"We're fine," Sirel replied. "I got a nasty cut to the shoulder, but it's nothing compared to the injuries you sustained. You were amazing out there Luna! A lesser elf would have passed out long before you did. I'm glad to have you on our team."

Luna blinked, her jaw working as a bright red flush covered her face. "It...it was nothing...I...thank you." she stuttered. Compliments always made her feel uncomfortable. "I was just...I mean...it.."

"She's right. You both were amazing out there." He smiled proudly at them. "Those orcs will think again before they attack us again." He relaxed back into his chair, propping his feet up on Luna's bed.

There was a knock on the door. Marylyn entered shortly after. "I came to see that you were all alright." Her eyes were red, her shoulders crumpled inwards as though they were struggling to hold her up. She looked over at Luna. "Is there anything that I can get you?"

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Luna quickly shook her head, concern flashing across her face. She sat up quickly, hissing at the pain and ignoring the healer's warning. "What happened, Marylyn?" Luna asked, her voice low and shaky.

Marilyn shook her head, folding her arms tightly around herself. "Your first concern is to get better, not to worry about me," she said forcing a smile. " I am sorry I couldn't have done more to save you from this pain." She gently pushed on Lona's shoulder, laying her back down on the bed.

Markus jumped up suddenly. He pointed to Lona's adopted blade. "That belongs to Haldir, doesn't it?"
"Belonged." Marylyn corrected.

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Luna stared at the blade, then recoiled. "Oh gods...no...no..." it should have been her that had died, no Haldir...Luna shoved the blankets away and struggle up. She needed to speak with Galadriel. Now.

Marylyn crumpled to the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She cradled her stomache. "What am I going to do without him? His son will need him," she whimpered.

Markus lurched forward, holding her close. He tried not to smile at the fact that he was going to be an uncle. "We'll help. Everything's going to be ok."

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Luna stumbled out of the room into the woods. "Galadriel!" she screamed. "I know you can hear me! Please! Allow me to help!" the veins stood out on her neck in her pain and desperation.

Galas riel descended from on high. "Please, keep your voice down. There is much pain to be healed in these woods this night. Walk with me." Galadriel glided by her. "What is on your mind?"

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"Take me. Take my soul and restore Haldir!" she grasped Galadriel's hand, kneeling before her. "Please! I am not meantfor this world! Please!"

"Luna...If that was the case, that is the way it would have happened. Everything happens for a reason. Haldir died for some reason. You lived for another. Believe it or not, you are meant to be here. I know it is hard to see it that way right now, with grief and guilt so near. You will see it one day." Galadriel frowned deeply. "I would not forsake your life. I would also love to be able to being Haldir back, but I'm afraid that's not a power that I have."

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"No...please...there must be some way! Someone who can do this!" she whispered, her pixie face breaking, on the verge of tears. How? How could this happen? Luna released Galadriel's hand and slumped.

Sirel sat numbly as Luna raced out. Haldir... Dead? He couldn't be. Not Haldir. The elf remembered the seemingly endless summer days with Elrohir and Elladan and Haldir - playing on the trees over the river. They'd seemed invincible then. Haldir couldn't be dead. What would they do without him? A tear rolled down her cheek.

Galadriel drew Luna to her feet. "You will be feeling great pain at the loss of such a dear friend. Take comfort in the fact that he is in a better place now. I daresay Marylyn is in no fit state right now. She will need her friends around her. She will need you all to be strong for her, in this, the most weak of times for her." Galadriel straightened Luna's chin. "What happened to Haldir is not of your doing. It is no case that you were destined to die and not him. What happened, happened. Now we must heal and rebuild our lives, with the memories of those that we have lost in our hearts."

Marylyn drew herself together, bit by painful bit. "Forgive me...I did not mean to...I did not intend to..." She shook her head dismissively. "I think I need to be alone right now," she turned to leave, tears trickling down her cheeks as though beyond her control.

Markus frowned deeply. "I do not think that is a wise idea sister-mine. You should not be alone at a time like this..."

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Luna was silent. She didn't know what to do. As soon as she saw Marylyn, she stood in front of her, then enveloped her into her arms. It was the only thing she knew to do. "I am truly sorry, milady." she whispered.

Marylyn nodded faintly, her head bowing to Luna's shoulder. "I'm sorry too," she whispered. "You should rest Luna...You have much healing ahead of you. I should not be taking up your time with my loss." Her arms cradled her stomach protectively.

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