WOW… the seventh chapter already.. my how time flies!

Just Me: I thought about throwing in other elves for the scene but I felt that Legolas would be a better fit to the story. People seem to gravitate to him and he's such a likable character. :D I wanted to show a bit of Legolas and Haldir's history, but not go into the whole scenario as if it has a mind of its own. I thought a brief explanation would be sufficient and so far, it has. :D Yes, its sad that Tyndruil was killed, but that just fueled Legolas and his guards all the more. It's a bit different in this chapter and I hope you like it.

Naomie: blushes Thanks! I wanted to create a story that drew the audience in and so far, I think I'm accomplishing it. At least the only flame I received was telling me it's a MS and that I suck, which I just deleted and ignored. Probably a kid wrote it. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I'm hoping that it isn't too off the wall…let me know what ya think!

Lady of Light: Haldir torture is on the way, but nothing that's gonna cause scars. Its more emotional and mental suffering he endures, but I'm working on a fic right now in which he does get some boo-boos. EG Thanks for your review and I hope you like this chappie!

La la al: I figured Haldir as more a swordsman than bowman. I think he likes the close combat rather than the distance killing, though I think he can do both equally well. ;) As for the decapitating two orcs at once, yes it is possible. Haldir's sword is rather special and can cut through anything in Middle Earth, as well as his brothers. It is explained the special significance later on in the story and I hope it will be a good read. As for the number of orcs taken down in one swing, ancient samurais used to sharpen their blades and slice through either enemies or trees, then mark on the hilt how many the blade sliced through before stopping. So that's where I got that idea. :D Hope you continue to read and enjoy!

Saint: Thanks! I wanted the brothers to be playful, yet have their serious sides when necessary. Serious elves are no fun. grins I think Hal's bro's keep him very entertained and probably very flustered. :D The torture will come in due time, just be patient. ;) Its going to be more emotional and mental than physical pain, but I'm hoping to give it a twist. :D Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!

Griffon: Glad you like the story so far! Hope you enjoy the rest of it!

AN: So sorry I haven't updated lately but beta's internet was impaired. I will make up for the wait, I promise! Thanks for all the great reviews and thoughts. Reviews are more addictive than anything on the planet, including chocolate! Keep them coming.. I've developed quite a sweet tooth. ;)

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Chapter Seven: The Walking Wounded

Dawn was greeted by the call of birds, their songs filling the air and pulling the slumbering Elves from their dreams. Haldir scowled as he rose, realizing he was the last to do so. The whole camp was in frenzy, packing up their things and smothering the fire for their departure.

Haldir gained his feet with a suppressed groan, feeling as if his back was permanently curved to the contours of the hard earth. He stretched languidly, hearing a soft pop and crack along his spine and shoulders as he worked out the kinks from his rest.

Rúmil came to Haldir's side and grinned, "Still feeling the Ages, eh Brother?"

"Shut up, Rúmil," Haldir snapped, not in a good mood from his aches and pains.

"And I thought I was the one that with whom the mornings do not agree," Rúmil continued in his jovial manner, which was quite unusual for him.

Haldir sighed and accepted the piece of lembas that Rúmil offered, making a quick meal out of it, and starting to pack his own things away for their trek.

Legolas approached and nodded to Rúmil, who gave him a broad smile and snickered, "Haldir is old. His body is falling apart on him!"

Haldir glanced up and gave Rúmil a look of pure daggers, dangerous and edgy. Rúmil stopped laughing at once and looked rather interested to the ground, mumbling something under his breath that Haldir had not quite caught.

Legolas laughed and slapped Haldir on the back, "Becoming a human I see!"

Haldir grumpily finished packing and swatted the prince's hand away, rising and pulling the pack across his back. "I am not old, nor am I a human. Why do you and my brothers constantly refer to me as such?"

Legolas looked over to Rúmil who nodded emphatically, "Perhaps they see what you do not?"

Legolas jumped out of the way with a yelp as Haldir swatted at him, growling, "Elf brat!"

