Chapter Seven: Hecka Bad Timing.

Aragorn's P.O.V

It had been but a week after the caves and no one had said much on the subject... or on anything at all. Legolas walked ahead, scouting for stray Orcs or wild packs roaming around. Nightfall approached and we stopped to make camp. Only I, Legolas, Boromir, and Gimli were permitted to stay for watch. The others needed their rest. As we settled in, Stephanie wandered to a field on the right of us. I paid no heed. She had been distracted lately. The four other girls idly sat around the fire, gazing at its red flames.

"It's been a week," Shannon muttered. Her twin looked up.

"It has... hasn't it?"

"Yeah. We can't just stay silent like this. It's going to drive us all insane," Brianna said, trying to raise the sprits. She was met with weak smiles.

"Nice one Bri," Shelby sighed. I looked away from them and examined the Hobbit quartet. They were asleep. Amazing, they had only been sitting for under five minutes. Gimli and Boromir were falling asleep for that matter, their watch wasn't until the morning hours. Legolas moved back to me.

"An uneasy feeling is in the air. It's been nagging at me since we stopped."

"You are tired, Legolas. Take leave, I'll watch first."

He hesitated, then nodded. We heard a cry in the distance. Stephanie was bent over, cradling her right hand in pain.

"Stephanie!?" I called, standing quickly and rushing over with Legolas in tow. The girls around the fire whipped their heads around and soon joined us. The light brunette winced as I took her hand and inspected it. "What happened?" I asked.

"I don't know," she answered fearfully. "I saw some flowers right there and went to pick some. A bug crawled out of one and bit me!"

Legolas looked over my shoulder, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at the wound.

"That is a Daricase bite. We must get something on that!"

He raced back to his bag and retrieved all sorts of jars. Once back to us, Stephanie sat down, feeling suddenly faint.

"'Tis no surprise. I was wondering when you would feel the effects of the poison," the Elf said while creating a medical paste. "They roam in fields near The Golden Woods, a sure sign that we are close to Lorien indeed. This creature's poison is able to kill in five days or less."

That is not what everyone expected to hear.

"Then what do we do?!" Shelby cried, worry written in bold letters across her face.

"There is an antidote, but it is in Lothlorien... and that is more than a week off," My friend replied, applying the greenish mixture to Stephanie's now numb hand. The girl blinked rapidly, her eye lids becoming heavy for no reason, and finally closed. She fell onto Shelby, who was sitting next to her. This situation was not looking good for her.

I thought quickly.

"Then we must make our move now. Saddle up! We travel without rest!"

Groans came from several people, but they complied. No one would risk Stephanie's fragile life for comfort. The Elf lifted the girl onto Baby, Shelby jumping on behind her.

"Hold her tight," he said, then suddenly stopped, sensing a foul presence.

"What? What is it?" Gimli asked, packing his bag. Legolas looked deep into the foliage.

"Orcs."

"Not now!" cried Shannon. She slung her bag over her shoulder with one strap and quickly drew her sword. Sharylan and Brianna did the same. Shelby began to dismount, but I stopped her.

"No! You have to get Stephanie to Lothlorien! Take Frodo with you."

The young Hobbit was handed to her. She placed him in front of Stephanie securely.

"What, why me?"

"You are lightest here. You can make the trip."

"But... I don't know where Lothlorien is! I can't!"

"Shelby, you must go! The Orcs will come looking for the ring soon and Stephanie will not last the delay. Just follow the stream," Legolas instructed.

I placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Now, you will come across an Elf named Haldir. He is a friend to Legolas and me. Tell him of our problem. Go now, before it's too late!"

The girl was reluctant at first, looking the Fellowship over. She then nodded. Frodo looked to me.

"Take care Strider."

"You also Master Frodo. Off with you!"

"Run Baby, hurry!" Shelby commanded, spurring the mare. They shot off, disappearing in the surrounding forest.

Pippin's P.O.V.

First, Gandalf fell down a big scary pit, then Stephanie got bitten, now Orcs were coming after us! I can't take all this stress!

