A/N: Thanks to all reviewers including: Luthien Ancalime87, Tinkerbell033, and anyone else.

A Cold, Winter's Heart

Winter came one day as sudden as an arrow is shot from a bow. A blizzard left the entire woods draped with glistening snow. Elflings were seen running around and laughing, skating on the frozen creeks, and throwing hard-packed snow at one another.

Fiondra gazed out her frosty window at the merry sight. She gave a small smile as an older elf child helped a toddling elfling slide down the ice of the creek. When the toddler slipped and fell, Fiondra laughed at the startled expression on the little one's face.

One day, mine and Legolas' children will be out there playing with the rest of the elflings, Fiondra thought, a smile again creeping onto her face. When she realized what would have to come before they had children, the elleth blushed. Stop it, she scolded herself inwardly. Elflings are still a ways ahead.

Fiondra turned away from the window and sighed. Not only did she miss Legolas dreadfully, but she was also bored out of her mind. There was absolutely nothing for her to do. No housework to do, no cooking to be done, and no wedding plans to deal with. Nothing at all.

Fiondra let out another sigh and allowed herself to fall onto a chair. She did not have any sewing to do either. Arien had insisted that she be the one to make her friend's wedding gown. "It'll be my gift to you," Arien had told the soon-to-be bride. At the time, it had sounded like a good idea to Fiondra. But now it left her with nothing to do on this snowy day.

The elleth lay sprawled in the chair, mulling over the thoughts in her head. Eventually, her mind turned to the outcome of the Midsummer ball. Alqua had been in captivity for nearly seven months now. "I wonder if she regrets her actions," Fiondra murmured aloud. "I should let her know that I've long since forgiven her."

The idea planted in her head, the determined elleth got up and pulled on a long, fur-lined cloak. Fiondra walked outside and shivered in the crisp, winter air.

A group of rowdy young ellyn ran towards their Prince's betrothed, pelting her with snowballs. Fiondra laughed in delight and scooped up some snow, forming it into a sphere. She aimed at the elfling ringleader and let the snowball go. When it struck him, the child looked slightly shocked, as if he had thought an elleth would not be able to throw a snowball well.

Fiondra giggled when the elflings again started to toss snow at her. "I'm sorry; I have someplace to go," she called to them as she started to continue on her way. Despite their protests, the elleth slowly kept crunching through the snow.

Within a matter of minutes, Fiondra had arrived at the small cottage where Alqua was being kept away from the other elves. Fiondra instantly felt pity for the elleth. How terrible to have nothing to do day after day and have someone watching your every move. She shuddered. And to think I was feeling sorry for myself because I was bored today.

Fiondra walked up to the two ellyn guarding Alqua and smiled. "Mae govannen," she said pleasantly. "I'm here to see Lady Alqua."

The ellyn looked at each other and then back at Fiondra. The ellon with brown hair said apologetically, "I'm sorry, my Lady. We are under strict order not to allow anyone to see the prisoner."

Fiondra never let the smile waver from her face. "I'm Prince Legolas' betrothed," she said with an air of importance. "Do you really believe that Legolas would not allow me to see on elleth if I wished to?"

The dark-haired ellon who has spoken earlier looked doubtful. "My lady, he specifically stated that no one was to-"

The other ellon, who was shorter and lighter-haired than the other, interrupted him. "Aw, let her go. The Prince isn't here to get angry with us."

"But she could get hurt!" the first ellon protested.

"We're right here; she won't come to any harm," the blonde ellon said nonchalantly.

As the tall ellon again opened his mouth, Fiondra broken in. "Many thanks, kind sirs. I shall only be here for a short time." With that, she pushed them aside and strode through the door.

Inside, the room was dark and chilly, the only warmth and light coming from a fire whose embers were near dead. The only furniture was a small cot, a lone chair, and a rickety table. There was really nothing else to the cottage.

While Fiondra was scanning the room, a lump that had been huddled in the corner near the fire stood up. Although her face was dirty, hair a mess, and clothing threadbare, Alqua had not lost her proud stance or lift of chin. She eyed Fiondra indifferently and in a hoarse voice, dully asked, "What do you want with me? Have you come to gloat?"

Caught unaware by the other elleth's appearance, Fiondra stammered, "N-no! That's not it at all!"

"Then what is it?" Alqua asked again, turning back to poke at the fire with a stick.

Fiondra quietly said, "I've come to tell you that you have my forgiveness."

Alqua turned around and laughed harshly. "How touching," she said sarcastically. "What if I don't want your forgiveness?"

"Well, you have it anyway," Fiondra replied calmly.

"Wonderful! Now I can go on living, knowing that I have been forgiven by the future Queen!" She dropped Fiondra a mock curtsy and swooned, "Thank Eru!"

"I'm serious," Fiondra said. "Now, can I bring you anything?"

"What?" Alqua asked.

Fiondra repeated her question. "Is there anything that you need?"

Alqua sneered, "I need nothing from the likes of you."

"Very well," Fiondra replied simply, "I'll just bring a couple of warm blankets, more firewood, and real food."

Alqua almost threw back a retort, but stopped herself. Puzzled, she asked, "Why would you do that?"

Fiondra opened the door. "I have everything I could possibly want: a fine home, warm clothes, good food. And above all else, a wonderful ellon who loves me and that I love back. You have none of these things. It is only right that I should share my wealth with you." Finished with her speech, Fiondra smiled at Alqua and left, pulling the flimsy door shut behind her.

Fiondra said "namarie" to the Ellyn still bickering outside the cottage. She walked back toward her own home with a sense of accomplishment. I don't know if Legolas will be angry at me, but I feel so much better now that I've started to make my peace with Alqua. If he only saw those horrid living conditions, I know he'd feel differently. The elleth shuddered.

Fiondra passed the still-playing elflings and went into her house. She made herself a hot drink and cuddled into her chair. Only two more months before Legolas would return home. "I've made it this far; I'll make it the rest of the way," Fiondra mumbled to herself. Oh Legolas, I miss you so. Come back to me. A single icy tear ran down her cheek as she drifted to sleep dreaming of her love.

X X X X X

Mae govannen – Well met

Namarie – Farewell

Elleth – female elf

Ellon – male elf

Ellyn – male elves

I do hope you realize how lonely Fiondra is. I know it was a slow chapter, but don't worry. Legolas will be back soon. And then we can get on with the wedding! Drop a review if you have a question, comment, or suggestion. I'll try to update ASAP. Thanks.