Legolas teetered slightly before regaining his balance, something that didn't go unnoticed by either brother. Now that the sun had risen and bathed the world in light, Haldir was able to get a good look at the elf prince. What he saw made him purse his lips together and grab Legolas's arm tightly.

"You are injured!"

Legolas tried to squirm away but couldn't break Haldir's vice-like grip, "It is nothing. It will pass."

Haldir could feel Legolas tremble in his grasp. He released him, and his face drew in worry, "What is wrong with you, Legolas?"

Legolas tried to brush the question, but Haldir took a step in front of him and glowered down upon him, repeating himself. Legolas sighed, knowing he wouldn't win against Haldir. No one ever did.

"The second time we encountered the orcs, I was cut, but it is nothing," Legolas waved a hand dismissively.

Haldir surveyed the young elf for a moment, gauging the prince's condition. Legolas's eyes were drawn and hallowed. A light sheen of sweat glistened along his face and neck. When Haldir took closer notice of Legolas's appearance, he surmised that the prince also had a bandaged arm, and heavily bandaged leg, that he refused to put weight on while he stood glancing anywhere but Haldir's face.

"Legolas, you are so stubborn," Haldir said softly.

Legolas smiled meekly, "It must be an Elvish trait. We all are stubborn."

Rúmil snorted, "You could say that again."

Haldir pushed Legolas down to the ground, with much protesting from the prince and called for Orophin. The elf wandered over, a curious look in his eyes as he watched Haldir force Legolas to the ground and threaten to sit on him if necessary.

"Haldir, what are you doing to Legolas? Play nicely!" Orophin joked, then abruptly stopped when he noticed the red stain on Legolas's calf. "Legolas, you are hurt!"

Legolas winced as Haldir leaned against him, keeping him rather immobile, "I hurt more with your brother pressing on me!"

"Haldir, get up! You are going to squash the Prince of Mirkwood!" Orophin chastised and waggled his finger as his older brother. "Honestly, Haldir, you are way too big to be acting like that."

Haldir glared at Orophin, but suppressed a laugh and pointed at Legolas, who was ashen in color and panting, "He is injured and needs treatment."

Orophin glanced from Legolas's face to his bloody leg and shook his head, "I can see that, Brother. But having you to sit on him is not a way to help him."

"It is if that is the only way you can treat him," Haldir snarled back but with a hint of mirth in his tone.

"True," Orophin admitted, carefully pulling up the prince's leggings and finding the source of the free flow blood. "Prince Legolas, it looks as though you have kept the extent of your injuries in secret."

Legolas winced as Orophin undid the bandage and used a piece to wipe the congealed blood away from the gaping wound. Haldir drew a deep breath, his hands balled into fists and rested on his hips, glaring at Legolas with cold fury. Orophin tutted and called for Múrendil to bring his pack. The elf obliged, then returned to Dassenil, who was sitting up with a grin on his face and healthy color returning to his natural light.

Legolas yelped as Orophin cleaned the wound with an antiseptic and applied a liberal amount of salve to the wound, then commented on how little remained. Orophin swore there was more of it when he fell asleep last night. Legolas let it slip, (purposely in Haldir's opinion,) that Haldir had used it on Cíaraen. Orophin frowned, looking over at the elf, who nodded sheepishly, and shook his head, fussing about elves being so stubborn that they will get themselves killed.

Haldir smirked as the others finished up their packing and converged to their respective leaders. Legolas's troops looked at their prince with compassion, mixed with contempt as Orophin worked over the yawning wounds that were inflamed and streaked with discoloration.

When he finished with the prince's injured leg, Orophin began to systematically check over the arguing elf. Further inspection revealed Legolas had two cracked ribs and gashes across his arms and back: close calls from orc blades.

Haldir knelt beside Legolas as Orophin stitched a particularly nasty wound across his back and said softly, "Forgive me, my friend. I did not know how badly injured you were. Had I known, I would not have treated you so roughly."

Legolas hissed and favored Haldir with a quick smile before replacing it with a grimace, "There is nothing to forgive. Besides, there will be plenty of time for revenge later."

