Solicitude

Title: Solicitude
Chapter 2
Author: Frosty the Savannah Monitor
Contact: elvendemagogue@yahoo.com
Summary: LOTR OC. Legolas and company stumble upon someone new.
Disclaimer: Borrowed only.
Author's Notes: This is as far as I've gotten with this story. Reviews would be lovely, and please, let me know if I should continue it. Thanks!

*

The soft footsteps on the sand awoke her from her dreams. She looked up into the peaceful face of the blonde elf. "We must leave. Are you ready?" he asked.

She nodded and got up, steadying herself on a tree. Her legs were still shaky, but she felt stronger than she had in a while.

"I've brought you a sword. You're going to need to defend yourself," said Legolas, handing Lia the weapon.

She looked to her side, for the first time wondering what had happened to hers. Legolas took notice. "Yours was broken in the battle," he said. Lia nodded and took the sword from the elf.

"Will you be able to keep pace with us?" asked Aragorn as he approached. Pride took over Lia's features.

"Of course," she said, "I will not hold you up."

Aragorn nodded and set out along the path. Gimli followed close behind. Legolas allowed her to walk ahead of him.

Several hours passed, and Lia found herself beginning to tire. The battle had waged war on her body, and the strain was beginning to show. She had fallen slightly behind, but Legolas stayed with her.

"Do you need rest?" he asked, the third time in an hour.

Lia brushed her hair back. "I can manage," she said, picking up her steps. She swallowed hard, her throat dry from the thin air. She looked around at the mountains. The landscape was sparse, and she found herself missing the forests of her homeland.

Not watching her steps, she tripped on a rock and felt strong hands grab her from behind. "Thanks," she said, staring at Legolas with wide eyes. The reflexes of an elf never ceased to surprise her.

Legolas said nothing to her, only watched her movements. She could feel his gaze on her, and it unnerved her slightly. Then, without a word, he ran past her and towards Aragorn and Gimli.

She watched them as they talked. Aragorn looked back, and she knew they spoke of her. It was less than a minute till Aragorn and Gimli continued over the ridge, and Legolas came back to her.

"What did you speak to them of?" she asked.

"Of your state. You are tired and require a rest," he said as they began walking.

Lia clenched her jaw. "I don't wish for special treatment. I promised not to slow your group, and I dt int intend to. I can continue on."

"We have been walking for many hours. I am sure you aren't the only one who could use a rest."

She looked at him, but he didn't turn to face her. "Are you tired?" she asked after a short pause.

He glanced at her. "I don't tire easily."

Lia smiled as they walked over the ridge. The sight before her soothed her need for home, for there was a forest in the valley below.

"We will camp in the valley, by the river," said Legolas, helping dow down a steep slope. They continued onward, until they caught up to Aragorn and Gimli, who had settled in a small clearing in the woods.

Lia sat against a log, and found her body moaned for rest. Every muscle ached. She tiredly began massaging her neck gently, trying to relieve the strain.

Legolas looked at her and then walked up to Aragorn as he sharpened his sword. "I have concern about Lia," he whispered, not wanting her to notthemthem speaking.

"How so?" asked Aragorn, glancing at her.

"She tires too easily. I fear she may be more injured than we realize."

Aragorn looked into the elf's eyes. "Then there's nothing we can do for her."

For a fleeting second, a look of bewilderment crossed Legolas' eyes. It was soon replaced with determination. "We can't allow her to die."

Aragorn sighed and sheathed his sword. "What can we do, Legolas? We can't turn back, and I doubt we will find a doctor around here. I know you want to help her, but you can't save everyone."

Legolas looked back to Lia. "We can't leave her behind, no matter how weak she gets."

Aragorn licked his lips. "If she slows us, we can't keep her along. It would be dangerous for her."

"I will protect her," he replied.

"You need to protect yourself," said Aragorn, tiring of the conversation.

"I am here to protect those who require it, not to keep myself safe," he responded.

Aragorn rubbed his eyes. "I don't know why you're so intent on this, Legolas, but if you want to take responsibility for her, you have my blessing. Just don't allow it to interfere with what we are here to do."

Legolas smiled slightly. "Of course," he said, walking away from Aragorn. The Human watched him go and sighed, tempted to knock some sense into his elf companion.

*

Lia walked towards the waterfall and sat down on a rock, immersed in her thoughts. Her mission had been simple - keep the evil army of Orcs at bay while Hanna prepared to defend itself. It never occured to her that she would be alone in her survival.

She coughed roughly and touched her lips. A bright red liquid lined the tips of her fingers. Blood, she mused. Perhaps her trials had not yet ended.

It wasn't long before Legolas found her. She cleaned her fingers on her tunic, not wanting to bother him with more worry.

He sat across from her, his blue eyes sparklingmly.mly. "You should not wander off alone," he said, "These woods are not safe."

Lia smiled. "I only needed some time to think. I would not have gone far."

"Have you eaten?" he asked, leaning forward.

"Yes, thank you," she replied, staring at his soft face. The beauty of an elf long stood out to her. She remembered when she had once visited Rivendell long ago, how at peace she had been surrounded by such beauty and kindness. Each elf was regal and stately, and sdmirdmired that. She felt safe having Legolas near.

He frowned at her suddenly saddened expression. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing is wrong," she whispered, smiling softly. "Thank you for saving me."

An amused light crossed Legolas' features. Before he could respond, she lifted a hand to his face and gently traced her fingers along his smooth cheek. She watched her fingers whisper along his pale skin and move back to his ear. She softly ran her fingers along the shape of his ear, her hand tingling from his warmth.

She caught his eyes in a glance and suddenly realized what she was doing. Legolas' eyes were wide, staring into hers, and he remained as still as the rocks around him.

She withdrew her hand quickly and lowered her gaze, embarrassed by her actions.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, quickly getting up and rushing into the forest.

Legolas could only watch her go.

*

TBC