valley, staying close to the plain, then down the slopes into Rivendell," Legolas explained, making sure to keep his steps short so Yarna's smaller legs could keep up.

Yarna remained quiet as she watched the grassy plains wave gently in a soft breath of air, dots of colors splashed the scene dancing in the breeze that played with nature's harmony perfectly. Shades of blue, pink, and yellow added a riot of color to the already beautifully decorated landscape, mixing and intertwining with the pale white and gold grasses. Yarna's face stayed in a permanent grin that reached her eyes, which seemingly twinkled brightly as the previous night stars above.

Legolas noticed the change, his Elven eyes detecting the change in manner. He could almost feel her happiness, as if it was a palpable cloud of warmth and serenity drifting around her. The change in her demeanor made a smile creep onto the prince's face, knowing that she had little happiness or joy in her enslaved life and remembered his own sense of freedom when he had been forced to be a slave to a mortal man.

The two walked on along the edge of the plain, Yarna gently brushing her hands in the tall soft grasses that stretched up and tickled her fingers. She inhaled long and luxuriously, closing her eyes and feeling the perfumed breeze blow in her face and tangled hair. She never felt so free.

Legolas watched her with amusement, noting the way everything seemed to be enveloping his companion as she practically danced through the field. The flowers leaned into her touch. The breeze swept over her constantly. The sun highlighted the fair skin, making the dirt and dried blood seemed foreign and diminutive against her natural glow that now intensified in the direct sunlight. The very sense of nature sang into the elf's mind as he walked slowly towards Rivendell with Yarna practically bouncing at his side, her steps barely disturbing the blades of grass.

After an hour spent in silence, with Yarna practically glowing in the early morning sun, she regarded her elf companion and asked hesitantly, "Legolas, do you mind me asking you a personal question?" 

"That depends on the question and the answer you seek Milady." Legolas said cryptically.

"How do you know Strider? How did you meet?" Yarna asked timidly, hoping she hadn't asked a too embarrassing question.

Legolas dramatically sighed and started to recall the fateful day from the past, "I was sent to Rivendell with an urgent message from my father. As I was traveling, I was attacked."

"Oh no!" Yarna said, looking over at Legolas with concern.

"It was Strider," Legolas laughed. "I did not know that he was out hunting and had never met him. Imagine my surprise when I am attacked by a human!"

Yarna laughed along, wondering momentarily how that would look. Legolas, continuing his tale interrupted her thoughts.

"It is very difficult to sneak up on an elf. I did not know that a human had learned how, so I was very surprised when I found him pinning me to the ground and demanding to know why I was trespassing on his fathers' land."

"I bet that was a sight to behold," Yarna said through snickers.

Legolas nodded, his mind drifting back to the scene of Strider's face full of protective arrogance, demanding why he had trespassed on the Elven Lord's lands, "Oh, of that I have no doubt. I flipped him off, but he somehow gained his footing again and knocked me back down. We rolled down a hill and landed at his twin brothers' feet."

"His brothers? Did they attack you to?"

"Nay," Legolas nearly snorted with mirth but continued. "When they realized what was going on, they immediately separated us and explained to Strider who I was."

"Oh, I bet he was embarrassed to find out he attacked a friend of his fathers."

"He was. But more so when he was told he just subdued the son of King Thrandruil." Legolas said.

Yarna's jaw dropped as she stared at the elf beside her, "You… you… you are… "

Legolas glanced at Yarna with a look of non-concern and stated rather flatly, with a shrug,  "I am the Prince of Mirkwood. Son of King Thrandruil."

Sheer horror snaked through Yarna's veins like venomous tentacles, turning her insides into ice, colder than the snow that capped the mountains behind her. She stared blankly, eyes blinking furiously, trying to decipher the new information while her heart hammered brutally against her ribs.

Growing uncomfortable with the silence stretching between them, Legolas spoke up, "My Lady?"

Yarna's mouth hung open as words completely failed her. She had tended to a prince! A member of a royal court had rescued her! The Prince had carried her like a child through the woods to safety! She told him of her past and as a member of royalty, would surely punish her for her acts and misdeeds.

But worse and the knowledge made a lump lodge itself in her throat as he mouth went dry.… She had knocked him to the ground and treated him like a commoner!

Finding her voice, Yarna stammered, "I am sorry Your Highness. I did not know.."