Haldir chuckled, then noticed that several of Legolas's contingent weren't in much better shape. Several were covered in scratches and healing wounds from their tangles with orcs. He sighed, then pointed to each in turn, telling them to reveal their wounds, or else they wouldn't break camp. Reluctantly, and with Legolas's consent, each Mirkwood elf pulled away bandages and clothes, showing their scrapes, many of which were infected and oozing out a mixture of puss and blood.

Orophin growled, then ordered Haldir and the rest of the Lothlorien guards to scour the area for the herbs he needed to treat the injuries. Haldir and the others fanned out, collecting the plants that Orophin requested and bringing them to the disgruntled elf, who was fussing and arguing with each of Legolas's guards. Orophin barked out orders on the constitution of the plants, preparing a large quantity of the healing salve and applying it to the now cleaned wounds.

Legolas leaned gently against a tree; his eyes lowered his breathing slow and steady. Orophin's treatment had taken a lot out of the younger elf.

Haldir looked around at the others and said, "We will not travel today. If we are more recovered in the morrow, we shall continue our mission."

Legolas gazed up, eyes unfocused and breathing labored, more than likely from the medicines now coursing through his system. He nodded solemnly, then slumped back against the tree, slipping into unconsciousness. Haldir eased the slumbering elf to the ground, pulling a cloak tight around the prince.

 

One by one, the Mirkwood elves slipped back deep sleep, their bodies wrapped warmly in cloaks and spare blankets. Only one Mirkwood elf remained unscathed and awake. His hair was dark, like those from Imladris, his eyes a pale gray.

Haldir approached the Mirkwood elf, remembering him to be the one that Legolas had sent to search for survivors amongst the slaughtering fields. He searched for the elf's name, then spoke hesitantly, "Eremae?"

The elf nodded and snapped to attention, "Yes, Commander of Lorien?"

"Haldir," he said with a smile. "Do you not have any injuries, Eremae?"

Eremae looked startled at the question and shook his head, "No, Commander Haldir."

Haldir smirked, "No injuries? That seems unlikely, when the rest of your kin have sustained several."

Eremae looked apprehensively at Haldir and said with a mousy voice, "I was not allowed to charge into the fights, Commander. I am here to guard Legolas by orders of his father."

Haldir smirked, realizing that Eremae was there to guard Legolas, and yet the prince had ordered him to not jump into the fight. The elf was shorter than most elves; his dark head barely reached Haldir's shoulders. Yet the elf had a stalwart posture that suggested he had superior strength and could undoubtedly take care of himself if the need arose.

Not wanting to bring attention the fact that Legolas had been injured and that Eremae was uninjured, Haldir cleared his throat, "Your dedication is admirable."

Eremae blushed slightly and turned his attention to his comrades who were dozing off and on from the medicine Orophin had administered.

Rúmil walked casually to Haldir and grinned, causing Haldir to roll his eyes and ask with a sound of exasperation in his voice, "What is it now, Rúmil?"

Rúmil's smile faltered as he said, "The Mirkwood elves are not fairing well. Many of them are too injured to continue."

"We shall wait until the morning to make any further decisions," Haldir ordered, his eyes scanning the Elven forms on the ground once again. As an afterthought, he turned to Eremae, "Are you any good at fishing?"

Eremae frowned and nodded, allowing Haldir to steer him to the side of the pond and explaining what he expected the elf to perform. Eremae quickly cut long branches, sharpened their ends, and sat perched on top of a boulder. His sharp eyes detected the dark outlines of the fish swimming lazily in the pond, unsuspecting of the elf hunting them.

Haldir and his brothers fanned out through the wooded area, picking up suitable limbs and sticks that could be turned into arrows. The day was spent fletching new arrows, replenishing the ones that were broken or still embedded deep in orc hides.

As darkness fell, the injured elves began to awake. They gasped in shock as they found a roaring fire blazing with a small stew bubbling over it. On one side, there were many shorter sticks- each sharpened to a point and sporting pieces of cooked fish. The two larger sticks held what was unmistakably rabbit, skinned and roasting well on the open spit.

