Aren't plot bunnies great? Yep, this one bit me during Christmas dinner, which caused quite a disturbance I can tell you. This is a little odd I know, but I hope it is enjoyed. I just want to make it clear that this is AU, Alternate Universe; I know there is generally always someone who does not know the difference so I wish to make it absolutely clear.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, nothing at all. I'm even borrowing my body from God, and I'll have to give it back to him at some point. Though I did create some original characters, they are based on Tolkien's works so I claim no ownership.

Oh. My. God. Thank you so much for all the positive reviews! I love you all, and I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas, Hannukah, Solstice or Kwanzaa! Hugs and Aubergines for all!

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~Friday's Child~

"Helder, go and alert the King," Galdol said firmly, as they walked swiftly along the winding passages of the Elvenking's cavernous halls, their faces tinted red due to the flickering scarlet lamps lighting the way. "He should know of the Orc attack, and send another company as quickly as possible to find out more. And tell him of this little one." The dark-haired archer nodded curtly and left in the direction of the main hall, where Thranduil the Elvenking sat on his carven chair. The other elves of their party had left them, either to the armoury or kitchens, or instead to their own homes in the trees of Mirkwood in the safer regions of the forest. Only Legolas remained with Galdol, striding along beside him and watching the Dwarf with curiosity. Finally, he spoke:

"Why is he dressed so, Galdol?" he queried, gesturing the older Elf's burden. "I thought dwarves were a wealthy folk."

"So some of them are," Galdol agreed. "But since the Dragon came, many have taken refuge in the Blue Mountains, but there are some that are still simple wanderers, and it is my guess that this Dwarf is one of them."

Legolas nodded in understanding, and cast a glance behind them, in the direction the Lonely Mountain, the lair of the Dragon Smaug, lay beyond Mirkwood.

Finally, they reached the Healing quarters. The two Elves had walked with confidence and a surety that showed that they knew exactly where they were going, but the winding, twisting passages would surely have confused any who did not know their way around. Galdol gently laid the Dwarf down on a bed and turned to Legolas. "Stay with him," he ordered. "I shall find Dalmar." The young Elf nodded, and Galdol left to seek out the Healer. Legolas sighed, and sat down on a chair beside the bed. He did not particularly want to look over the Dwarf, but Galdol had asked him to, and Legolas looked up to and respected the older Elf.

Now, he studied the Dwarf. Naugrim, his people called them: the Stunted, and stunted they were. Why, this one stood no more than four feet in height! Yet, he was strong enough to wield a battle-axe, and moreso, judging by the muscles evident on his arms. Just a youngster, Galdol had said, but he was bearded as an elder, and Legolas found this concept disturbingly alien. When (and if) the Dwarf awoke, Legolas wondered what would happen, for dwarves were uncouth, suspicious creatures, and Legolas did not doubt that no gratitude would be given for it's rescue. But even so, there was something in the Dwarf's face; a peaceful honesty that Legolas could not place, yet he knew that there was something different, something unusual about this particular Naug.

Galdol soon returned with Dalmar, the Healer. Though Elves knew nothing of sickness, it was essential to have a resident Healer in case of severe battle injuries, infection or any other such ailment that even the even the Elves were susceptible to, and which would need proper attention.

Dalmar was an older Elf, who had served Oropher, the father of Thranduil, for many long years, though his face was ageless there was wisdom in his deep eyes. As he entered, he pulled his silver hair into a long tail away from his face, and knelt by the Dwarf. Legolas had long admired Dalmar, for he was patient almost to a fault, and his non-judgemental attitude meant that he harboured little to no prejudice. There were even rumours that the blood of the Lady Galadriel of Lothlórien ran in his veins, but when the subject was broached none could give reasons and there was no proof.

Now, the gentle Elf was unlacing the Dwarf's simple tunic to look over his injuries. Legolas stepped away to let Dalmar work and stood by the door with the silent Galdol. He could not see what Dalmar was doing, but he soon spoke out.

"'Tis as I thought," he said softly, and whether he spoke to the other two Elves, the unconscious Dwarf or to himself was not clear. "Three broken ribs, lucky it was not more, and severe bruising to the chest and stomach."

"No internal bleeding?" Galdol asked, and by the worried tone of his voice Legolas knew this was what had concerned him most.

"None..." murmured Dalmar, still pressing his long fingers lightly to the Dwarf's chest, "which is lucky; had he been any but a Dwarf these injuries would have been far more worrisome. No," he straightened and walked over to a cupboard on the wall nearby, where he kept his medical supplies, "what worries me most is his hunger. He has obviously not eaten for a very long time, and is desperately under-weight. However, first I must tend these hurts."

As the Healer began to tightly bandage the Dwarf's chest, to bind his broken ribs in place, the door opened and a young Elf put her head inside.

"My apologies," she said, her expression unreadable, "but the King has asked for Master Legolas and Galdol. He wishes to speak with them urgently."

"Of course, Gilriel," Galdol replied. "Come, Legolas. We shall return afterwards, Dalmar." Dalmar nodded his head, but he was so absorbed in his work that Legolas doubted he had truly heard him. As he followed Gilriel and Galdol out the door, Galdol caught his eye, and grimaced slightly. Legolas knew exactly what he meant; Thranduil, though a fair and decent King, was strong-willed and high-hearted, and would not approve of this new turn of events.

He walked silently behind the other two Elves, until they reached Thranduil's hall. It was a large room, with pillars of carven wood, and an ornately carved wooden chair on which Thranduil sat, crowned with autumn leaves and berries on his golden hair. He did not look happy.

"Ah, Galdol, Legolas," the King began, his voice tense. "Come here, if you please. Gilriel, leave us."

Galdol caught Legolas's eye one last time, and attempted a smile. Legolas knew this was not going to be one of the best moments of his life.

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Thanks for reading, peeps. Please, oh please, leave a review! But I still really need a beta, so if anyone would offer... (pleading)

~Kalimac~