The-Annoyingly-Long-But-Always-Needed-For-Some-Odd-Purpose-Belonging-To-The-Dark-Lord-Of-Mordor-Disclaimer: MIIIIIINE! ...alright, alright! I lied! The only thing I own is the lint in my pockets and my text books...but those are boring. Hey, I'm a college student, so what else would I own?

A/N: I LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE! W00T! Yes, the delinquent author has returned, fresh from fierce battle with college applications/paperwork, evil computers bent on ruining my sanity, college classes, professors who assign so-called 'light' homework loads, holidays, and, the flu. Ok, it was not the flu, but it was some crap too damn-near close to be able to tell the difference. But, I am returned from my travels 'round said foes, back and ready to write. This chapter is a wee bit short, but if I can get it slammed out tonight...erm, this morning...I'll post a second chapter, too. Neither of these have been read over by my wonderful beta who's email I lost when the said evil computer decided to wipe itself clean of all programs, etc, so please, please, PLEASE, excuse any inconsistancies, spelling or grammatical errors, whatever else you might find here. I'll fix it later. Today's chapter is brought to you by Enter the Haggis and the number 3. As usual, please kepp all arms, legs and heads inside the vehicle at all times, no flash photography or lasers, remain seated at all times, and do NOT feed the monkey, no matter how cute it looks or begs. Please! I say this for your own safety! Last time, someone did not listen, and the little beast ended up with a finger for lunch. This is not good. If you happen to own said finger, report to the office and we'll give it back to you. Thank you. Now, on with it already!

Author's Notedisclaimer: I do not own Enter the Haggis.

o0o0o0o

Erin tossed and turned in her fever-induced sleep, the sweat pouring from her. Legolas periodically wiped her brow and gave her sips of water, deciding the the stifling heat that had built up in the cabin could not be helping the mumbling captain. He had even had to remove his own shirt, and his tanned skin glistened with persperation.

It had been several hours since the Elf had taken the watch, letting Malcolm sleep, and he was feeling cagey in the captain's quarters. No wonder Erin never spent much time within the tiny chamber. His attention was caught by the sliver of moonlight that peeked through the small window on the door, pooling on the worn plank floor, thoughts once again drifting as he thought about home. Home. Even though he travelled alot, and was gone for long periods of time, Legolas found himself missing the forests of Mirkwood more than ever before.

A rasping cough brought him back to the present, and he looked at the young woman. Her eyes were open, the beryl-coloured gaze glassy. A frown furrowed the damp, clammy skin between her dark brows.

"Jamie?" Erin whispered hoarsely, confusion in her tone. "But, yeh're dead, lad. I...I burried yeh wi' my own hands."

Reaching up with trembling fingers, she suddenly stopped, eyes widening.

"Midhir was right," the woman breathed. "Yeh are one of the Fair Folk."

As her hand dropped to rest beside her, Erin's eyes closed, sleep once again claiming her.

o0o0o0o0o

For two days it went like that, Malcolm and the others not sick caring for the crewmen during the day, periodically checking in on Erin, and Legolas sitting with her through the nights while the weary crewmen rested. During those nights, the Prince learned some of the history of the mysterious woman from her spoken dreams while she tossed and turned in her feverish sleep.

Early in the morning of the second night, only a few hours from dawn, Erin awoke again, this time a dull light shining in her eyes.

Gazing about, she spotted Legolas nearby, and slowly turned her head to face him. Even in her weak, semi-concious state, it amazed the Elf that the woman still had the regal, dignified, and commanding air and way of moving.

"How long," Erin croaked, the words more of a statement than any question the Prince had ever heard before.

"Two days," he replied, offering her a sip of water, which she gratefully accepted.

"I must see my crew," the captain muttered, struggling to sit up, but finding herself not only too weak, but a firm hand on her shoulder pushing her back down.

"They are doing well," Legolas lied glibbly, knowing anything else would make her worry. "Sleep," he said softly. "You are tired, and they will be here when you awake."

Nodding, muttering something incoherently under her breath, Erin obeyed, her eyes closing even as a peaceful sleep claimed her.

o0o0o0o0o

A soft tap on the door at nearly midmorning brought Legolas once more from his musing.The wooden doorwhispered opened, a refreshed-looking Malcolm slipping quietly inside.

"How is she?" the ship's doctor inquired in low tones as he checked over the captain.

"Her fever broke somtime early this morning, and she's been sleeping since," the Elf replied quietly.

Malcolm nodded, a relieved expression covering his features. "Good."

Wiping a hand over his face, the Scotsman sighed. "I believe the lass is over the hill now- anything now will be an improvement. I thank you, Legolas, for your help. Now, you look fatigued. Go get yourself some rest. You'll have this ornery corbie on your back before long, so enjoy the reprieve," he grinned, ushering the Elf from the chamber.