Legolas groaned as he woke and searched their camp for Haldir. He finally found the March Warden seated next to his brothers, who were talking quietly with Dassenil, a pile of discarded arrows lay forgotten at their sides. Dassenil was suppressing laughter at the brothers' talk while he ate, and nearly choked when Rúmil voiced something particularly amusing.

Legolas gingerly rose and went to the brothers' side, settling himself between Haldir and Orophin, who was brooding over something. The four elves greeted the prince warmly and offered him a piece of the cooked fish.

Legolas took several bites and exclaimed, "This is not bad."

"Haldir was always the cook in the family," Rúmil grinned good-naturedly.

"You would be surprised what one learns to cook while traveling," Haldir mused, finishing off the last bit of food.

"You must come cater at our halls," Legolas joked, knowing Haldir didn't particularly like Mirkwood for his distaste of giant spiders.

Haldir pretended to take a moment to think and asked with a twinkle, "Does your father pay well?"

Legolas erupted with laughter, joined shortly by Dassenil, Rúmil and Orophin. It took several breaths for Legolas to regain his composure. He gently held his sides, sharp pains from his ribs hitching his breath. He wiped tears of mirth from his face and took as deep as breaths as possible, without his ribs aching in protest.

Haldir noticed the prince's pain, though the prince tried to conceal it. He lowered his voice, hearing the rest rise up, the sounds of night and the smell of the cooking food drawing them into wakefulness. "Legolas, you are in no condition to continue."

Legolas waved a hand dismissively, though with effort, "Nay. I just need some food, and I will be ready to go."

Haldir folded his arms across his chest and lowered his eyes sternly to the obstinate prince, "The only place you will travel is home."

Legolas stopped mid-bite and glared at Haldir, "I have a mission to do. I will not allow you to prevent me from finding our lost kin."

"Legolas, you are far too injured," Haldir persisted. "Look at your guards."

When Legolas continued to stare at Haldir, he repeated himself in a harsh hiss, "Look at your guards, Legolas! They are not able to continue, as are you."

Legolas rose unsteadily to his feet, "We saved you from the orcs. I guess gratitude would be too much to expect."

"It is not about gratitude!" Haldir snapped, rising also and easily positioning himself in front of Legolas to prevent the royal from retreating. "We are thankful for your help and owe you a great deal of our appreciation. But I am trying to tell you that your guards are in no condition to fight if we encounter more orcs."

Several of the Mirkwood escorts glared at Haldir, their ire rising at the Lothlorien elf's words.

Legolas balled his hands into fists and gave Haldir a glare that clearly said he wasn't bowing down to the Warden's wishes, "They, and myself, are more than capable of handling ourselves in battle. We have proved this already."

"Legolas, you know I only care only about your well being…" Haldir started, but Legolas cut him off.

"Do not give me that! We will NOT turn back!"

Haldir felt himself bristle. It wasn't often that someone other than his brothers questioned his authority and blatantly disobeyed an order he had given. He took several deep breaths, thinking of what to do next.

"Legolas, if we were in each other's shoes, you knowing that I was badly injured and most of my guards were injured as well, what would you do?"

"I would demand that you return for proper healing!" Legolas said instantly, then snapped his mouth shut. He pursed his lips tightly, glaring at Haldir malevolently.

"My point exactly, my young friend," Haldir said softly.

Legolas opened his mouth to speak, lost the words, and clamped his mouth shut again, still piercing Haldir with his gaze. Haldir reached out and embraced the prince, causing Legolas to wince and intake his breath sharply.

Haldir whispered, "Do you see my point yet, Prince?"

Legolas slowly nodded, pain building up and fire spreading throughout his ribcage. He gasped a couple times, to which Haldir lessened his hold and easily cradled the youth against him.

"I did not mean to cause you pain, mellon nin," Haldir said into Legolas's hair. "Forgive my bluntness, but I am speaking the truth. If you continue, you will gain more injuries, if not die. Please do not push yourself and the others. You will only do more harm than good."

