A/N: Hey, I'm back!!! I really hope all you guys like this story so far. I've been trying to make it awesome, and you guys are the ones who tell me whether or not you like it, so if you are reading and don't review, please do so. It helps me determine whether or not to keep it going. Anyways, you guys don't want to hear me babble on and on...I'll get to the chase... I hope more people read, because I would be encouraged so much more to make chapters longer, and I'd update more often, and I'd actually be more inclined to actually continue it, so please tell people about it if you know someone on fanfiction. Thanks!

Reviewers:

rin/sessh: Okay, that was a little confusing, but I take it you like the story. If that is the case, than THANK YOU!!! (Gives you big hug and big basket of candy and chocolate.)

Michelle Moonshine: Well, you may think things are sweet now, and that things are going to work out perfectly, but you'll see otherwise in this chapter...I've said my part now, so just keep reading...

DramaQueen007: I'm so glad you love my stories, and thank you for telling others about it. I actually think more people are starting to read it, and I'm really excited. I hope more read, because I would be encouraged so much more to make chapters longer, and I'd update more often, and I'd actually be more inclined to actually continue it.

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Disclaimer: The original LOTR characters are not mine, and if things don't seem like they would in the books, then it is because this is my story, and I'm writing things the way I see that they would fit in my story. Also, I try to get my information somewhat accurate, so if you see something wrong, please don't send in nasty reviews, but kindly send me a review saying what you saw in-accurate, and I'll see what I can do to fix it.

Chapter Nine

Legolas took a deep breath. "Fonia, I have something important to ask you."

'Oh gosh,' she thought to herself. 'Is this what I have been expecting?'

"Fonia, will you..."

Before Legolas could finish his question, there came a sound of swords clashing near the entrance of the palace.

"What was that?" Fonia asked, relieved that something had interfered in Legolas finishing his question. Before Legolas could stop her, Fonia ran noiselessly through the forest to the source of the noise, and saw a dozen orcs attacking the guards. She quickly pulled out her twin blades that she had attached to the inside folds of her skirt. She knew there would be trouble tonight, and she was ready for it. Before she could jump out, Legolas stopped her.

"Don't go out there. I don't want you to get hurt." Legolas's eyes were filled with fear for her.

"Don't worry. I know what I am doing." She gave him a glimpse of her blades and smiled at him. Focusing all her energy into her weapons, she rushed out of the woods, and swinging her blades in a great arc, cleanly chopped off the head of the nearest orc. The others noticed her, but she was not afraid. She stabbed one in the neck and cleanly took off his head, and another got stabbed in the chest An orc charged sideways at her as she stabbed another in the heart, killing him. She was caught off guard, and was knocked down to the ground. He smiled cruelly at her as he put his sword at her neck. He laughed maliciously, drew back his sword, and lunged at her heart. Before he could find his target, his sword dropped to the ground and he fell on top of her, getting orcish blood all over her. All she could see was the arrow sticking out of its back. She could not move, but did not need to. There were about six orcs left, and the archer that had killed the one threatening to kill her killed all of them in a clean sweep of arrows. They all dropped in their spots, and the guards started nudging them with their feet, making sure that they were truly dead. Legolas came out of the woods, bow and arrows in hand. With his help, Fonia was able to roll the dead orc off herself, and Legolas helped her up.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his face flooded with concern.

"I know I had seen something moving in the woods earlier. My mind wasn't playing tricks on me," Fonia said

"You mean, you saw them earlier and didn't tell anyone?" Legolas asked, getting a little anxious for more information.

"I wasn't completely sure if there was actually anything there or not." Fonia looked down at her feet.

"Well, those ones are dead, and I'm sure there will be more." Legolas looked at Fonia.

They were quiet for a moment, and then Fonia spoke. "That was the second most amazing thing I have ever done." She smiled widely at him.

"And what, may I ask, is the first?"

"Meeting you," she said, and Legolas smiled. Fonia walked towards the entrance of the palace, but Legolas grabbed her arm before she could go in.

"Don't go in there. People will be worried if they see any traces of blood. They will also fret when they hear that orcs are still great in numbers running through Middle Earth. Let me go to my father on my own. It is I who must break this terrible news to him. Go to your room and get some rest, and take off that dress. Give it to the elleth there to clean and mend. There is no need for you to come back down to the ball. My father will end it once he hears this grave news." Legolas looked into Fonia's eyes and smiled weakly. "Everything will turn out right."

He left her in that spot as he went to talk to his father. Fonia followed his instructions and went back to her rooms. She took off the blood-stained dress and changed into a night gown. Just as Legolas had said, there was an elleth there waiting to receive the dress. Fonia gave it to her, and was asked no questions as it was taken away to be cleaned and mended. She fell into bed and stared up at the ceiling.

'Why?' she thought. 'Why did this wonderful night have to end this way?' A single tear ran down her cheek, and after wiping it away, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

O0O0O0O0O0

"Legolas, what is the matter?" asked King Thranduil.

"A group of orcs snuck out of the forest and began to attack our guards. We have killed those, but we know there are more out there. If we don't take the necessary actions, our palace could become overrun with orcs."

A worried look on his father's face appeared. "How come I wasn't notified of this before now?"

"You weren't notified of it before because it just happened."

"I see." His father sighed, and stood up. "May I have everyone's attention!" The elves grew silent at the sight of King Thranduil standing up. "It is most important that all the elleths go back to their rooms immediately." The females didn't argue with him, and they all left. When only the male elves were left, Thranduil spoke again. "Orcs are threatening to overrun us. Just now a group of orcs led an attack on our guards. We need to get rid of those orcs once and for all. Tomorrow we will be recruiting soldiers in the entrance hall. Haldir, will you please come forward?" An elf with long, silky blonde hair stepped forward. "Will you please be in charge of recruiting more soldiers? I believe you are experienced in recruiting soldiers?"

"Yes, my lord, I am. And I would be glad to be in charge of recruiting." Haldir nodded at King Thranduil.

"Thank you. Now to the rest of you, please get to your rooms as quickly as possible." Everyone left except for the prince and the king. "I really hope we can get rid of those orcs as quickly as possible." King Thranduil headed for his room, leaving Legolas alone. After a couple moments, Legolas headed to his quarters, also.

"So do I," he whispered. "So do I."

O0O0O0O0O0

Fonia awoke with a start. She sat up and rubbed her face with cool water. Then, memories of the night before flooded back to her, and she quickly got dressed. She had business to take care of before she had to leave Mirkwood.

O0O0O0O0O0

Legolas was running around the palace the next morning. He almost ran into Aragorn when he practically ran down the stairs.

"Why are you in such a rush, my friend. Is something wrong?" asked Aragorn.

"No, I'm just looking for someone," he said. He slowed down his pace slightly to a brisk walk, when he stopped dead in his tracks. Looking over at the recruiting table, he found who he was looking for...

O0O0O0O0O0

A/N: Well, how did you like it? I seemed to get a lot more reviews on the last chapter. Is it getting any better? Was this chapter to your liking? Well, I have to go update my other story now, so please review! Thanks!

Elven at Heart