The fellowship was eating dinner when he got to the clearing. He paused and watched them. None seemed concerned at all. His fists balled and he walked by them and went to Jessica�s pallet grabbing her pack and anything personal that was hers. Shoving it in there before walking by them again.

�Haldir. . join us for dinner.� He turned to look at the sweet smile Majesty was giving him and glared.

�Do none of you care that one of your company is currently injured?� he asked coldly.

�Injured?� asked Aragorn confused. �None here is injured.� He looked at Aragorn his face a mask but he was amazed. how can you not notice she is gone? he thought incredulously.

�I speak of Jessica, she is currently sleeping. I�m sure everyone here will be relieved to note that her head injury wasn�t serious and should be fully recovered within a week.� He said acidly his grip tightening on her bag.

�what happened?� asked Legolas. �Why were we not told?� Haldir looked to him surprised.

�The healer told you as soon as he finished treating her.� he said.

�Actually the healer told me. He said it wasn�t serious so I thought no one else needed to be worried about it.� Said Majesty.

�You should have told us.� Said Boromir angrily. �where is she?� he asked looking to Haldir.

�I am caring for her. She is at a healing Telain.� He said. �She must be woken every hour but sleeps other than that. The next time she wakes will be in roughly forty five minutes.�

�Can we see her?� asked pippin. He was relieved to see actual concern on their faces. All but one. Majesty looked upset, but not for Jessica. He believed it was because she was no longer being paid attention to. She rectified that though.

�That probably wouldn�t be a good idea.� She said. Everyone looked to her.

�I would like to see her.� said merry.

�If she has a head injury she will be easily confused and overwhelmed.� Said majesty. �It would probably be best if only one of us went.� Haldir sighed watching the display. It was just as Jessica had said. �I know her the best so I�ll go.�

�I do not know if she would be up to the visit. I will ask her next she wakes and let you know.� He said walking away from them disgusted.

�I�m bored can�t I just shoot a few arrows? I mean I don�t need to be a hundred percent mobile for that.� Haldir looked to her and sighed.

�No, you were injured.�

�Hey I remember that.� He raised an eyebrow. �Well not the specifics but I have a fucking headache to remind me of it every time I look to fast left or right.� He simply looked back to the reports he was reading. �Shit, I�m not going anywhere now that I admitted I have a headache am I?�

�For one so stubborn it does not take long for you to realize logic.� She sighed and leaned back on the pillows. �Besides one would think that after months walking through the wilderness you would enjoy your time on a real bed.�

�I don�t know it lacks the certain endearment of the rocks digging into my back and the bugs crawling on me.�

�If it would help you feel more comfortable I can retrieve those items.�

�I�m touched by your sentiment but I�ll pass.� He grinned still reading the report in his hands. There was silence for a few moments and he looked over to her. �you don�t have to stay here you know.� She turned her head and looked to him. �I am not so incapable that I can�t be bored on my own. You have other things to do, go do them.�

�Would you stay there if I left?�

�Well I admit that I would miss your endearing brand of charm and might try to follow just to spend a few more precious moments in your company. I mean, really, the sight of you just takes my breath away.�

�If that were the case you would not be able to talk.�

�Don�t you wish.� She sighed and turned her head. �I�ll just keep talking until you leave.�

�You think I would be swayed by your speaking? Nay, I will not leave then find you went against the healers words and left the bed.�

�I can get very annoying.� She turned to look at him again. There was a mischievous look in her eyes and he chuckled.

�I somehow do not doubt that statement.� She smiled.

�I swear to you that I will not leave the bed. Unless I have to pee or a fire or something pressing.� She sighed. �I really don�t want you to sit there all day when there are things that you need to do. I�ll be the perfect little patient, honest.� He believed her and nodded.

�There are a few things I would like to attend to.�

�Then go.�

�I will return with dinner.�

�You don�t have to do that.�

�I know that as well.� He stood. �Until then my lady.� He bowed slightly before walking out the door.

�Don�t call me a lady!� he smiled as her yell followed him down the steps.