Legolas shuttered from the pain that raced through his system, temporarily stealing his breath and sapping what little energy he had left. After a couple moments, he drew away from Haldir with a frown, "Must you always win an argument?"

"Yes," Rúmil added without hesitation. "Takes both of us just to prove a point to this thick, dwarf head!"

Orophin nodded and snickered at Haldir's mutinous expression.

Legolas's guards seemed to be unaffected by the mirth of the quartet. They merely glared at the March Warden, clearly defensive over their leader and the warden's attitude towards the royal. Several openly mouthed words that went unheard by Haldir, or any of the Lothlorien Company, which was probably a good thing, considering what they choose to call the Warden for his insubordination.

Legolas turned to his troops, his voice wavering as more energy was spent to remain upright, "We will return home at dawn."

Several erupted with harsh words and arguments, but Legolas rose his hand shakily and halted any further comments, "Haldir is right. We are in no condition to put up a good fight now, and we will endanger ourselves if we continue on."

"We can fight!" a tall blonde elf snapped as his eyes narrowed down in dislike at the Lothlorien guards. "If they are injured, let them return. We can move on without them! Leave them behind!"

Legolas snapped his fingers, instantly garnering silence, and glared at those who accompanied him on the journey, "I understand your arguments, but Haldir is right. We are injured and have been traveling to no avail. We will return home come the morrow."

One of the Mirkwood elves crossed his arms and thrust his chin in the air, "If the Lothlorien elves think they will do better, than I shall like to see that! I will not abandon this quest so easily."

Haldir rose himself up to his full height, which towered over the Mirkwood elves, "This is not a competition! Our kin are depending on us to find them!"

"Exactly!" one of the Mirkwood guards shouted.

Haldir rounded on the elf, who visibly flinched and said with a low, even tone that sent the clear message that he was to be obeyed and not questioned, "There is something evil kidnapping our kin and taking them to an unknown place. The orcs have made it clear that the Elves are to be broken and used as slaves. I, for one, will not allow this to happen as long as there is breath in my body and blood in my veins!" Each word was punctuated with Haldir taking a predatory step toward the Mirkwood warriors, his eyes narrowed, head lowered into a menacing stoop.

Silence lingered in the air for several minutes as Haldir stood within a foot of the nearest Mirkwood elf. The Mirkwood Elves stared down the Lothlorien contingent, all eyes flashing dangerously.

"Enough!" Legolas called out, then heaved a deep breath as if winded by the outburst.

Haldir frowned at the prince and said quickly, "Legolas," Haldir didn't finish his sentence as Legolas's knees buckled and he slumped forward. Haldir moved to Legolas's side in an instant and caught the prince, easing him to the ground gently. Orophin was immediately upon the pair, checking Legolas's vitals.

Haldir looked up as the blond elf that shouted earlier knelt beside them, his eyes drawn with worry as he tried to get a response from his leader, "Prince Legolas?"

Legolas's eyes fluttered momentarily then snapped open, "I am fine."

Haldir smirked, "Stubborn elf."

Legolas sighed, "Learned from the best."

Haldir gave Legolas a contemptuous glance, then looked to Orophin, whose face was drawn down as he registered the extent of Legolas's injuries. Without saying a word, Orophin pulled a small bag from his pack, opened the small leather pouch and withdrew a pinch of gray-white powder. He rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger, then passed it beneath Legolas's nose. Instantly, Legolas's eyes glazed over and he slipped quickly into reverie.

Several of the Mirkwood guards took steps forward, their voices rising in anger. Haldir looked up, his eyes piercing them in the their tracks. Angry blue eyes bore into the March Warden; fists were balled up at their sides as they glared at the Lothlorien elf that dared to overrule their sovereign.

"Everyone is to eat and get some rest. They will be no arguments on this matter," Haldir snapped forcibly.

Several of the Mirkwood guards opened their mouths to protest, but instantly closed their jaws, their eyes lowering to the ground and nodding mutely. The look in Haldir's face told them that any argument would be met with swift and harsh rebuke.

