Chapter 3.

Haldir was confused, and tumultuous thoughts were running through his mind as he walked back slowly with Éowyn. He didn't know, or believe that he was capable of feeling such compassion, or that he would find an equally troubled soul in a mortal. The word rang in his head steadily, chanting loudly. A mortal, incapable of eternal life, unworthy of the Elves. Yet, that was the last thing on his mind as he comforted her, and as she shed her icy exterior.

If elves could love mortals, I know I'd definitely love her, Haldir thought. As they walked in silence, a rustling noise in the trees caught their attention. A hooded figure stepped out and surveyed them with contempt.

"Haldir, March Warden of Lothlorien. Some things never change, do they? You were always a survivor. Why? First that incident so many years ago, now Helm's Deep," the mysterious figure said, voice laced with venom.

"You know as well as I do that the past remains buried," Haldir replied, eyes flashing, instinctively reaching for his bow and arrow.

"Rubbish. You know that it was all the strength of your Lady and Lord that kept you alive so many years ago," the figure snapped back.

"Yet, I fail to see what reason brings you here today," Haldir said icily. "And how you found out about Helm's Deep, I have no idea, but it is none of your business if I survive or die."

"Ah, Haldir. Always a tad impetuous, aren't you? But it indeed is my business. We all know that fate cannot be tampered with. If you were meant to perish on the battlefield, then you should have. There is no reason why a mortal can interfere and save you," he answered, smirking.

Éowyn, who had been keeping silent so far, finally lifted her head.

"What do you care if his destiny was to die? There is no way it can affect you," Éowyn said.

"There is no point in trying to speak to him. We have to settle the debt today, once and for all. Or else, he will be back soon," Haldir answered.

"But you aren't totally recovered yet!" Éowyn replied, worry seeping into her voice. "Be gone!" she commanded imperiously at the cloaked figure.

"Watch your back, Haldir...March Warden of Lothlorien," he replied mockingly, before sweeping away.

Éowyn wondered to herself why she had rushed to Haldir's defence, and snuck a quick look at him. He was deep in thought, and his eyes held a philosophical look, yet were clouded with worry.

"Please do not tell anyone about the encounter with that elf," Haldir told Éowyn.

"But Haldir! You have to keep safe. You can't afford to put your life at stake anymore!" Éowyn exclaimed, gripping his arm tightly.

"Why are you so concerned about me?" Haldir asked, sounding mildly amused.

"If I told you, you wouldn't believe me anyway," she replied.

Haldir shook his head as he stared at her retreating figure. He was not used to having someone fuss over him, even if it was only for a day – especially over something that she knew nothing of. The elf had clearly been keeping tabs on his whereabouts since so long ago. Yet, his thoughts drifted to Éowyn, and for some reason, he barely minded her at all. In fact, he was beginning to worry that he actually enjoyed her company a lot more than he had expected to.

Éowyn sighed in frustration. She thought that she loved Aragorn, but the fact was that she didn't want pity – she wasn't weak and in need of a compassionate heart. She needed someone who could understand her thoughts – and surprisingly, Haldir could. She never expected that from an elf, much less from one who had appeared to be snobby and bossy at first. She shook her head as she walked away, musing over it slowly.

As Aragorn watched over this surprising turn of events, he couldn't help but smile. Yet, he witnessed the confrontation outside Helm's Deep earlier, and whispered into the silence, "Be safe."

Thanks to all the reviewers so far – Haldir's Heart and Soul, Coolio02 and KagomeXLegolas-rox...

A rather short chapter this time I promise to update soon (: Do read and review!