I saw Legolas and Aragorn with Shelby and Stephanie, saddling up. They mounted Baby and were told to go to Lothlorien. Strider then grabbed Frodo and forced him on the horse. He really didn't have a choice there. Shelby looked to all of us. I thought she was going to burst into tears when Legolas told her to leave. He nodded softly then turned his attention back to the oncoming Orcs. She nodded too and told Baby to flee. The horse ran into the distance, entering the trees. I prayed that they got there safely and looked to the pack of Orcs in front of us.

"Make escape for the forest once in battle. We will take care of the rest," Gimli said. When the Orcs hit; me, the others, and the girls ran for our lives to the dark forest. We could see Legolas and Aragorn hit the enemy hard. Gimli and Boromir held back their strength to save for later. Orc bodies fell left and right.

"Do you think Frodo's going to get to Lothlorien?" Merry asked in a hushed voice.

"Yes, Baby's a fast horse. She will get them there," Sam assured. Shannon squeezed my shoulder.

"The battle's almost over."

A loud scream sounded from beside us. We whirled to see Legolas and an Orc rolling through the bushes.

"Look at 'em go," I breathed. The others glanced at me and shook their heads slightly.

"Run!" the Elf shouted, jamming his dagger into the Orc's throat. "More are coming! Follow Baby's tracks!"

Merry's P.O.V

I'm only talking for a few moments... just to throw in my two cents.

We ran through the forest. I tripped at least four times.

"This is just great," I muttered.

"We don't have time to whine Merry. Getting to Lothlorien is top on our list," Brianna panted. We were running at top speed. Baby's tracks were still fresh in the mud. We could hear the last sounds of battle. There was a gruff cry, Gimli's, and then a gasp and thud.

"Stupid Elf!!" rang out through the grove.

"I guess they're gone now." Sharylan sighed in relief.

"Wrong guess mortal!"

A burly Orc came from nowhere and grabbed her from behind, wrapping a large arm tightly around her neck. His followers also showed themselves. We backed away slowly. Aragorn, Gimli, and Boromir caught up to us... but stopped in their tracks.

"Let her go," Boromir demanded, taking a brave step forward. The monstrous beast placed a crooked dagger to Lady Sharylan's neck. She whimpered slightly. I suddenly looked around.

"Where's Legolas?" I asked Sam, who shrugged. Our question was soon answered.

(A/N: Hey, Queen Shadow here... Need to let you know a few things going down k? Good. First: I can't spell. Anyone who flames me for spelling some outlandish place's name wrong can kiss my grits! Second: Mine and Legolas's relationship will be looked upon for about the entire book. The others will be mentioned, but nothing too serious. All you fan girls are pretty pissed... I can tell. Third: Elvish will be typed like this, see? since I don't know any except for Dad and friend. And all ya'll out there with problems with Mary-Sues... don't trip k? If you do... I'll be forced to use my almighty powers against you!!! MWAHAHAHAHAH!! Alright... back to the story.)

Stop! Back away from her now! A voice called from the surrounding trees.

The Orc and his followers looked up, having heard the heated command. Armed Elves appeared out of thin air, one of them being Legolas, training their loaded bows on the black creatures.

"Who commands me!?"

I answer to no one. Release her or I will give the command to shoot.

"I fear neither death nor Elf!!" it growled. Wrong answer.

A blond Elf stepped from behind a tree, fire in his blue eyes.

"Do not tempt me Orc. Release the human."

The leader reluctantly let go and stepped back. Legolas jumped down from a nearby tree and quickly grabbed Sharylan. He then motioned to an Elven solider.

Ficlams, your help is greatly appreciated. The two clasped shoulders briefly. Take the Orcs to be executed.

The other nodded, signaling for the army to round up the beasts and lead them away.

"Just in time," Pippin sighed.

"Now that the danger's past... we can continue from here to Lothlorien," Legolas said. Aragorn looked to him.

"Where is Haldir?"

The archer called another guard over.

"Any news on Lord Haldir's whereabouts?"

"Yes my lord. He was on his way here, but spotted a pack of Orcs chasing a Hobbit and two maidens on horseback. He took half the fleet to persue them."

