As Haldir rode through the entrance of the city, doing his best to gently keep the girl steady in-between his arms, he was relieved to see a group of healers waiting for him. Though they luckily had been within minutes of the main woods, he knew how fast a wraith's poison could spread. He had occasionally felt the human shiver or gasp quietly, but she still seemed completely unaware.

He pulled his horse into a quick but secure stop, and a healer was by his side instantly. "Quick, quick, let me see her," one of them ordered, checking her pulse and breathing, almost as soon as she was out of his saddle.

In only seconds the healer creased his forehead, anxiousness written in his expression with only a glance at her actual wounds. "Yes, there are clear signs of this being a Nazgûl's mark…" he spoke, almost half to himself.

Haldir, who just dismounted himself, did his best to hide his slight annoyance, for the statement seemed all too obvious at this point.

Another healer off a little off to the side, did not miss his silent thought, though, and gave a small smile to the peeved captain. "But you got her here it time, Captain. True she is young, but this also means her health should be strong. She has a fair chance of living now that she is in our care," she assured with a gentle nod.

Without another word, they began carrying Abigail towards the housed of healing. He made a step forward to follow them, a part of him feeling it was his duty to help see this through, but one last healer who had stayed behind stopped him.

"The Lady would like to see you," he explained briefly.

Haldir immediately paused, and embarrassment briefly washed over him. Of course he needed to go see Lady Galadriel. He was captain of the guard, and he had allowed a black rider to slip deep into their territory. He could only leave the child in the healer's hands now, and concentrate on how this mess happened in the first place. "Thank you, I will see to my Lady immediately. "

They both gave a slight nod to each other and left.

Haldir made a fast walk to the great hall, several thoughts and ever more questions running through his mind. He approached the pale tree, probably one of the grandest on the forest, and began to take the long flight of stairs to the top. At this pace, it did not take long to reach his destination. He pushed open the massive white oak doors, and was greeted by the flash of light that was the sun coming through the very top branches of the tree, though it almost always felt like the radiance could be coming from Lady Galadriel. When the room became dim again thanks to his eyes adjusting, Haldir noticed that Lord Celeborn was also in the room. "My lord, my lady," he said, giving a low bow.

"Captain Haldir, we were told you found…something most interesting of the far borders?" Celeborn asked carefully, one eyebrow rising ever so slightly.

"Yes my lord," he replied, head still tilted down slightly.

"What happened exactly?" Celeborn continued.

Haldir barely dared to take quick glance at Galadriel as his raised his eyes, and focused mostly on Celeborn.

"Arphenon and I were taking the east guard, when we heard a cry for help. We were momentarily confused, as it was rare that any of our kind would walk out that far, until we heard the cry of a Nazgul."

He paused momentarily for reassurance.

The lord nodded. "Yes we were told about the wraith by Arphenon, please continue."

"Yes, my lord. When we were in sight range, we saw the Nazgûl hovering over a girl. We both took aim, and three arrows hit the creature, but that is not enough to stop it, of course. It went on its steed horse, and rode off."

Galadriel finally spoke.

"Why did you not pursue?" she asked, her calm tone giving no hint as to how she might have felt

This was a question Haldir had been dreading. He hung his head slightly.

"Noticing the critical condition of the child, I took her into priority. And a sent Arphenon ahead to warn you and the healers, since I knew I would be forced to ride more carefully if I took her." The captain gave the barest of sighs. "I take full responsibility on myself if you think that was an unwise choice but…I did not wish to risk her life, knowing it was unlikely Arphenon or I could pursue, much less capture, the wraith alone."

He looked up, expecting to see disappointment on her face, but instead, all she had was a small smile.

Galadriel gave a small look to her husband, and they both seemed in silent agreement instantaneously. Her eyes shifted to Haldir once more. "That is all the explanation I require for now, Haldir. Thank you for your promptness."

