A/N: Okay, I'll stop torturing you and tell you what happened to Valia... After I tell you what happened to Estellia.

Chapter 6: A Sad Farewell and a Rescue

Estellia weakly opened her eyes and looked about her. She was in a room of one of the Healing Houses, but it was comfortable. She turned her head toward the window; Legolas stood looking out at the rising sun.

"Legolas," she breathed.

He turned and smiled before crossing the room to her. "How do you feel, meleth nîn?" He sat beside her on the bed and took her hand in his.

"Better." She rested her head in his lap, and he ran his hand through her hair. "Is there any news of Frodo?"

"We're going to create a diversion so he will have safe passage through Mordor."

She gripped his hand. "You are going to battle?"

"I must. It is my duty as part of the Fellowship." He caressed her hand with his.

She sighed. "I will never forgive you if you do not return to me."

Estellia stood in the gardens of the Healing House waiting for Legolas. She gazed out at the growing darkness then winced slightly as she turned. She shouldn't be walking but couldn't sit knowing Legolas would soon be leaving her.

"Meleth, you shouldn't be standing," a voice said as strong arms wrapped around her waist.

She looked up into Legolas's worried face. "I couldn't rest knowing you were leaving."

"I will return to you. You need not fear."

She sighed and looked away. "How can I not worry for you?" She turned in his arms and put her arms around his neck. "I will miss you," she whispered.

"And I will miss you," he whispered back. He tenderly kissed her then gazed into her eyes. "I love you."

"I love you too." She hugged him tightly then slowly released him, tears shining in her eyes.

He squeezed her hand one last time before leaving the garden. Estellia slowly sat down, hugging her arms around herself.

"Be safe," she whispered.

Valia woke and let out a low moan. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she looked around her. She was dressed only in her corset and petticoats, and her hands were bound. Her clothes, pack, and any other items she had been wearing were now on a table before a group of Orcs and Uruk-hai. One of the Orcs picked up the locket Galadriel had given her.

"Hands off that shiny thing!" one of the Uruks growled. "That's mine!"

"It goes to the great eye!" the Orc turned the Valia. "Along with everything else."

She whimpered and pulled her knees up to her chest. The Uruk grabbed at the locket.

"I don't take orders from stinking Morgul rats!"

"You touch it, and I'll stick this blade in your gut!" the Orc growled, his sword at the Uruks throat.

The Orcs and Uruk-hais began to fight, and they all left the room where Valia was held. She struggled to unbind her hands when something sounded behind her. She rolled over and gasped.

"Stop your squirming, you rat!" the Orc moved closer to her, sword drawn. "I'm gunna bleed you like a stuck pig." He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close. "After I have a little fun with you."

She screamed and pushed against his chest. Her eyes widened as a sword blade suddenly stabbed through his chest. The Orc dropped her as he fell to the ground. Frodo stood behind him and quickly ran to her side.

"Frodo," she cried, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

He held her close, running his hand through her hair. "I was so afraid I wouldn't find you," he whispered.

He helped her to her feet, and she leaned weakly against him. "The locket. Did they take the locket?" she asked.

He looked to her stuff laid out on the table. "No, it's still there." He took the locket then looked back to her. "Come on, let's get out of here."

A/N: Mwahahaha! Valia almost got raped by the Orcses, but Frodo saved her in time. Awwwwwww...