Legolas interrupted her, perhaps a bit curter than he had wanted, "Do not treat me any differently Yarna. I am still the same person you tended to while imprisoned…"

"But I did not know who or what you were!"

"It makes no difference. I am still Legolas."

"You can claim me! You have the authority to punish me or-…."

"I will do no such thing!" Legolas said sternly. His eyes were narrowed and his demeanor composed, but his voice trembled slightly as he softly spoke, "Not I or anyone else will ever have authority to punish or claim you as a slave."

Yarna's eyes were brimming with tears as her mind argued that the elf will change his mind and enslave her as all the others before, but yet, the sincerity in his voice and the remorse in his eyes, contradicted the rationalizing her mind was trying to argue. Her memories replayed all of the events of the past week and of the kindness and protective nature the elf prince had displayed. Her heart screamed saying that his words were true, and that she should not be afraid, that this was familiar somehow. That he had experienced the same treatment at the hands of Men, and could sympathize with her plight.

"Yarna?" Legolas interrupted the silence, "Yarna, please do not think me capable of causing you harm or betraying your trust in me."

Yarna's throat constricted at his words, her mind trying to comprehend the elf's words.  He had shown her courtesy and respect, been gentlemanly and even humble in his manners. He had offered freedom and safe haven from the ones that would do her harm. There was no harshness to his voice, no evil glint in his eye, no malice in his posture.

Shaking the worry from herself, she smiled, her heart overriding her warring mind, "It is hard to lose the instinct of a lifetime. I do trust you, but it is hard to adjust to change, especially such a drastic one."

"It is understandable, My Lady." Legolas bowed his head. "But you will change much easier when your mind is used to being free."

"It is hard to change things I have had to learn to survive," Yarna said with a small voice.

"In time, with the company of friends, you will learn to find peace," Legolas assured her.

Yarna smiled as she followed the Elf down a sharp inclining glen, which led down into the valley of Rivendell. Yarna gasped as her eyes noticed the small buildings nestled amongst the towering trees and tangles of flowing waterfalls, intertwining and etching out a tapestry of peaceful wilderness.

After several moments Yarna spoke up, "Why did not you tell me you were a prince?"

"My Lady, at the time, the mere presence of a stranger caused you unrest. I did not think it wise to expose who I was to you, or anyone else. Sometimes, being just 'an elf' is enough; no one need know my full identity. It is necessary sometimes to protect myself from those that would use my title to their own benefit."

Yarna nodded her understanding, her eyes watching the ground closely, as it became softer with emerald green grass.

"I bet your parents worry about you when you are out on your own," Yarna said.

With a heavy sigh, Legolas said, "My father worries about me no matter where I am. As for my mother, she sailed long ago to the Undying Lands."

"Oh, I am sorry," Yarna stuttered. "I did not know."

Legolas allowed a small sad smile to touch his lips, and fix upon his face, "I shall see her again, as will my father. There is no reason to be mournful. Our parting is for a short time, and then we will be together again."

"Do you know when you will see her? Will she come back?"

"Nay. She will remain in the Undying Lands, waiting for my father and I. I will see her when I feel it is time."

"Feel that it is time?" Yarna asked curiously. "Do you not want to see her now?"

"When I feel the call from the sea, I shall go." Legolas explained. "I do miss her, but the time is not right for me to leave Middle Earth. I have much to do before I sail away."

"Like what?"

Legolas's eyes clouded over, the normal twinkle dimmed in their depths, "I do not know when the time will come, but I feel that it is most important for me to remain until what I must do has been completed."

"Seems rather sad to me," Yarna said her voice low and husky. "How will you know that it is time to leave?"

"Elves know the greatest of joy and the deepest of sorrow. We have watched over this land and cared for its people for many millennia. But our time is fading. We no longer wish to stay, only to return home. " Legolas fell into step beside the small human and continued, "When the call of the sea is so great I can no longer resist it, then I will know that it is time."

"Sounds like you already hear the call," Yarna interjected.

Legolas's steps faltered, but he quickly recovered and regarded the woman beside him, "The song of the sea is always in my mind, but I still long for the trees of Middle Earth. I do not wish to leave my home yet."

"The song of the sea," Yarna repeated, her eyes seemed distant and unfocused. "That sounds so wonderful. So much peace awaits across the sea."

Legolas nodded his head slowly, "The Undying Lands is where all Elves are called to."