Haldir returned his gaze to Orophin, who had pulled Legolas out of his grasp and began to redo his bandages. Orophin grumbled as he cleaned the gaping wounds on Legolas, and mumbled things under his breath that no one detected.

Haldir put the small leather pouch back in Orophin's bag and assisted his brother with the cleaning of Legolas's wounds. When they were finished, Legolas was breathing easy, his wounds cleansed and rebound as they continued their mending under Orophin's thick salve.

Haldir scanned the area, memorizing the elves that ate and settled themselves around the campfire that Rúmil stoked back into life. He glanced at Orophin and said in a low voice, "What did you give Legolas?"

Orophin used the back of his hand to wipe his forehead, "It is an herb that grows in the Lady's garden. She enjoys its beautiful flowers, but its dried petals make a most effective sedative."

Haldir snorted slightly, "That is putting it mildly, brother."

Orophin glanced around the camp and said, "I honestly thought they were going to attack you, Haldir."

Haldir's eyes darkened, "So did I, for a moment. They did not like taking orders from me, or you knocking out their prince."

Orophin looked at Legolas, who was sleeping peacefully, a small smile on his lips in his slumber, "I knew his wounds needed to be tended to, and it would cause great pain for him. I wished to save him from that torment. He needs to regain as much as his strength as he can."

Haldir nodded mutely and pulled off his cloak, tucking it in around Legolas's form. When he stood back up, he noticed that the Mirkwood elves had watched him with narrowed eyes. One by one they slowly nodded, their eyes casting down in apology and bewilderment.

"Orawain! Múrendil!" Haldir called. "You have first watch."

The two elves snapped to attention, grabbed a stick of roasted fish and headed off in opposite directions, scaling the trees and settling themselves in for their watch. Eremae frowned and walked to Haldir, his steps hesitant.

"Commander?" Eremae asked.

Haldir turned and regarded the shorter elf, "Yes, Eremae?"

"I wish to be of service," Eremae said.

Haldir thought for a moment and nodded once, "Very well. You will take the next shift with me in a few hours." Eremae bowed his head and smiled as he turned to leave. Haldir watched the young elf for a moment and barked out, "Rúmil, Bhiroadin, you will relieve Eremae and myself."

The two elves nodded and settled themselves down for a rest as the sky grew dusty purple. Stars began to wink in the sky, shining down on the elves and casting the world into silvery shadow. As midnight approached, Haldir and Eremae relieved Orawain and Múrendil of their posts.

Haldir glanced across the meadow, searching for Eremae and nearly gasped when he saw the elf balancing himself easily on the end of a thin branch, high in a tree. Haldir wanted to call out a warning, but before he finished drawing breath for the call, Eremae gracefully landing in the fork of several branches and settled himself among the leafy bough. His eyes constantly swept the ground, starting at the horizon and sweeping back towards the camp.

Haldir smiled to himself and returned to his own surveillance. Hours passed by slowly, the moon trekking across the heavens and watching over the sentry elves, its light full and bright. Every several minutes, like clockwork, Eremae would scale the tree, balancing himself easily on the highest branch, scan the area with his keen eyes, then return to his spot. Haldir watched the young elf with an amused grin and silently mused that the technique could be used among his wardens.

As dawn approached, gilding the sky to a steely gray, Rúmil climbed the tree Haldir perched in and peeked over a branch, "Good morning, brother."

Haldir growled softly and slowly made his way down, his body unusually weary. He saw Eremae land silently on the ground below his tree and shook his head, muttering something about youth under his breath. Lying down, Haldir stretched with a groan and allowed his mind to slip into Elven dreams.

Hours passed by slowly, though to Haldir, they streaked past. His mind instantly switched from slumber to alertness in the blink of an eye. With a groan, he snapped his eyes shut, wondering how he could have slept with the racquet now sounding throughout the camp.

"Time for all good little Wardens to be up," came a voice somewhere over his head.

