Please don't judge me, or Thranduil, hastily (but please do keep reviewing about stuff you don't understand, I can't explain it if I don't know it needs explaining)...as for not calling Legolas louder and the other elves just standing by...why is coming up next. Please note that Arianell feels she brought this on herself, as is a common belief among some people who are sexually harrassed. It's not true but that doesn't make it feel any less real. You honestly think you must have encouraged it in some way, whether 'it' is being raped or just being grabbed, spoken to, or moved against your will. I know...I've had to deal with a couple guy's hands places I didn't want them to be at college (in the cafeteria of all places...not some frat party or club, etc.). It's all sexual harrassment when it's not welcomed and it's all wrong...none of it is ever your fault, Something that is often very hard to near impossible to remember.

Well since you, oh gentle reader (anyone else read old novels, including Jane Eyre?), already know what happened I will refrain from re-iterating what Arianell tells Legolas. Let it just be said she tells him truthfully and barrs nothing...shadow woman with the star eyes and all (any ME educated guesses as to who she is?).

Shall we continue?

Legolas' fingers were feather light as they wiped the tears from Arianell's face. "I am truly sorry, I thought I heard you but when I turned around I couldn't see you through the crowd, why did you not call louder?"

"I..." Arianell looked away "I thought it was my fault...he said it was...it was because I was beautiful." she sobbed a little "He said I asked for it by...by dancing with him. And, Lord Thranduil said he was an important delegate...I thought I would get in trouble if I did something."

"No" Legolas smoothed his hand over her face "You wouldn't have. Please don't ever think that Arianell...if you ever feel like you need me, for anything, call for me!"

Carefully he led her over to a recessed bench and sat down, leaning his back against the wall and propping one of his legs out straight along the bench. Gently he drew Arianell down to sit in front of him and held her to his chest. Arianell's head rested just under his chin "Remember Meleth, if you need me for anything I'll always be there." Arianell nodded, feeling her eyes grow tired.

"Rest for a time Arianell, I will wake you." Arianell was more than happy to comply, her eyes glazing over and her breath becoming lighter.

Legolas pov

I cannot believe that any would wish to force themselves on her like that...she doesn't deserve how she was treated.

"What does she deserve?" There was that pesky voice again, Legolas smiled "Something better than me." he whispered to the darkness.

Moments later soft footsteps echoed through the hall "My Son, is Arianell all right?" Thranduil looked down at the figure cradled in Legolas' arms

"She's sleeping."

"The guards have escorted Ochlan to one of the 'spare' bedrooms, I've placed him under guarded watch." Thranduil sighed "I hope that you do not think me so cruel in my initial reaction. You, of all, know I may be a bit hasty in my conclusions. At the time I believed, as did the entire assembly, that Ochlan really was drunk. We all thought that it was little more than an elf with too much wine."

Legolas tried vainly to choke down his anger, before realizing he hadn't sensed anything wrong either.

"If I could I would imprison him for what he tried to do to her." Thranduil layed his hand gently on his son's shoulder "Please know that Legolas."

"Tell me why you cannot imprison him? Tell me why he should not be drug through the depths of Mirkwood and left for the shadows?"

"He is of high standing in his realm. If I did imprison him I would be risking losing one of our allies. As it is I have reached an agreement with the other delegates...an agreement Ochlan has no choice but to comply with, the other alternative being losing his offending, eh...members." Legolas winced.

"What is the agreement father?"

"At sunbreak Ochlan is to be escorted outside of the palace, he will be given four days provision of coarse bread, water, his horse, and whatever personal effects he carried with him. He will be set on the path towards home and sent on his way. No guards, no processional...Although, with your permission, we might give him a blade, provided the lout knows how to wield one correctly." Legolas nodded. "Upon returning home, a replacement will be found for his position on their council and they will punish him however they see fit...provided he makes it home." Thranduil smirked "Afterall Scouts have reported increased activity along the border."

"And if he doesn't?" "Mirkwood will not be to blame since we have made allowances for his food and protection. I have also issued a decree that he is banned from my realm for Eternity and a day." Thranduil smiled "I kind of like that, Eternity and Day, has quite a ring to it."

"Father."

"But I digress, Perhaps it would be best for you to escort Lady Arianell to her chambers? The assembly will be dispersing soon, it was all I could do to keep them from rushing out here to aplogize right away."

Legolas smiled "I think she will be glad to hear that when she awakens, she thought they were abandoning her."

Thranduil's face saddened "I feel as if I have."