Yarna took a deep breath, her eyes drifting over the countryside, the rocky valley, the majestic mountains, and finally the elf walking slowly at her side, lost in his own thoughts and quiet musings.

The pass into the valley narrowed, until the elf and woman had to walk single file along its pass. Yarna's smile broadened as she neared and her eyes detected the beautiful structures of Elven architecture that seemed to hug nature and embrace it with loving gentleness. Buildings peeked through the canopies and nestled back against the wilderness, blending into their surroundings perfectly.

Legolas felt a prickle run down the back of his neck and his mind buzz with alarm. Stopping dead in his tracks, he placed his hand behind him to stop Yarna's progression and remained motionless, sensing the strangeness of the sensation that hummed through his mind and body.

Soundlessly, a tall dark haired elf appeared on the path, his posture straight, his eyes alight, and his clothing sweeping around him and partially concealing him amongst the surrounding foliage.

"Who dares to approach Imladris?" he asked in rapid Elvish.

Legolas bowed his head, his right hand sweeping across his chest and laying across his heart.

The guardian elf immediately recognized the Prince and returned the gesture, his eyes darting to the small figure behind him, "Who is this that you bring with you, Prince Legolas?"

Legolas turned slightly gesturing for Yarna to step forward, but one look upon her face, told the Prince that she was close to panic. Her eyes were wild with fear, her mouth slightly agape, her body trembling like a leaf caught in a high wind.

Legolas frowned, then turned back to the sentry, "My father sent a message to Lord Elrond. During my journey I was imprisoned and have escaped with the lady's help from Ford's Flat. Now we are in need of sanctuary."

With a rather short nod, the guardian elf stepped aside and allowed the Prince to pass, but his eyes remained fixed upon the small human following him. Yarna refused to move, her legs felt like lead and her heart seemingly stopped beating. Her throat was dry, her eyes cloudy, her stomach felt like it was doing flip flops.

Realizing that he was alone on the path, Legolas turned to see the guardian staring down the visibly terrified woman. With a quick stride, the elf Prince was back at her side, blocking the line of vision between her and the guardian elf.

"Yarna?" Legolas prodded.

No response from her, not even a blink. Just staring, blank fathomless eyes.

"Yarna?" Legolas grabbed a firm hold on the woman's shoulders and slightly shook her. "Yarna! He will not harm you. He is only here to protect Rivendell. Do not fear him."

Yarna's eyes blinked furiously as she stared into the eyes of the Prince, "I… I can not …" She started shaking her head furiously, her eyes growing larger.

"What can you not do Yarna?" Legolas pressed, hoping his voice was firm and not revealing his anxiety.

"I.. I can not go… please do not make me go there!" Yarna pleaded, "There.. elves will be there!"

"Yes, Yarna," Legolas lowered his eyes so their eyes would be level, "But as I told you, they will not harm you. They will give you protection."

Yarna was shaking her head, her eyes never leaving those of the Prince.

"Yarna, you said you trust me," Legolas said, his voice dropping. "Please believe me when I tell you that you will be safe here. You are among friends. I promise you that I will not allow you to be harmed."

Yarna's demeanor relaxed slightly, "Promise?"

"I promise. No harm will come to you while in Rivendell," Legolas said gently.

With a hesitant nod, Yarna took a small step forward, following the Prince into the heart of Rivendell. Her eyes remained focused on the back of the Princes' head, as she forced her mind to calm itself and her body to relax.

Legolas passed by the sentry and nodded briefly, his quick Elven eyes detecting something unsettling about the guard. He had thought it was curiosity, or perhaps impatience with the human, but he could have sworn he detected something like loathing in the Rivendell Elf's eyes. Something that sent an uneasy feeling coiling in the pit of the Princes' stomach. The tingling returned to the back of his consciousness as he led Yarna into the Elven haven.

The guardian elf watched the human pass by with unmistakable hatred in his eyes. He had hoped the Prince wouldn't notice, but the quickest of double takes, told him that his feelings were not undetected by the Mirkwood Prince. He watched with a sneer as the two rounded a sharp outcropping and disappeared from view.

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My stars and Elves! Took them long enough eh? But I wanted to make sure some things were pointed out. Sorry if it bored ya, but I promise the next chapter will be a bit more fun… with a twist of course.. hey, this IS me your talking to! Lol Rivendell and the lovely House of Elrond family shall be there…. Oh dear…. More Strider. grins