Haldir opened one bleary, blue eye and focused on Rúmil hovering over him, "Rúmil, you do not make a pleasant sight to wake up to."

Rúmil scoffed and nudged Haldir hard in the shoulder, "I have not heard any complaints yet."

Haldir sat bolt upright and glared at Rúmil, "And what is that supposed to mean?"

Rúmil winked and rose, "That is my business, Brother."

Haldir glared at Rúmil as he turned to leave, "Rúmil, do not.…"

Rúmil looked over his shoulder and grinned, "Well, at least I got you awake."

"Angry is more like," Haldir fumed quietly under his breath as he began to help the others break camp.

The air was full of the sounds of morning birds calling and singing to the new day. Insects buzzed and hummed as they went about their daily lives, occasionally swatted at by an irritated elf. A gentle wind played with the Elven hair, caressing it in its invisible fingers.

Haldir brushed the dirt and debris off his clothes, then ventured over to Orophin, who was standing with his hands on his hips and frowning at Legolas.

"Problem, brother?" Haldir asked sleepily.

"The Prince is being a royal pain," Orophin ground out.

Legolas smiled meekly, "I was just telling your brother that I feel much better. In fact, I do believe I can continue with you."

"Absolutely not," Haldir said quickly and placed his hands on his hips to mirror Orophin. "We have already discussed this, Legolas."

Legolas grinned sheepishly, "Well, it was worth a try."

Haldir sighed heavily and crossed his arms over his chest, "You must be feeling better, trying to cause trouble."

Legolas winced in pain as he held out Haldir's cloak, "There is no trouble coming from me, my friend. Just hoping I can still have my dignity for my return home."

Haldir took his cloak and smiled, "You dignity will always be intact." As an afterthought, he added with a mischievous grin, "Your stubbornness is another matter."

Legolas scoffed and winced at the pain that shot through his ribs. He gasped for breath and smiled at his friend, eyes sparkling, "Just wait until your next visit to Mirkwood."

Haldir's eyebrows rose, "I doubt I will ever be invited back to your beautiful land anytime soon."

The jibe, though intent on lightening the mood, only sobered Legolas. His eyes lowered to the ground and his voice was barely over a whisper, "Our forest used to be beautiful, but it is that way no longer."

Haldir placed his hand on the young prince's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze, "There will be beauty once again in your home, Legolas. I swear to this. One day, there will be no more shadow or evil, and your lands will flourish once again."

Legolas raised his eyes to meet Haldir's, their clear blue now clouded by tears, "This I hold you to, dear friend."

Several of the other elves converged on their leaders, awaiting their orders, though the Mirkwood elves were still bristled by the March Warden's actions. The Lothlorien elves that accompanied Haldir stood quietly, keeping their tongues and not instigating hostilities that were close to breaking out.

Legolas withdrew from Haldir and sighed, addressing his warriors, "We have journeyed far and have not found any trace of our kin. We will return home, and pray to the Vala that our Lothlorien brethren can finish what we began."

Many of the Mirkwood elves looked vehemently at their counterparts, but nodded slightly in their understanding. The words Legolas spoke were not lost on Haldir. Legolas had first spoken the truth, then of their course of action, but the thing that showed his true mark as an elf and noble born, was his emphasis to the title of the other elves. His words invoked camaraderie and shared interest, when they easily could have been used to create further distrust and hatred between the two cultures.

Haldir smiled and regarded all elves, "We will not rest until we find our kin and make the one responsible pay for their act against us."

Several of the Mirkwood guards tightened their jaws and nodded, their nostrils flaring with mixed emotions.

Haldir called out, "Orawain, Cíaraen, Bhiroadin, Carphir, Ríanen, you will accompany Prince Legolas and his guards back to their home."

Legolas immediately interrupted, "That is unnecessary! We can find our way home. Do you think we will follow you when you depart?"

Haldir smiled at the look the other elves gave and put his arm around Legolas's shoulders, careful of the younger elf's injuries, "It is not that I mistrust you, Legolas. It is that I wish you to return home safe and sound." Haldir looked to the other Mirkwood elves and added, "All of you."