After a short nap Jessica decided to pass the time working on her fletching and arrow making skills. It was perfect, she fulfilled her promise to stay in bed and she wasn�t bored out of her mind. Luckily her quiver and arrows as well as the rest of her stuff had been brought there. Making a mental note to ask Haldir so she could thank the one that brought them she retrieved the necessary items. She was in the middle of gluing another feather to her finger when a throat cleared causing her to startle.

�You can�t even make a simple arrow.� Jessica�s shoulders dropped and she turned back to the arrow on her lap.

�Go away majesty.�

�The others wouldn�t come see you so I thought I would at least drop by and tell you that no one cares.� Jessica�s fingers tightened on the arrow but other than that she gave no other reaction. �the healer came by and told them that you were hurt and everyone shrugged. Well actually they were a little angry because it interrupted their rest here. I had to talk Aragorn out of coming to yell at you for putting our hosts out even more.�

�Honestly did you think that a few weeks of training will help you to survive. It was only luck that you got through Moria. Dumb luck I might add. You should thank whatever gods they worship here that orcs are even stupider and more incapable than you. Such a shame, I was holding out such hope for them.�

�though maybe it wasn�t so bad. I mean you are entertaining many in these woods. The stuff the elves say about you is quite humorous. What was it? Something about a snot nosed elfling being a better shot with a bow? Well something along those lines anyway. They wonder how you survived just like me and the rest of the fellowship do.� Jessica was still struggling with the fletching trying to ignore the hurtful words.

�Oh give me that.� Majesty ripped the arrow out of Jessica�s hands. �I can�t believe you even try anymore. Haven�t all of your failures taught you anything?� as she spoke she effortlessly started to repair the arrow that Jessica had worked so hard on. �I mean no one likes you and still you follow us around. You should hear them talk of you now that you are gone. Good riddance is what they all say. No one wants you. grab a clue and understand that you have no friends.� She threw the perfect arrow down on the bed and it landed on Jessica�s thighs.

�I�m only saying this to be nice, I mean you should know the truth. It would have been better if you had died in Moria. At least then you might have been looked on in sympathy or some kind of positive emotion. Now they just resent the fact that they have to keep an eye on you. You are nothing more than an embarrassment to the group that will save middle earth. It�s such a shame that you still tag along.� She moved forward to touch Jessica�s shoulder but Jessica jerked away and hissed in pain at the flair of agony that went through her head at the sudden movement. Majesty only giggled.

�You should think about it. If you still insist on going with us when we leave here, well. . maybe you should think about wondering off. The others are too cruel to say it to you but they don�t want you slowing them down any more. What if because of you something happens and the story gets messed up? You aren�t helping anything, you are only hurting. Think about the consequences you are bringing on others. Maybe you see this as fun? Maybe it is nothing more than a diversion to you, but it is their lives. How will you feel when one of them gets hurt or even dies because you were too slow? Because you need protection? Because you are worthless?�

�Leave.� Jessica gritted the word out between clenched teeth. Tears were stinging her eyes but she would rather die than show her tears to the bitch in front of her.

�Shall I send your regards to the others?� Jessica didn�t answer her too busy concentrating on keeping her emotions in check. �Oh well, not like they would care anyway. I�ll leave you to your recovery.� She laughed again. �I still can�t believe you got injured training. Pathetic.� She sighed trying to get her breathing under control. �How could you be so stupid?� Jessica successfully kept her tears from falling until majesty left the room.

�Majesty.� Haldir nodded as he saw her coming down the steps he was currently going up. He held back his frown hoping that she did not see Jessica.

'Hello Haldir.' She smiled pleasantly at him.

'I trust your business here was. . pleasant.'

'Oh very.' She reached out and put her hand on his arm. 'I was just giving the fellowship�s regards to Jessica. Poor girl, clumsy as any I have ever seen. I should have warned you so you could make sure that she did not have a chance to train. Perhaps she should stay with us from now on and just rest.'

