Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or characters, they belong to JRR Tolkien. I only own my Original Characters and story idea.

"*Come on Haldir, you promised you'd play with me today!*" I shouted, "*I thought you were fast.*"

A voiced yelled from behind me, "*I am on flat ground or on the flets!*"

"*That's no excuse!*" I laughed.

I kept running until I heard the babbling of the stream, I glanced back but no sigh of Haldir yet. I smiled and turned my head right into a sharp branch, I felt my hair tie break. My dark hair flowed behind me, snagging a few broken twigs. I came to the stream and I sat down beside the small falls, I looked at my reflection. Dark brown eyes stared back at me, my usually straight dark hair was tangled. I groaned, "*This is going to take a while.*"

I slowly ran my hands through my hair taking leaves and untangling knots. Slowly my hair was becoming straight again than I heard foot steps.

"*It's about time brother, I think my hair grew while I was waiting for you,*" I teased.

"*I'm hear now Leafling, what did you want to play?*" Haldir asked, "*Unless you changed your mind.*"

I stood up facing him, "*Rangers.*"

He frowned, "*We didn't brings our bows.*"

"*We don't need them, we'll use long branches for swords instead. I'm Longshanks, you're Strider,*" I said, "*Come on let's go, I heard there is a council meeting today.*"

He frowned, "*Are you required to go?*"

I shrugged, "*I don't know, if they can't find me I don't have to! Run there are Orcs on your left, there may be goblins ahead, be careful!*"

We started running.

"*Right side Longshanks, deflect arrows!*" shouted Haldir.

I took my sword out and used it as a shield.

"Left side, Orc spears!*"

I spun and slashed through the air taking spears and heads with me, "*Strider to your right!*"

With quick reflexes he cut down the goblins before they had a chance to strike.

"*Looks like this area is clear for safe passage, we should scout ahead to make sure, Longshanks scale the trees, I'll take the ground.*" I ordered.

He nodded and quickly climbed the nearest tree, I ran ahead quietly, keeping in the shade of the trees. So far so good, we must have...I heard a branch break. Smiling I crouched behind the tree and readied my sword, Haldir has grown careless.

Grinning I jump around the tree ready to strike only to come face to face with a dark haired grey eyed elf.

"*Arwen!*" I yelled dropping my stick, "*I could have hurt you*"

She laughed while ruffling my hair, "*Little Aunt Leafling, you will have to be quicker than that to catch me off guard. You look nice, wearing your hair down.*"

I frowned, "*It's not on purpose, my hair tie broke. Do you have one?*"

She smiled, "*I always have one, you should carry one extra with you. Grandfather sent me to look for you.*"

"*Why? Do I get to be on the guard?*" I asked excitedly.

"*No, I do not think so.*" she said, "*Why do you ask?*"

"*Haldir was five hundred, same age as me when he was allowed to join the guard.*" I pouted, "*Rúmil and Orophin have trained me well enough to start on the guard. Isn't that the reason why they been training me?*"

Arwen frowned, "*I'm not the one you should be asking these questions to. Now run along, get dressed in your day clothes and go to the meeting hall. No wondering off or taking shortcuts. I'll tell Haldir where you went.*"

I nodded and took off running.

"*Little Leaf! Please look nice when you arrive!*" she called to me.

I rolled my eyes, I always look presentable but I do dislike having to wear dresses. If only I could wear tunics all the time, the nice sliver ones that Ada wears or dark blue ones. I stopped at the entrance, Arwen told me to hurry…but my room is way on the other side. Staying on the stairs and flets will make me really late…I looked around to see if anyone was watching. No one, good.

I took a running jump and climbed swiftly up the tree to where the beams, held the flet in place. I gently grabbed the beam and swung myself easily up. I crouch there, listening, still no one. I stood up and started walking across the beam until I was almost at the next tree, I jumped down onto a lower one and kept walking. I frowned still too slow, I glanced around one more time than started running. It was the easiest way to get around, Haldir tried it once but he couldn't run on the beams, walk yes but not run.

I smiled to myself, there is nothing better than having the wind in your hair and nothing between the me and the ground. I jumped and swung onto another beam with ease, I laugh. Naneth doesn't like me using the beams to get around, so I try not to get caught. Most of the time I don't. I jump one more time and I hang there, trying to figure out where I am.

"*Stairs to The Hall…*" I mutter, "*…and right there, my stairs…*"

I pulled myself up on the beam and ran to the end, stopping briefly I jump down and flip to the ground. I land with my legs behind me, my left arm holding me up and my right arm in the air, I grin. Perfect landing Orophin would be proud.

"*And who might this be?*" said someone from behind me.

I frozen, than slowly stood up.

The voice laughed, "*Well Lord Celeborn I didn't know your Guardsmen were so talented. Perhaps some of my Guardsmen should come and train here.*"

I very slowly turned around to see a group of people standing around Ada, who have me a look before turning to the tall golden blonde to his right.