"What are their location and status?" Legolas asked quickly.

"The Hobbit was unscathed. One of the woman, lightly colored, had been infected by a strong poison. She was barely responsive. The other, an oddly dark girl, was shot by an Orc's arrow while fleeing. Her condition is unknown. They're near the border of Lorien."

The Elf and Ranger looked to each other briefly.

"Take us to them."

Frodo's P.O.V

I was scared to death and nearly knocked off twelve times! Some Orcs had bypassed the Fellowship and come after us. Shelby looked back once hearing their screams.

"Get down!"

I leaned against Baby's neck and Stephanie against me. Shelby stayed upright to steer the horse. Arrows then flew past us.

"Stupid Orc!"

The girl made a quick decision and pulled Baby away from the stream bank.

"We're taking a detour."

We rode quickly through the dense forest, the occasional Orc arrow flying by. Something in the trees caught my eye.

"Shelby," I started. "Elves."

She looked up and grinned. Soon, they started showing up everywhere. The Orcs were detained in a matter of minutes and we were stopped. A tall man with dark blond hair and azure blue eyes approached and demanded our names.

"I am Shelby, this is Stephanie, and Frodo Baggins. We have been traveling with Legolas Greenleaf and Aragorn, son of Arathorn, through the fields of this country. My companion is ill. She has been infected by some poison and is fading quickly. She needs the antidote and Legolas told us it's in Lothlorien. Our party was attacked by Orcs and we were told to flee," she confessed in one breath.

"It is alright, child. Not so much information was needed." The Elf laughed. "You are amongst friends. My name is Haldir, March Warden of Lothlorien."

"Wasn't Lothlorien supposed to be a week away?" I asked Shelby quietly.

She shrugged. "Don't question a good thing."

Haldir looked to all of us and signaled for an Elf to take Stephanie. From behind, we could hear the Orcs protesting their arrest.

"Damn the Elves! Kill every last one!" The leader of their pack stood suddenly and aimed a black tipped arrow towards Haldir. I was pushed to the floor by Shelby. The arrow was released. I looked up in time to see the Orc being killed, but the arrow still flew at the March Warden. Shelby jumped off Baby and in front of him at the last second and was struck in the arm. She faltered, then fell.

"Shelby!" I cried. The young girl let out a scream of pain. The arrow had lodged itself completely through her forearm. Haldir reached down and cradled her to his chest.

"We must get to Lorien! In the meantime... execute the Orcs."

The band of Elves nodded. Haldir looked to me.

"Come Master Frodo, make haste! Ladies Shelby and Stephanie will not last long!"

My blood ran cold. The Warden led us to a hidden road, overgrown with thick brush. We walked for close to three hours. I stayed near the girls, making sure they made it through. Haldir finally got us to a camp. One problem... it was in the branches of a tall tree.

"Shelby, can you hear me?" I asked, crouching over her as she lay next to Stephanie. She shook her head slightly and mumbled out a name. I barely heard it, but figured out that it was Legolas. Speak of the Elf, he came jumping through the branches... the rest of the Fellowship climbing the ladder near the edge of the platform.

"Frodo!"

The Hobbits finally spied me, rushing over. They smashed me under a dog pile, laughing away.

"It's good to see you all too." I squeaked.

Rushed steps sounded behind me. Sitting up, we saw Sharylan, Shannon, and Brianna fall next to their friends.

OMG, what happened to her?" Bri asked, touching Shelby's arm lightly.

"An Orc shot her," I responded, coming to sit next to them. "She's been out for hours."

A soldier came with a vial of green liquid. He dropped to one knee and lifted Stephanie up gently, feeding her the medicine. She finally cracked an eye open to our smiling faces.

"How you feeling?" Shannon asked. Steph shook her head.

"I hurt like hell."

"You should," a new voice started. The nine of us turned to see Haldir, smiling slightly down on her. "Daricase are deadly and their poison is known to liquefy their prey's insides."

"That's nice," she sighed. The Lorien Elf kneeled and sat her up, resting her against him.

"You have shown amazing strength against this, how could that be?"

"Beats me."

Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas approached next.

Stephanie's P.O.V

I was talking to Shelby and Legolas when I blacked out. I just woke up with a good taste in my mouth. Yum! I think its lime Kool-Aid! I cracked an eye open and saw the Hobbits and girls over me. There was also a grip of Elves standing around. They all looked like Legolas! Yes!!! The trademark blond hair, though a shade darker; the blue eyes, not as clear, more silver then anything, but they were Elves!! I opened my mouth to speak, but my throat was so dry. That Kool-Aid did nothing for me. I sat up, with a strange Elf's help, and looked around.

"Where am I? Where's Baby and Neko?" I squeaked. One of the guards turned to me.

"You're in the Golden Wood my Lady. Lord Haldir has brought you here and sent the horse and kitten to a safer place."

"Lord Haldir?" I looked to the Elf holding me and blushed slightly. "Uh... hey."

"Greetings young one."

Legolas and crew came up next. Aragorn nodded down at me, then looked to the side. My eyes focused on a prone figure.

"Shelby!" I cried, crawling over to her. She was taking short breathes, paler then Legolas. (Amazing!) Brianna shook her head slowly. "She's alive... barely."

"What happened?" I looked over to Legolas pleadingly. "Tell me, what happened?"

"They said it was an Orc's arrow, tipped with Mordor's poison."

I sat perfectly still. Shel's been shot? Poison!? What's going on!!? Shannon and Sharylan made me lie down again. Haldir and Aragorn went off somewhere to talk as we and the Hobbits looked after Shelby. Legolas stood near us, glancing over occasionally.

"Where do you think we'll go after this?" Sam asked, practically sitting on my lap. I looked away. I just didn't know anymore. Heated conversation came from a corner of the platform. Aragorn and Haldir were really going at it. Boromir and Gimli sat on the opposite side of us, trying not to fall asleep. Finally, the shouting stopped. We looked up and see Haldir glaring at Frodo.

"Come with us."

It was a stern command. His troop of soldiers complied and quickly descended. I was now in the arms of an Elvish guard. Yes!! Shannon looked over jealously. I smirked and laid my head on the man's soft shoulder. drools

Brianna's P.O.V

Well... to sum everything up, Shelby's in a coma-type-thing and Legolas had drafted us for the E.S.G. (Elven Search Group) Sometimes I feel he just doesn't like me. So here me, Shannon, and Sharylan were... scouting for wood and water. We were currently two days off from Lorien.

"I don't like this. And why do we need wood? Lorien's a freaking forest!" I said out loud. No one seemed to care. We looked about for a moment.

"So... Where's the stream?"

"Our job is to find it. Now stop your whining and point your energy towards getting the task done!" The head Elf guy snapped, clearly frustrated with me... already. Sad I know. Give me a break! I'd been transferred to some weird world by accident, forced along on a suicidal quest, and now conned into looking around for wood and water! I can only take so much.

"Is there no relief from this pain I feel!?" I cried into the air.

"Shan... you should go back to the group," I suggested, seeing my friend lagging behind. She'd been tired for the longest time now.

"And face the wrath of Legolas all by myself? I'd rather die by Orc blade!"

"That will be the case if you do not keep quiet!" The Captain man yelled. I was really getting tried of him!! Grumbling... I walked off into the forest and finally saw a clear water spring.

"Found it!!"

Shannon came from behind me.

"Good girl. Now... go fetch me some wood!"

I glare at her.

"That wasn't cute."

"Get wood anyway!"

"No!!"

"Be quiet! You, dark one... get wood!!"

Dark one? Excuse me... Dark one? I'll kill that Elf if it's the last thing I do!!! How dare he!? Racist moron!!

"Oh yeah..." I mumbled, walking off, picking twigs and shit off the ground. I knelt to pick some up. "You'll be the first gone." A cry suddenly hit me... sending the load of planks in my arms to the floor.

'What the hell was that!?' my mind screamed. I ran back to the clearing and saw about twelve Orcs fighting with the Elven Army.

"Sharylan!!" I called, looking around.