'She has already expressed her interest in continuing her training. The accident was not entirely her fault. Her opponent used more force than necessary.'

'Is that what she told you?' he frowned at the condescending tone of her voice.

'That is what I saw.'

'Oh, are you taking that to her?' he looked down to the tray filled with food he was carrying. 'When I left she said that she was tired and was going to go to sleep. She was not hungry any way.'

'Then I will eat alone.'

'Nonsense, I will join you.' she went to put her arm in his and lead him down the stairs but he moved away from her.

'I am sorry, I dine with Lady Jessica this night. Perhaps another night I will dine with you.' he bowed slightly before continuing to walk up the steps.

'You will only disturb her rest.' Majesty�s voice held a tint of anger to it.

'I have done such before. She will let me know her displeasure at the fact. Good evening.' He didn�t look back or stop as he spoke. The door to her room was closed causing him to have to balance the tray carefully as he knocked.

�Go away.� He frowned again at the sound of her voice.

�It is Haldir I have dinner.� There was a long pause. He was about to speak again when she did.

�Come in.� The first thing he noticed was the supplies out on her bed. He smiled and set the tray on the table.

�I see you have taken your oath seriously.� She didn�t say anything only kept putting away her things, placing them back in her bag. He looked to the completed arrow on the bed and picked it up. �Your craftsmanship has improved greatly. This arrow is perfect.�

�Of course it�s perfect, why wouldn�t it be.� She growled out as she snatched it from him. �I didn�t do it.� He watched silent as she ripped the fletching off. She put the arrow back in the quiver before setting it aside. �thank you for dinner. It smells very good, will you give my thanks to Suvel.� She turned on her side and curled under the blankets.

�Are you not hungry?� she shrugged her back to him. �I was hoping to eat with you, if you would want for the company.�

�I. . I�m sorry, my headache has gotten worse. I wouldn�t be good company to eat with, you should go find someone else.�

�Do you require some medicine? For the pain.� She sniffed and he realized that she was crying. He knew that the pain was probably not the cause so much as the human he had passed on his way to her room. �I will go retrieve some tea for you.� He paused. �I shall return shortly.�

Thinking she would require some time to compose herself he took his time in retrieving the tea. He also gathered some the supplies he would need to wash and redress her wound. When he returned she hadn�t moved, if anything she had only curled into herself even more. He set the supplies on the bed before pouring her a cup of tea blowing on it to cool it off for her.

�This will help dull the pain.�

�Just set it down, I�ll drink it later.� He couldn�t see her face but her voice was all he needed to hear to know she was still upset.

�Drink it now, your pain will stop sooner.� He walked around so he could face her and moved down so he was crouching in front of her. Her reaction was to try and turn her face further into the pillow and hide from him. �I will help you sit, your wound must be rebandaged besides.�

�Go away, I�m fine.� There was a flush on her cheeks that spoke of embarrassment and he smiled slightly.

�Do not be ashamed of your tears, they are necessary at times.� He reached over and put his hand on her shoulder. �Come, I will help with your wound then we will eat. You will want for food with the tea, otherwise you may become sick.� She sighed and rolled on her back allowing him to help build her pillows up so she could sit up easily.

�and you say I�m stubborn?� He smiled as he pushed another pillow into place.

�Yes you are, I never said that I was not.�

�I guess not.� She sighed and laid back resting her head against the mound of pillows that was now behind her. He handed her the tea and she drank some as he brought the bandages, salve, and bowl of water with a washcloth over to the bed. Setting it next to her he then sat on the bed so he would be better able to treat her. She didn�t move as he pulled the old bandage off except to wince when the material was pulled off the actual cut.

�It no longer bleeds.�

�That�s a plus.� She looked down into her cup and swirled it slightly a few tears still clinging to her eyelashes as well as her cheeks.

�You may wish to finish the tea before I start to clean this.� She sighed again and drained the cup.

�Can�t one of the healers do this? You�re the march warden not a nurse maid.� He smiled as he dipped the cloth in the water and rung it out.