"*She isn't on the Guard, come here.*"

I dusted off my tunic and straightened my hair as I walked closer to the group. Ada place his hand on my shoulder, "*King Thranduil this is my daughter Lady Leafling.*"

I bowed my head but at the slight pressure on my shoulder I quickly turned it into a full bow. I glanced at Ada who nodded at me.

"*The stars shine bright at our meeting Lady Leafling, may I introduce my eldest son Prince Aman,*" Thranduil had his arm around a light brunette elf, who smiled and bowed to me. I bowed to him too.

"*It is an honour to meet you King Thranduil and Prince Aman,*" I said with my head down, "*I hope all is well at your house.*"

Thranduil smiled and turned to Ada, "*Lord Celeborn you told me she was talented and beautiful but I did not expect her to be as good as your Guard.*"

Ada smiled, "*She was trained by the best and improves everyday. My Lady Leafling, would you take Prince Aman to the meeting hall? We will be along shortly.*"

I nodded my head, "*Yes of course Ada, come on Aman let's go I-I mean Prince Aman.*"

Thranduil laughed, "*It is alright Lady Leafling you are still an elfling, you are still learning.*"

I forced a smile, Orophin would be so disappointed at the slip of words. I turned and started walking, I heard footsteps beside me. We walked in silence until we reached the hall.

"*What exactly are you wearing? You do not look like a Lady,*" said Aman, "*Even our Court Ladies at home dress better than you.*"

I turned to face him, "*I happen to be wearing a warrior tunic.*"

"*So you are on the Guard than?*" he exclaimed.

I smirked at him, "*Almost as good.*"

He went quiet than glanced at me, "*Whats wrong with your ears?*"

I looked at him, "*What?*"

"*Your ears, what's wrong with them?*"

I felt my ears with my hands, the two points I was born with, "*Haldir said I was so bad as a baby as punishment my ears grew this way.*"

Aman laughed, "*Thats rubbish, you have deformed ears. I have never see an elf with ears like that before. You must be adopted from a malformed family who couldn't stand to look at you!*"

I glared at him, "*You take that back Aman!*"

He laughed meanly, "*Why it's true! You are a deformed elf, you'll never find a husband. That's why they put you on the guard!*"

"*Aman!*" said a loud voice, "*You do not talk to Lady Leafling in such a manner, apologize now!*"

Without thinking I withdrew my dagger, "*I will accept no apologizes, if you can fight with words than you can surely fight with steel. Lets settle this, no one not even a Prince will ever talk to me like that!*"

"*Leafling,*" I heard Ada's warning in his voice.

"*No she is right Lord Celeborn, I am disgusted with my son. If it were up to me I would punish him my way,*" Thranduil said furiously, "*However he must learn on his own, Lady Leafling he will fight arms with you.*"

Aman looked aghast, "*I will not fight a girl!*"

"*You want to fight with words than you will fight with swords Aman, you brought this upon your own self.*" Thranduil said harshly, "*Lord Celeborn with your permission.*"

Ada looked at me as I put my dagger away, than looked to his left where Orophin appeared.

"*Take them to the practice ring, we will follow.*"

Orophin nodded, and motioned for the two of us to follow him. Aman legged behind but I was right beside Orophin, afraid of what he may say.

"*Very brave of you Little Leaf or very foolish. You should have held your tongue however he does not have the right to speak to you like he did. I am proud you remembered to keep your anger in check and to speak in proper mannerism,*" he glanced at me, "*This fight will not be for practice, this you know. Do you remember what I taught you?*"

I nodded, "*Strength, agility, defence. Keep your opponent in mind, learn his moves, anticipate his next move, learn his weaknesses. Do not let emotions rule your attacks.*"

"*Good, and remember this: you may fight fair and true but your opponent may not. Do not let your guard down no matter what.*" he looked down at me, "*Learn this and you have learned all I can teach you, now go. Make me proud.*"

I smiled gently at my older brother and turned to walk to the ring, I looked for my practice sword on the holder. Than I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"*Here Little Leaf, take this. It was my first sword,*" Rúmil handed me it, "*Use it well.*"

I gasped, "*I can't Rúmil-*"

He held up his hand, "*Its my gift to you, it has brought me luck. Perhaps it will do the same to you.*"

I clutched the scabbard to my chest and nodded. I tied the belt on, the weight of the sword felt different compared to the dagger I always carried. When I earn my bow, my outfit will be complete. I walked to the side of the ring and pulled out my sword, it gleamed in the sunlight, it was heavier and sharper than my practice blade, it felt good in my hand. Rúmil step in front of me and offered protection guards for my arms and legs, I shook my head. I may only be an elfling but time has come to prove myself worthy of being chosen for The Guard.

