A/N: First off I do NOT own Legolas(and any other character from lord of the ringsÉall credit goes to J.R.R. Tolkein..even thoug he is dead.)Ésigh if only I wish I couldÉI meanÉuhÉanywayÉSecondly, I do own Catia, Quiena, Carrick, Diamotia, and other characters I decide to createÉ ThirdlyÉfor those who are queasy @ heartÉbeware of this chapter since I got kinda descriptive..Thanks!

Aud

Chapter 3

Catia was crying so loudly that she didn't hear the two creatures come into the cottage. She did hear one come up behind her and another gasp in shock. She reached for the small dagger that she kept in her bodice. Turning quickly she caught the creature behind her off guard and put the dagger to the elf's neck.

"Legolas!" a voice cried out, causing Catia to stop and think. ÔPrince Legolas?; But that was as far as she got before a searing pain and darkness enveloped her.

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Legolas watched as the young maiden crumpled at his feet. Subconsiously, he brough his fingers to where the maiden's blade had drawn a trickle of blood.

He then looked at Carrick, who's face was pale. "What is the matter?" He asked.

"This roomÉis a death trap. Come, lets head back to the palace." Carrick turned and head out the door.

Legolas began to follow when he turned back.

He walked out the door and back to where Carrick and the servant waited. "Why did you bring her?" Carrick asked, pointing to the limp figure in Legolas' arms.

"She has no family left and the bump you gave her might need medical attention.' Legolas said. Carrick shrugged and the small group headed back to the palace.

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Meanwhile at the palace, Queen Quiena was starting to worry. Her other three son's had come home immediately, but Legolas had yet to appear.

"Me llamta, Chah andu otleo, My love, what is the matter?" her husband asked her.
"Your son has yet to return Thranduil," She said turning towards the window.

"Do not worry, he will show." Thranduil said, pacing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. At that exact moment, the door to the throne room opened and in came Legolas. Quiena turned to face her son and gasped, "Legolas, my son, are you alright? You're covered in blood!

Legolas glanced down then back up, "I'm fine mother! But there is a girl in the infirmarary, she's fine but she has no family. This new breed of orcs hacked her family to pieces.

Quiena gasped and put her hand to her heart. "The poor girl. Well, she' be safe here. Go change, dinner will be served soon." Legolas bowed to his parents and closed the door. He turned, let out a sigh of relief, and thanked the Valar that he wasn't grounded.

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Catia moaned and rolled over. Her head felt like it was literally split in two.

"Your Highness, the young maiden is coming to." A voice said from faraway.

Catia forced her eyes open and was met with a high ceiling. She sat up on the large, soft bed. "Where am I and how'd I get here?" she wondered aloud.

"You are in the palace in Mirkwood, and you came here by the strength of my son." A soft female voice said stepping out of the shadows and into the candlelight. Catia's eyes widened as she recognized who the female was.

"The Valar bless you Queen Quiena." Catia said while bowing her head.

"Thank you my child. Now I hear you have no family. Please tell me all that you know." The queen said, suddenly turning serious.

So Catia retold what she could remember. From entering the cottage until she got knocked out. The Queen listened intently and didn't interrupt her.

"You poor child." The queen said finally when Catia was finished. Catia was about to respond when her stomach interrupted her. "Ah, you must be hungry. I'll send up one of the maids with a dress so that you may join us for dinner. "The Queen turned around.

"Wait!" The queen turned to face Catia. "Where will I stay since I have no family?" The queen seemed to be in deep thought.

"You may stay at the palaceÉif you wish." With that said, the queen left Catia's room.

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Catia made her way to the dining hall. She had been poked and prodded at, squeezed into a beautiful light yellow gown, and had her hair redone. She just hoped that it was worth the effort. She reached the dining hall with little difficulty and pushed the door open.

When she entered, she stared in amazement at the beautiful room. Hardly a soul was there, except for the Queen. "Ah my dear, come here and I'll show you where you'll be sitting." Catia walked forward uneasily in her heels. She had begged the maids to allow her to wear her boots or go in bare feet but to no avail.

Catia sat down and began to fiddle with her dress. The doors opened and in came King Thranduil, followed by the four princes. Catia stood and bowed.

"Come, come my dear, no need to be formal." The king tutted. Catia rose with a faint blush on her cheeks.

"I trust you know all of my sons?" The king asked her. She shook her head. "Well then! I shall introduce them. There's Prince Heothe, Prince Gerltase, Prince Alderon, and the eldest, Prince Legolas." Each bowed to Catia who curtsied back.

"And you may be?" Prince Alderon asked her.

"My name is Catia Silverwood." She said.

"Well, now that we know one another, lets eat." The King, Queen, and four princes took their places while Catia sat down.

The meal was extravagant. Catia had never seen so much food and cleared off three plates. The dinner conversation was light, the princes chatted about how their fighting skills were coming along, while the King and Queen discussed politics.

Catia was feeling rather lonely and was staring at her empty plate when a hand touched her arm. She startled from her blank stare and looked over.

"I'm sorry about the bump on the head. Carrick can get a little too protective." Legolas said.

"I'm the one who should be sorry, Prince Legolas. I shouldn't have threatened you." Catia said back to him.

She politely excused herself and wandered back to her room, where she fell asleep on the bed. She didn't even bother to remove her gown.