�Do you wish for another? I thought my brand of charm was endearing.� She snorted and rolled her eyes. �If you would rather another I will find someone.�

�No, you. . you�re fine.�

�Thank you for the compliment.� He reached over and tilted her head to get better access to the cut.

�I mean.� She sighed. �Thank you, but you have other things that are more important.�

�There are always other things to do but importance is dependant on the person deciding such things. Besides I would rather be here doing this than any thing else that my duties require at the moment.� She hissed and tried to pull away from him when he gently wiped around the cut. �I am sorry.�

�Don�t worry about it. I did it to myself besides.� He frowned at that. �If you don�t want to waste any more of your soldier�s time by trying to teach me anything I�ll understand.� He finished cleaning the cut and with gentle fingers on her chin turned her face so she was looking at him.

�I plan not on wasting any more of my soldier�s time.� She lowered her eyes and it seemed sagged under his gaze. He leaned forward and wiped down her cheek, cleaning away evidence of her tears. �I have decided to handle your training personally from now on.� She looked back to him surprised. �As I should have in the first place.�

�I don�t want to waste your time, I. . I mean.�

�Helping one in your position with their fighting skills is not waste of time.� He continued cleaning her face in soft gentle strokes.

�I obviously can�t learn anything. I can�t even go a full week without injuring myself seriously enough to have to be bedridden for days.� He laughed as he wiped down her cheek again and saw the flush reach her skin.

�You think you are the only person to ever be injured in training?� she looked to him. �Let me assure you that you are not. It happens at times, and usually fault is found with the one that walked away from the sparing uninjured. As it was in this case.�

�Colas didn�t do anything wrong.� She frowned at him.

�You do not remember what happened, how can you be so sure of that statement?�

�Because. . well because he wouldn�t is all. I was the one that messed up.� She turned her face away from him when he went to wipe it again.

�Regardless, training is dangerous and sometimes injuries occur. It happens, occasionally, but it happens. Novices tend to receive injury more often than ones that have been training for a longer time period. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed that this happened. It could have to any who were on the field.�

�Yeah right.� She rolled her eyes as he put down the cloth exchanging it for the salve. He made her look at him before speaking.

�It is truth.� He turned her head so he could put the salve on her cut. She shied away from his touches, no matter how gentle they were they still caused her slight pain. �I am almost finished.�

�I can�t ask you to turn your life upside down just because I can�t fight.�

�I did not hear you ask it of me, I offered. If you would rather spend your time here in relaxation none would think you listless in your actions or apathetic in your feelings towards your role in the fellowship.� She looked back to him as he reached for the bandages. �Many in your position would find lounging or simply sleeping as often possible preferable to rigorous training. Especially on such a dangerous mission. If it is your desire not to train then.� she cut him off.

�no, no I want to.� He nodded and started wrapping her cut again.

�Then it shall be so, now let us eat.�

�I can�t believe you threw my clothes away.� Haldir sighed and resisted the urge to rub his forehead.

�We have already had this argument once today. I told you they were stained.�

�Yeah? Incase you haven�t noticed I wasn�t exactly in a position to care. What does it matter? They were perfectly fine. They weren�t ripped, they weren�t torn, they were warm and comfortable.�

�Again, I have heard this from you earlier.� This time she sighed. They started walking up the steps, Haldir making sure to put a supporting hand on her back. The healer had warned that she might become dizzy with walking. �And again I will tell you that they were ruined.�

�They were stained not ruined.�

�It is too late to argue over the fact now. The clothes are gone.�

�I know that. Where are we going anyway? I believe the healer said light exorcize not running up a tall tree then back down.�

�We are going to the tailor to acquire you some more clothing. Hopefully it will cause you to stop scowling at me.�

�I don�t have any money to get new clothing.� He looked to her slightly surprised. �I can manage with what I have. I�ll have to.�

�You do not have to pay for the clothing.�

�Of course I have to pay for it. That is how things are done.�

�They our gifts from our land.�

�I can�t just take clothing. . I mean I already get food and stuff.� He laughed and shook his head leading her the rest of the way to the correct door.