I stepped forward into the practice ring and waited for Aman, who was fussing over blades. I practised a few defensive stances, getting a feel for my blade. At last he stepped forward. I put my sword blade down than raised it in a show of respect, Aman just grunted refusing to do the same.

"*Are you ready?*" asked Orophin looking at me than Aman, "*Fight.*"

Right away Aman tried circling me, I held my stance refusing to move. This startled him, he feint right I blocked, I seen that he had a dagger sheath hidden in his vest. He stalked back and forth, I studied his movements, he seemed use to onslaught attack. Biding my time was unsettling him.

"*What are you waiting for?*" he yelled angrily, "*Are you frightened that I'll beat you? You little deformed elf, come on, fight me!*"

Anger flared in me but I didn't let it show, I took a calming breath. 'Don't let emotions rule your attacks'. I was ready, I stepped forward; this made Aman grin. He swung but made the mistake of putting his full weight in it, I easily blocked and sent him flying into the dirt. He spun back up and charged at me, I let him get into striking ranged than landed a blow on his right shoulder.

He cried out and lunged at me again, he was getting angry, I blocked jab after jab. He didn't cover his legs so I hit his left leg just below the knee, with a yelled he charged full force. I was ready for this, lunged after lunge he nicked me on the arm. I repaid by getting his right wrist, I could see he was tiring out, time to finish. I lunged forth and twisted my blade under his and threw it out of his hands, it landed ten feet away.

He glared at me than whipped out his dagger and charged, I barely blocked, nicking my wrist. He striked out, he got my sword arm behind him but I knocked his dagger down. He looked triumphant, I looked down and he followed my gaze. In the commotion I grabbed my dagger with my left hand and had it positioned over his heart.

"*Well played Elf Girl,*" he said with a genuine smile, "*You win.*"

There was clapping.

"*Very well done,*" said Thranduil, "*Both of you.*"

Aman stepped back and bowed, "*I apologize for my pactions and words earlier, Lady Leafling.*"

I bowed back, "*You will make a fine warrior if that is what you wish.*"

Ada came forth, "*One of our Healers will look at your wounds. You fought well Prince Aman and Lady Leafling, once you are done with the Healers meet us in the meeting hall. King Thranduil, shall we?*"

The two men walked off leaving us to tend to our wounds. Aman turned to me again.

"*Elf Girl, if it were up to me you would be on the guard.*" he said with respect.

I bowed my head, "*Thank you.*"

Later that evening I sat on the window ledge in my room, watching the sun set in the reflection of the water. Without realizing I was stroking the extra point on my ear, sighing. I heard someone walk in, she laid a hand on my shoulder.

"*Naneth, what do my ears look like this?*"

She sat beside me, "*Why the sudden curiosity Little One? You always been proud of your ears.*"

I looked at her with tears in bed, "*You and Ada do not have ears like me nor do Haldir, Rúmil or Orophin. Is there something wrong with me?*"

She took me in her arms, "*Sweet baby, there is nothing wrong with you.*"

"*Your Naneth is right Little One,*" said Ada who just walked in, "*You are perfect just the way you are.*"

I started crying, "*But why am I so different? Everyone here likes me but Aman called me deformed.*"

Naneth starting rocking me while singing:

Lay down your head and I'll sing you a lullaby

Back to the years of loo-li lai-lay

And I'll sing you to sleep and I'll sing you tomorrow

Bless you with love for the road that you go

May you sail far to the far fields of fortune

With diamonds and pearls at your head and your feet

And may you need never to banish misfortune

May you find kindness in all that you meet

May there always be angels to watch over you

To guide you each step of the way

To guard you and keep you safe from all harm

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

May you bring love and may you bring happiness

Be loved in return to the end of your days

Now fall off to sleep, I'm not meaning to keep you

I'll just sit for a while and sing loo-li, lai-lay

I stopped crying and lay there listening to her sing my song, slowly feeling my eyes grow heavy.

"*Little One?*" asked Ada softly, "*Do you want to know why you have special ears?*"

I nodded, still snuggled into Naneth.

"*Rúmil found you in a hazel tree,*" he continued, "*When he brought you, I knew you were one of a kind. Because only special elves are born from trees, your ears mark you as a warrior elf. Although not many elves know that.*"

I looked at Ada with wide eyes, "*I was born from a tree?*"

Naneth smiled, "*Yes, Rúmil was proud he was the one to find you, shhh go to sleep now. No more crying.*"

I yawed as I walked to my bed, Ada and Naneth tucked me in. She started humming my song while rubbing my head, I slowly felt my eyes close as I drifted off.

Authors Note: A big thank you to everyone who favoured and followed this story, you guys made my day! And okay I lied, here is the song again and I know it's probably gonna pop up again, so you are warned lol. I love hearing from readers, what you liked, didn't like, and I'll love and marry the first person to review my story, just kidding I wouldn't but I'd still love you. Until next time!