"Over here!!" I glanced over and saw the other two by a grove of trees. My legs carried me as fast as they would go. We ran for all our worth over to Legolas and the group. He grabbed me gently by the arm.

"Come, you must flee!" He pulled me along, making sure the Fellowship and the Elves carrying Steph and Shel were behind him. A soldier up ahead waved us over.

"Follow me! Quickly!!"

He led us through the battle, jumping over bodies and ducking behind trees. More Elves joined us in escape, including Haldir.

"The battle is lost! Stay near the trees. The enemy will not be able to see you in the foliage," he said. We made our escape to a back trail, one that lay parallel to the main one... just farther away from the Orcs. Once away from danger, the girls, Hobbits, and I were left as the guards and guys went to fight again.

"What do we do?" Shannon asked.

"Don't worry Lass, we'll win this," Gimli assured. "Come Boromir... they won't make it by themselves!"

The two ran back to the battle, following Aragorn and Legolas.

Aragorn's P.O.V

Blasted Orcs! They arrive at the worst time!

After getting the children and Hobbits to safe haven, some guards and I headed back to battle. Gimli, Boromir, and Legolas had joined and together, we eliminated the problem at hand. I swung my sword true, finding its mark in the chest of an Orc.

The Dwarf near me chopped violently at the black beasts and took care of himself. Boromir stayed close, picking off the ones who had a hard time dying after I stabbed them. That left Legolas at the front. He put away his beloved bow and arrows and unsheathed his twin white swords. In a deadly dance of skill, he made quick work of the enemies closest to him.

Not even I was able to see the unusually tall, muscular Orc stationed behind my fearless friend.

Legolas slashed through yet another beast, staining his blades. The monster from afar notched two tree trunks of arrows and took careful aim. In the heat of battle, this act was ignored.

"Their numbers are falling!" Haldir shouted over, plunging a dagger into an Orc's throat. "Hope is restored!"

Gimli smiled, standing behind me and watching as the remaining beasts escaped through the trees. That's when the Chieftain came into view.

"Legolas!!" I cried, trying to reach the Elf. Boromir stopped his celebrating to see the reason behind my urgency. He too attempted to reach the prince.

The Elf in question looked my way, the smile on his face disappearing as he saw our fright. He then turned to Gimli and Haldir, confused, leaving his left side open to attack. That's when it happened.

"Watch out!" I yelled, noticing the mistake too late to stop.

The Orc released its string, launching both arrows into the air. They were now set on Legolas. With the arrows less then twelve feet in front, the Elven Prince whirled around to face with the projectiles, finally sensing their presence. He jumped sideways, dodging the first. The second caught him just below the ribs. Haldir and Gimli leaped forward. Legolas faltered for a moment, then regained footing and reached for his bow. He whirled around, notching three sleek arrows and let them go just as fast. The black beast fell... Legolas staggered and returned his bow to its resting place.

Beta Notes:

Don't kill me! (ducks variety of sharp pointy objects) This is seriously where the chap ends, I didn't delete it or anything. I'll get to work on the next chapter ASAP! (I wanna know what happens, too.)

Um... sorry this one's so late in coming. I had an excuse prepared, but my dog ate it. Hopefully next installment is up sooner, but with finals coming up... (shudder) My folks will kill me if I don't pull up my grades.

Ooh- Guess what?! This story got flamed! Q.S. and I were both laughing hysterically when we read it. 'Why do you torture us with Mary-Sue stories?' Oh my frickin' GOD, people, if you don't like it, don't read it! If you'll notice, this fic only has one flame! Sure, the rest of the reviews were from friends, but that was who this thing was written for in the first place! Oh, and the 'reviewing your own story is lame' comment- my God, quick to criticize much? Shels hasn't even seen this story in like forever, she deserves a chance to appreciate it! I just don't get flamers. Do they have nothing better to do than yell at other people for having fun? I have a theory that all flamers grow up to be old spinsters who talk to cats. And really... how low on self-esteem do you have to be to actually listen to something like that? Thus ends my rant on flaming. (Bows, then Roger Rabbits offstage.)

So long, fare-thee-well

Pip-pip, cheerio

We'll be back soon!