�Accept the gifts. I believe it would offend all if you did not take our hospitality.�

�I don�t want to offend anyone but I can�t� Haldir cut off the rest of her words.

�Then accept what we offer. Unless you find the items we offer you somehow substandard or unacceptable.�

�Don�t even try that on me.� He chuckled again as the entered the tailor�s shop.

�Go look, I will find Gebrir.� Jessica watched him walk away and sighed looking back over to the rows of fabric that was available.

like I know what the fuck fabric to pick. Her head was starting to pound again and she went to the fabric putting her hand against the shelves to lean against them. Fucking headache. Maybe I could somehow talk Haldir into getting me more of that tea. Of course then he�ll make me lay down and do nothing. Not that it doesn�t sound all that unappealing at this point in time. She wondered the small isles letting her fingers trail over the fabric stored there.

�Valar Haldir not another one.� Haldir raised his eyebrows at Gebrir in surprise. 'I have already been given enough work by the first one I do not need to try and please yet another human.'

�Then I am to understand that Majesty has already been here.� Gebrir only sighed.

�Yes I had the honor of taking the Lady�s order.� He stood and grabbed his measure before walking out to the front of the store. �Does she speak sindarin as well?�

�No only common.� Gebrir nodded and continued walking. They found her looking at a dress that was hanging on a fitting rack. Haldir was slightly surprised as he didn�t think she would want a dress. Her fingers went down the richly embroidered sleeve of the dress slowly almost lovingly.

�Mae Govannen Lady.� She jumped and turned to them at gebrir�s words. Haldir saw the slight wince on her face. Her hand went to rub her temples but stopped in midair dropping again.

�Hello, sir.�

�My name is gebrir, I have understanding you will be needing new clothes.�

�Yes I.�

�Come I will show you the fabrics.� She glanced to Haldir and he saw a questioning in her eyes but quickly followed Gebrir. Haldir for his part had never seen the other elf so curt with anyone before. Gebrir led Jessica to the section with the richest fabrics. �You are not satisfied with these either?� he said seeing the hesitant look on her face. �I assure you they are the best that this modest selection can afford you.�

�These fabrics are very rich and wonderful. I�m sure you could make some very stunning creations with these however. . it�s just. . I mean. . never mind I don�t need any clothes. I�m fine sorry for taking you from your work.�

�Gebrir, perhaps there has been a misunderstanding.� Haldir walked forward and put his hand on Jessica�s shoulder. �She needs a few new tunics and leggings. A training accident has led to the destruction of one pair and this is all she has left. The fabrics here would not be suitable for her needs.�

�I�m fine really. . really I . . I can�t really pay for anything any way. . and you have other more important work.� Jessica shook her head slightly. �Sorry for bothering you.� She hung her head and fidgeted causing Haldir to frown.

�You do need new clothing.� Said Haldir a hint of finality in his voice. �If you wore no belt those pants would fall off you and. .�

�shut the fuck up Haldir!� she hissed her voice seething with anger. �I�ve apologized before that my appearance doesn�t meet with your standards. It seems like it never will with anyone in this dimension or what ever the fuck I am in. These are all I have now and you will just have to accept that especially since you threw my other set away because they were stained! They were mine! Mine. I have such precious few things left that I can say that of and you fucking threw them away like they were nothing!� like the fellowship wants to throw me away.� She bit her lip almost hard enough to bleed to keep that thought from popping out.

�I am sorry, I did not know you placed such value on them.�

�Just. . no I�m sorry. . I�m just. . cranky. I didn�t mean to yell at you.� She closed her eyes and rubbed her temple trying to lessen the pain in her head. �It. . it doesn�t matter, they were only clothes.� Gebrir cleared his throat and the other two looked at him.

�I believe it is I who should apologize my Lady. I am sorry if I offended you with my behavior earlier. I can offer no excuse. I will pull some acceptable fabric and then we can place your order.� He bowed slightly and walked off. She was about to say something but the hand on her shoulder tightened. It surprised her as she had gotten so comfortable with it there that she hadn�t noticed it.

