Disclaimer: It's not mine, but I have been working on it… you see, I want Haldir…WANT HIM BAD! Ha-ha

CONFERENCE ROOM

Earlinde shifted in her seat for the third time. She had become weary of hearing the stories of old. Stories of the great little hobbit that had discovered the ring and taken it from the creature Gollum's dwelling.

She continued to fix Mithrandir with a solid comprehensive look as her mind screamed, "blah! Blah, blah! Blah!" From the corner of her eye she caught Haldir fiddling with his wrist cuffs, and Orophin looking at the table like it was the most interesting this he had ever seen. Rumil on the other hand, had his chin resting on his hand, and had his head turned interestedly toward the wizard, soaking in his every word. With ever pause the old man took Rumil's eyes got bigger in anticipation and a gasp escaped the elf's lips every time the wizard's tone changed.

Earlinde smiled to herself remembering what a good actor Rumil was. Earlinde turned her attention back to the Wizard who stood in the center of the room and sighed. He had been talking for 3 hours now, repeating to everyone history that they all knew, expect for the new Captain of the Mirkwood Guard, but it was getting frustrating.

Finally Gandalf turned his gaze to meet hers, "And that, is why there will be a chance meeting of all the races of Arda in Imladris, March Warden."

Earlinde's eyes widened as she tried to figure out what she missed and decided to go with the safer path of nodding and looking at the table like she was in heavy thought.

"Aye, Mithrandir." She whispered.

"After this chance meeting, a fellowship will leave Imladris, and embark on a journey that may end in the fall of all the members. The journey to Mount Oroduin."

Earlinde's eyes widened as she gripped the table with both hands and shut her eyes tightly.

Flashback

"Ada, they sky looks pretty tonight."

"Yes Linde, it's beautiful"

The little elleth turned around and grabbed her father's face, with a look of terror, and breathed, "Ada, look, there is fire in the sky!"

"Nay little Earlinde, it is Mt. Doom…"

"Doom? Why is it called that Ada? Is it evil? Like Morgoth?"

"Remember the story of the special ring? Well, that is where it was born…."

few years later, during the flashback

"March Warden!"

"Yes, Fervor?"

"Is it true, my commander? Is it true that the King has ridden to Minas Ithiel?"

"This is old news Fervor…" She looked up irate from her mounds of paperwork. She watched as his face fell and then decided to seat him. She waved her hand, motioning him to sit and fixed him with a soft gaze.

"The fool King of Gondor rode to Minas Morgul to fight the Witch King, and has not returned from whence he rode. Niether have his men." She sighed and looked at her desk.

"Commander, but what of the Imladris Elves that have disappeared in that region?"

Earlinde bit her lip and sighed, "Lord Elrond has ordered no search parties be sent, and I cannot disobey him…"

"…dismissed…"

End Flashback

Haldir had practically clambered over the table and was kneeling beside her, as she squeezed her eyes shut again. Her mind raced as she opened them and raised her head to face the room.

She stood lithely and smiled, "My Lords and Ladies, clearly what had been said here at this table has had an impact on all of us, I request permission to leave and think on this myself, if my services are no longer needed Lord Elrond." She stated as she bowed. As she nodded she turned and left the room.

Earlinde walked quickly and briskly to her room. She didn't want to be followed by Haldir or anyone else as she locked the door and sat quietly on her bed. She let her body fall back as she sighed loudly. Suddenly her eyes snapped open as she thought of the ocean. She decided to go for a long swim at the Mirkwood Lake. She quickly grabbed a pair of short leggings and a light tunic and put them on. She a fixed a gray cloak to her neck and walked briskly, barefoot to the lake.

She smiled as she threw off her cloak and posted up on a rock. She gracefully pointed her toes and flipped into the water. She dove deeply into the lake and continued to swim downward. She was happy as the cool water engulfed her, pulled her and played with her hair. She resurfaced after a few seconds, and lay on her back in the water. She watched as the sun shone majestically overhead and began to hum as she closed her eyes.

Visions of White shores came to her. Earlinde fell into deep sleep as the sun shone brilliantly. She strolled on white shores, wearing a white dress and a white flower in her hair. She was so happy, but as she looked in the water she had tears streaming from her eyes. Finally she reached the Halls of Mandos and pushed open the doors.

Haldir had watched her float on the lake for a while and decided to wake her. He jumped in and grabbed her. Earlinde's eyes snapped open as she was pulled underwater.

She kicked her feet hard and resurfaced to find a smiling Haldir. Her mind raced as she wondered why in her dream she would visit the Halls of Mandos, who she would be visiting, or if she was returning to the Halls after a walk on the shores.

She looked at Haldir blankly as he drew her to him and kissed her. She remained unresponsive and Haldir looked at her with concern.

"Linde?"

She shook her head and swam out of the water, "Haldir I need to think, please give me time."

She returned to her room and sat at the dresser to comb her hair while thinking about the Halls of Mandos. She longed to leave this world, sail into the west but her heart wouldn't let her.

Earlinde pondered worriedly about the concept of leaving Imladris, Leaving Lord Elrond, and leaving Haldir for the West.

Just as she clambered into bed and pulled the sheets over her the door swung open and a Mirkwood Sentry stumbled in.

"March Warden! They have taken the Prince!"

A/N: Gasp! Somebody save Legolas! We I am back, fear not my faithful readers…if I have any left… …. I will finish this story! R/R