"Your are most welcome, my lady," he replied, feeling a sense of relief that he had not seemed to damage his or Arphenon's integrity.

"Eat now and rest, Captain," Celeborn said. "But will you be fit to take small night watch, by the north end? We are in need of more eyes to the east now," he continued, his tone more serious.

"Of course my Lord. I will be there tonight." With another low bow, he left the room. Outside, he found Arphenon waiting.

"So?"

"Rest easy, my friend. There will be no wrath from the Lord or Lady today," Haldir said with a slight smirk.

"Well…who's to say I was possible worried about that?" he replied with a small grin, but Haldir didn't miss his partner's small sigh of relief. "And the child?" he asked.

"The healers said she would likely make a good recovery. There was not too much time for the poison to take effect," he said. "But…maybe I will check myself," Haldir continued, his tone slightly more quiet, as if he was thinking to himself. It passed a moment later, and he gave his friend another small smile and a clap on the shoulder, before disappearing down the staircase

When he was gone, Arphenon had stood in thought for a moment longer, partially still stunned about the events that had unfolded this morning. "Who knew the great captain Haldir would have a soft spot for a mortal girl?" was the last thing he muttered, before turning to walk away as well.

OoOoOoOo

Later, in the Houses of Healing

Abigail slowly opened her eyes, the sun shining through the small, arched window being an unfamiliar sight. She tried to take in her surroundings, but immediately all that hit he was confusion. She was in a small room but…it really more reminded her of a tree house. She could see the wooden railing through the door that was on eye level with a forest canopy. The sort of white nightgown she was wearing and the bed was comfortable, but...something about all of this wasn't right. Was it wrong for her to feel comfort? No, what sense was there in that.

She thought hard for a moment, then it sort her all at once what was wrong. It was everything. Everything was unfamiliar. Everything was foreign. She could name what things were, but at the same time it was like she was blank. She didn't feel a connection to anything. She…she couldn't even say for sure who she was. Her head quickly started to spin, but she forced herself to sit up, wanting to get a better look at things.

She glanced down at herself. 'Well, I know I'm a girl", she thought, resisting to urge to snort. That was hardly the most important discovery of the day to make. Suddenly, a pretty woman, with a tray came in, and she couldn't stop the brief flinch of fear, despite the newcomer's kind face.

"Why look, the little miss is finally awake today to drink her tea."

Tea! That was the steaming liquid. No wait. There was no reason something as simple as tea should be unfamiliar. What the hell was going on here? She still eyed the woman a bit warily, but in a second she found her voice. "What do you mean, finally awake?" she asked, her throat dry, though her speech clear enough.

"I have been coming in here for four straight days hoping to finally get you to eat, and each day I have been unfortunate to find you still sleeping," she said in a cheery accent, placing a hand on her slender hip.

Four days? What happened to make her sleep for four days? Actually the better question was what happened to make her lose her recognition of anything? She twisted her body, making a move to get out of bed, and then gasped at the sharp pain in her side.

The woman's jaw dropped, and she quickly to move to the side of the bed, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "No, my child! You should not move, you are not yet fully healed! You should still be praising the Valar that you are still alive," she reprimanded, though there was something affectionate in her tone still.

She nearly wanted to argue that she did not exactly feellike a child, though she could guess it would make no difference in the eyes of this…nurse? Was that the right term? "What…happened?" she finally asked out loud

The lady stopped, a strange look crossing her face that did not give the young patient any comfort. "You do not remember?" she clarified

Abigail simply shook her head.

"Oh dear…alas, I am not so sure of the details myself, for I did not treat you when you first came here," she explained apologetically. "Maybe I can sir Haldir, he was the one who brought you. Rumor says he has actually been in here a few times checking up on you. Rare for him to show such concern."

Abigail had no idea who she was talking about, but if he knew something, she felt she needed to talk to him. "A-alright. Only of you can find him though. I don't want to bother anyone."