�How much does your head pain you?�

�What?� she was trying to be dismissive but he wouldn�t let her. He simply turned her to look at him and raised her head as she was trying to avoid him with her eyes.

�Do you need to rest? We can come back if you do.�

�It�s just a headache Haldir.� She pulled away from him and shook off the hand on her shoulder. �I�m fine, it won�t kill me.� �I hope.� Was the added thought.

Her headache had only gotten worse as the day progressed. They left the tailor�s after Haldir had ordered her three new sets of clothes. Jessica had left it to him to pick the fabric and style trusting him to know the best ones of each for what she would need. Haldir had also ordered her a dress though he had done it in sindarin so she wouldn�t know. He saw her when she was touching the dress in the store. Her situation dictated that she needed to wear leggings and pants, though his guess was that her want was a dress.

Haldir saw the growing pain in her eyes though she tried to hide it. She asked to go to the gardens. He was hesitant to take her anywhere but the healers, she was adamant to be taken to the gardens. Attempting a compromise he took her to the ones closest to the healers.

�We must have lunch.�

�I�m not that hungry, go ahead.� He frowned as he sat her down on a bench.

�You mean you are in too much pain to eat.�

�Same difference.� She shrugged and leaned forward putting her head in her hands. He sighed and sat next to her putting a hand on her back.

�It would be best if you rested, perhaps some more tea?�

�I want to stay in the open. The fresh air is better.�

�Then I will have to make sure that the windows are open.� He helped her up though it was more an effort on his part.

�I don�t want to lay down.� Her protest was even weak to her ears as they started walking.

�It does not matter what you want at this particular moment.� He felt her stiffen under his hand but didn�t relent. �You are in pain, I can see it, despite your attempts to hide it from me.�

�I�m fi.�

�I will not believe that statement considering you are practically leaning on me to walk.� He saw the blush rush to her cheeks and almost grinned knowing he had won. �You are going back to the healers.�

�You are so annoying!�

�I am also stronger than you and am not almost incapacitated by a headache caused by a head injury received only a day ago.�

�bully.� Her tone had no real bite to it, only an acceptance and submission.

�I do not know the insult, explain it to me so I may become properly offended.� She chuckled.

�Uh. . overbearing, to bully someone can be to terrorize and push around ones that are smaller and weaker.�

�Ah.�

�Are you properly insulted?�

�Most definitely.�

�Then my day can aspire to no greater heights of accomplishment.� Haldir smiled as he started helping her up the stairs to her room.

�Perhaps I should carry you.�

�Perhaps you would like to meet Mandos.�

�Was that a threat?�

�It was a conjecture of your wants from the statement you made.� He chuckled but wrapped his arm tighter around her waist feeling her sway slightly.

�Then you do not wish for me to carry you?�

�I think you should have become a scholar instead of a march warden. Your level of intellect and deductions skills are beyond compare.�

�I always did excel in all of my studies.�

�I�m sure.� They walked into the room and he sat her down on the bed. Immediately she leaned forward and put her head in her hands.

�Should I fetch the healer?� He turned her head slightly to inspect the cut. It looked to be healing normally but he was concerned for the pain she was in.

�I�m�

�Fine yes I know, you have repeated it enough times that I am doubting the stamentet means that you are well more than you are in a bearable amount of pain.� He helped her lay down and started taking off her boots. �I am going to find the healer.� She sighed and moved her hips up as he started pulling the covers down.

�Do I get a bedtime story too?�

�An age ago there was a human who was too stubborn to accept help. An elf came along, tied her to her bed and made sure she healed properly. All were happy in the end.�

�Kinky, at least wrap my wrists with some fabric so the ropes don�t chafe.� She buried her head in the pillow getting comfortable on the bed and closed her eyes.

�Only the finest and softest I can find.� He made sure she was covered to her shoulders before looking for the healer.