Desperate times, desperate measures

A/N: The story takes place during the Fellowship's arrival at Lothlorien and there stay there. It starts with the scene of Haldir approaching them, telling them they can go no further.

Aragorn will convince Haldir somehow to let them continue their way. He must. In the process he ends up offering something that isn't his to offer... with all necessary consequence.





Chapter one: To sway your mind



Haldir spoke in veiled amusement as they came upon the Fellowship, "The dwarf breathes so loud we could've shot him in the dark."

Though true, the statement served for the sole purpose of annoying said dwarf who, moments before, claimed superiority over elves, "Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion."

The younger elf bowed his head dutifully as he was greeted, "Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien"

Haldir barely acknowledged the elf vocally as he spoke, speaking of the Fellowship standing in his debt.

Haldir could only just manage to pull his eyes from the youth as he remembered a briefly forgotten sense of decorum as he addressed Aragorn.



Aragorn pulled him aside, much to Haldir's displeasure, to discuss the matter of passing through the forest of Lothlorien to be safe from the danger that pursued them.

The proud marchwarden remained firm in his disagreement. To bring the ring of the Dark Lord into his realm seemed unthinkable.

The human continued to plague him with words of need, of safety.

The man spoke fluently in the Elvish tongue and his plea, though useless, was passionate in its own right as he offered great riches to be offered in return for the help.

Though the tall elf didn't smile, there was a hint of amusement visible on his face, "Amin utúlá an erma lárëa"

No, Haldir had no purpose for material riches, nor a need for them.

The words seemed to hold greater meaning to the Dúnedain, as though Haldir had just told him a great secret.



Aragorn looked at the elf questioningly, "Maneni lárëa o hrávë?"

The question stunned the marchwarden into silence. Riches of the flesh? Haldir seemed puzzled by just what it was Aragorn offered, but beyond that that last question caught Legolas' attention, who could pick it up through his sensitive ears.

The Woodland elves had the greatest hearing, but now a blush crept unto his cheeks at the topic of their conversation to the point he felt like putting his hands to his ears to hear no more of it.

Haldir looked at the man, one eyebrow raised in curiosity, "Manas anta le?"

The question seemed to momentary silence the mortal. Haldir decided this meant that the man hadn't quite thought of what it was he was offering.

The choice wasn't easy on the ranger, but it seemed the most logical one. The one he was most certain of to succeed, "Merlye se"

Haldir's eyes sparked with some type of recognition at the words 'you want him'and he gave a nod of agreement to them.

Once more Legolas' eyes darted to the couple. He wasn't at all pleased with their conversation, especially with the route it was taking.

There was a serious lack of disagreement following the offer and Legolas had a dooming sense of understanding that the 'him' in question was he, Legolas.

The dwarf or hobbits would hold no interest to Haldir and the men were too sweaty, too dirty to appeal to any elf.

Legolas chewed his lip nervously.



Haldir realized the gift in the situation as it was presented. A gift that Aragorn couldn't make lightly, one that the golden-haired beauty thus must've agreed to. A spark of hope filled him at the idea.

Still he couldn't agree to take them to Caras Galadhon without the Lord and Lady's permission. The voice entered his mind unbidden and his eyes closed as Aragorn urgently suggested for Haldir to accept it, to think of the consequences if he didn't.

A nod followed, curt but visible before he looked to the rest of the Fellowship and stated firmly, "You will follow me."

And just like that, the deal was struck.



The Fellowship followed, all were excited to be offered this shelter and to get the chance to meet the lord Celeborn and Galadriel, Lady of Light. All but one.

Legolas followed the rest of the group, caught between the feelings of grief over the lost wizzard and despair over what he'd be forced to give up. He told himself it'd be for the good of others, but Legolas wasn't convinced.

They mounted endless stairs and Legolas felt his feet grow heavier with each step.

All were in awe as the Lord and Lady came down the stairs, but the moment of awe was some overcome by sadness as the Lord asked for Gandalf.

It was the Lady who spoke first, speaking of the man who'd fallen into shadow.



Legolas was the first to speak upon these words, his sorrow and anger apparent in his eyes though he did his best to try and keep it from his words, "He was taken by both Shadow and Flame, a balrog of Morgoth."

The memory came back full force and before he could think to keep the words to himself he added, "For we went needlessly into the mines of Moria."

It was the Lady that disagreed with these words, Gandalf's reasons might not be known to us.

Legolas nodded, but as the Lady went on, Legolas felt his despair return.

The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. What if .. What if he refused Haldir his agreement and ruined everything?

His eyes were downcast now, even as he felt the other elf's eyes upon his form.

No, he had no choice.

This must be done, for the sake of the fellowship.