The woman smiled kindly. "It is not a bother child. If you truly cannot recall what happened, you deserve some answers." And with that, she walked quietly out of the room, leaving the tray on the table beside her, though not before handing her a cup of the tea first.

She was silent, blowing along the rim of the mug to cool of her drink. 'At least I think I don't want to be a bother. Am the kind of person who doesn't like to be a bother?' More confusing thoughts were going through her head. Why could she know so little? Why so many blanks? She felt the wound on her stomach all too clearly now, though why would that effect memory? She contemplated this, while she sipped her tea.

'Hmmm, well I know I like tea,' she mused quietly. It wasn't much, though it seemed like a start.

She was not sure how much time passed when she heard someone approach, and set the tea down. A tall man walked in, with long blonde hair. For some reason, she felt it was strange to see a man with such beautiful and clean hair but at the same time, it suited him. She observed him only briefly before looking away slightly, suddenly feeling nervous.

The man's expression was somewhat blank, though there definitely seemed to be kindness in his eyes. "Good morning lady Abigail. I am relieved to see you finally awake," he spoke first. His stance was somewhat formal, and he had yet to move away from the doorframe. "My name is Haldir."

Recognizes the name, she was prepared to thank him, but then almost immediately another question popper into her head. "I'm sorry but who is Abigail?"

The man paused, and eyed her closely. For a moment it was as if he expected her to speak again, but instead she was the one who looked on expectedly. "That is your name. At least, it was the one you told me. Are you saying...you are not Abigail?"

She shook her head, anxiously weaving her fingers together and apart. "I'm sorry sir, everything is very blurry, and I can't seem to remember…much of anything." It was her turn to pause, as stared blankly ahead for a moment.

"Abigail," she whispered. "Yes, that...feels like it could be true, somehow. But lady Abigail doesn't sound right. I certainly don't feel like a lady."

She grabbed her side again, feeling another pain coming on as she accidentally shifted her torso again.

"Are you all right?" he asked, slight panic coming to his voice as he finally took a step closer into the room.

She pursed her lips. "Yes…well no actually. Why am I in pain at all?" she asked, looking up at him again.

Haldir sighed lightly, and took a seat that was across the room. "You were stabbed by a Nazgûl," as if that explanation meant something

"Nazgûl?"

"Yes, wraiths," he repeated

She still looked blank.

"Black riders?" he tried again, apparently still hoping one of these names would be familiar to her

Nothing.

He leaned back slowly, a sympathetic look on his features. It made her slightly uncomfortable, only in the fact that she didn't really want to feel pitied…then again, most would probably pity her situation. "I see," he commented thoughtfully. "To give you the simple explanation…there is a sort of poison in there swords. If not treated, you will turn into one of them."

"And that's bad?" she prompted

"Yes. Very," he replied. "Fortunately for you, elves are very skilled in treating this poison. You will always feel that pain, though, especially when they are near or on you presence," he added, looking sorry once more.

She nodded, though she couldn't quite say that she fully understood. "Fine, that explains…this," she said, looking down to the bandages at her side. "But why my memories?"

She didn't feel very comforted again, as this time he looked more puzzled and concerned than she did. "I must confess, I cannot explain it," he said slowly. "I am no master Healer but…there is no one place saying how their poison could hurt you. Indeed, with enough time, you become one of them. But before then, perhaps your mind is once place that can be harmed," he paused for a moment, before attempting to look reassuring. "I would try not to panic, young one. This could only be a temporary outcome."

Abigail tried to review all that he had said. Most made at least some semblance of logic (as least as much as she was going to get in her state), except for one thing.

"What are elves?"

He seemed surprised at the question. Perhaps because he expected that to still be within her knowledge, or simply because that wasn't the one he expected her to voice out of the many she could have asked. "One of the peoples of Middle Earth."

She tilted her head. "Peoples? As in race? You…look fairly human too me."