Legolas opened his mouth to protest further but Haldir cut him off, "If you encounter more orcs, then Orawain, Cíaraen, Carphir, Ríanen, and Bhiroadin can assist you in the fight. Your injuries are still healing and you will need guards to watch over you while you rest. They are more than able and will protect you and your kin until they are no longer needed."

"That will not be necessary," Legolas repeated, his brow drawn. "We can fight. I do not wish to lower your ranks in case you meet orcs."

Haldir grinned and added with a sly grin, "I have other reasons for this arrangement as well."

"Such as…" Legolas asked, quirking a brow.

"I do not want to suffer the wrath of your father if you are injured further!" Haldir said with a mock shudder.

Legolas laughed, "I do not think he will be too happy with the injuries I already have."

Haldir nodded and added, his eyes growing wide, "Can you imagine what he would do to me if you got yourself killed?"

"Horrible," Legolas muttered with a grin.

Haldir nodded and made to move, but Legolas grabbed him and gave him a piercing stare, "I have one condition."

"Oh?" Haldir smirked.

Legolas nodded over to Eremae, "You must take Eremae with you. He is a good fighter and will serve you well."

"Prince Legolas!" Eremae said, sounding quite distraught. "Your father has trusted me with the task of looking after you! I will not leave your side!"

Legolas raised his hands, "Peace Eremae. This is no easy task I ask of you."

Eremae frowned and sputtered, "I… I can not leave…"

Legolas smiled gently, "Eremae, you have proved yourself loyal and a formidable opponent, but I must ask you to do this for me."

"My orders…" Eremae started.

Legolas interrupted with a stern voice, "Eremae, you have sworn and oath to me and my family. I am holding you to that."

Eremae bowed his head as Legolas spoke.

"Haldir has been kind enough to send half of his party to see that I and your kin, return home safely. I ask you to join Haldir's party, and show him the loyalty you have shown me."

Eremae looked up at Legolas, his eyes drawn and confused.

Legolas smiled, "Protect my best friend for me."

Haldir would have opened his mouth to argue, and more than likely won the argument, but he kept silent during the exchange. His heart was swelling with pride at the young Prince, and the sense of honor that he held knowing that the royal held him in such esteem.

Eremae looked from Haldir to Legolas and slowly nodded, "It grieves me to leave your side, but I will do as you ask."

"I trust you will watch over our Lothlorien kinsmen well," Legolas said with a slight smile.

Haldir bowed his head respectively and placed his hand over his heart, "Eremae, we are honored to have you to join us on the quest. Much trust and faith has been placed on you."

Eremae lowered his eyes to the ground, a blush creeping along his neck. He quietly gathered his things, stuffing them into a well-worn travel pack and came to stand by Haldir's side and regard the other Lothlorien elves with an apprehensive look.

Rúmil inclined his head towards the newcomer and grinned, "Welcome to the group of misfits."

Haldir gave his brother a disdainful look but chuckled at the openness he could see in his kin's eyes.

Legolas laughed and gave Eremae a sympathetic look, "It seems that I have sentenced you to a horrible fate."

Eremae looked curiously to his prince and cocked his head questioningly.

Legolas smirked, holding his tender ribs, "Rúmil tends to be a…"

"An Orc's backside," Haldir finished with a flourish, grinning that he got the best of his brother.

Rúmil stood with his mouth agape, staring between Haldir and Legolas. He huffed his chest and turned his back on them, "They are just jealous of me."

The elves in the clearing all whooped with laughter, the sound sending birds fluttering into the morning air, chirping angrily at the disturbance. Several minutes passed as the elves collected their belongings, dousing their minimum fire and packing away the excess food for their respective journeys.

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AN: Well what do you think? Come on… all these hits and so few left their thoughts? Tisk tisk… give that little button in the corner there a tap and send along ya thoughts. I will endeavor to answer as many as possible and if I forgot anyone, then I am sorry but for some reason, my reviews aren't coming through at the moment. I hope that FF.net rectifies the situation.