He smiled lightly. "I supposed to some we have similar characteristics. Though there is one key difference you can always look for," he said, pulling back his long hair momentarily to reveal a tipped ear.

Abigail's hand flew up to her own ears immediately.

Haldir gave a very small chuckle for the first time at her inquisitive expression. "No, my lady, you are not and elf. You are a regular human. You physical traits are typical of those who hail from some city in Eriador. I admit Gondor is a possibility, but that is much too far away."

Abigail gave another blank look, and she was really starting to tire of only offering one expression.

"I am naming kingdoms of Middle Earth," he said off-handedly.

"I'm sorry, I just don't know." Sadness was quickly creeping into her voice. It felt somewhat childish considering her age but was bad enough to feel physically weak, and then to feel like she was a complete idiot on top of that was all too much

This was something Haldir wasn't prepared for. As sympathetic as he could me, like most men he was somewhat at a loss when he saw a young woman cry.

"You are being entirely truthful…you can not remember anything," he stated, his tone much quieter now. He had to admit for a moment, he thought maybe she was just trying to hide something out of dear or shame, but her look and her tone…there was no mistaking that she felt sincere confusion and perhaps even despair at her situation

Abigail could only manage to shake her head in reply.

He almost didn't want to ask.

"What about a family or a home?"

"I have nothing and no one," she said in a tiny voice.

Haldir got up from his chair, at an almost alarming speed. "Forgive me, but I need to discuss this with my Lady. This will…complicated matters somewhat," he said, almost muttering that last part. "However, she has great wisdom, sometimes in mysterious ways. Perhaps she knows something already." He gave a sigh, doing his best to keep his expression neutral to not alarm her any further. "Sleep now, and I will return."

Abigail gave another small nod. The blonde elf gave her the barest of smiles, but she had to admit, it was nice to feel like her did care. At least enough that he was willingly to come talk to her, and then try to get her more answers. She realized she never actually thanked him for saving her life, but when she looked again he was already gone.

OoOoOoOo

As Haldir raced down stairs and through paths of Lorien, he was thinking deeply about the conversation that just transpired.

'We could just give her to one of the closest villages. But she knows nothing about the world of men, even, and she will need some special care for that wound, especially if anything happens in the future.'

He slowed his pace. He realized slowly that he was getting more worked up about this situation that even some of the problem he faced with the guard. There was no denying that he could escape a sense of responsibility to Abigail since he was the one who found her but still…something about her endeared him more than he would probably liked to admit. Even with only having one proper conversation with her.

He was quickly pulled away from his musing, when he spotted one of the noble advisors. "Excuse me, have you seen Lady Galadriel?" he spoke in rapid elvish, stopping the man politely.

"Yes, I believe she wanted to tend to her private garden. Even possibly consult with the mirror," the man replied.

"Thank you,"he said with a sharp nod, before picking up his pace again.

'This is good timing.' Haldir thought. 'Perhaps the Lady of the Wood will find some insight to this strange tale.'

OoOoOoOo

Back in her room, Abigail was trying hard to stop the tears that eventually started spilling out. She didn't want anyone to hear, and perhaps have to explain her story all over again. She tried to muffle the sobs with the pillow.

'I can't do this,' she thought. 'I can't just stay in a bed in a place I know nothing about.' She sat up, and the pain was less this time. She had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn't just spiced herbs that was put in her tea. She walked up to the dresser, her steps somewhat off balance, and tried to find some clothes beside the nightgown she was wearing.

"If it truly feels so wrong to be here, maybe somewhere else would be better."

OoOoOoOoOo

Okay, so the chapters aren't very adventurous right now, but I think this explanation are kind of important. Though if you read the summary, you pretty much know what is going to happen next.

It might be awhile for the next chapter, I need to figure out how much time, if any, am I going to spend on her growing up in Lorien. I might pretty much skip to the fellowship. I could make a sub-story on her life later perhaps. Anyway, I'll stop talking and let you click the pretty review button! L8r!

-MN9