Disclaimer: I still do not own LotR.

First off, thanks to inulover28 for being someone to rant to about this fic and… well, fanfiction in general, lol. Love ya (even though it is weird to call you that these days…)! xD Anyway, thank you for the reviews everyone! As always, they're very much appreciated and I hope you continue to enjoy this fic. :D I would have posted this chapter sooner but I did a one-shot (for the Supernatural fandom) in between instead… n.n;

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Enjoy! :D

Remember Then

Chapter Three: Songs

Browns and greens blurred past him, his heart hammering in his chest, breath coming in quick gasps as he flew through the forest. He dared not look back; he could hear their close pursuit, getting ever closer. His legs began to ache as the long chase continued.

Abruptly, the forest cleared and bright blue water was before him, its surface undisturbed while his heart clenched with fear.

With wide eyes, he dared turn around to flee in a different direction—perhaps the trees. However, there was only endless water as he stood on a tiny island, the orcs' harsh words ricocheting around him, their clambering feet still getting impossibly closer. His hands trembled, his eyes darted at his surroundings, trying to find some way to go without the cursed water blocking his path.

The orcs were ever closer.

He couldn't move.

He was shaking.

He heard… his name?

Legolas' eyes snapped open, his breath coming in quick pants as the fear held tight. Then his gaze fell on Estel, his grey eyes looking down at him in concern.

"Are you with me now, mellon-nin?" the man asked slowly.

He had heard a crash from his bedchambers across the hall and had quickly grabbed a candle, lighting it on his way to investigate; afraid something had happened to his friend. He had been surprised to find Legolas thrashing on his bed, a broken glass beside it, pale moonlight streaming across him through a crack in the curtains. The elf's eyes had been clenched shut, his pulse quick and sweat beaded his brow.

Estel had checked for a fever while he shook his friend, trying to awaken him from his nightmare.

Legolas swallowed thickly, disoriented. He managed a slight nod but couldn't prevent the wince as his head protested the small movement.

Estel frowned deeply at the sight, his worry mounting. "Let me fetch you some herbs. I shall be right back."

"Wait," Legolas said, sitting up and brushing the blankets off to the side. "I wish to accompany you."

"Legolas…" Estel started, about to suggest the young elf rest. However, he looked at him and sighed. It was just a headache, albeit a strong one.

Legolas stood, ignoring the man's tone and grabbed an overcoat to put over his nightclothes. He couldn't explain it but he really didn't want to be left alone, in pain and wondering at his nightmare. He felt that there was something to his dream… A walk would do him some good.

"Do you wish to talk about it?" Estel offered, glancing at Legolas' pale features.

Legolas laughed softly. "No."

Estel frowned but respected the elf's privacy; he hadn't really expected him to open up about it after all. There were too many mysteries surrounding his old friend and he didn't like it one bit, he especially didn't like the headaches that had taken to plague him.

Legolas followed Estel and the faint flicker of his candle to the healing wing, becoming used to the tea the man made for him. It was one of the paths that he felt he would know quickly.

Before they had retired for the night, and after Elrond had recovered from the shocking news, he had dragged Legolas to the same place they were now going and had thoroughly examined him; like Estel, he had found nothing.

Legolas, Estel and Elrond had been disappointed at the lack of diagnoses and had said little after. When it seemed like no one was even going to move, Legolas had requested a bath, which Estel had directed him to, showing him also where his chambers were. The man had left after and Legolas had known that it was to talk to the elf-lord about him more. He also knew that either Estel or Elrond, if not both, had told Elladan and Elrohir about his memory loss. He was grateful for that since he wouldn't have to pretend if he didn't want to. He wasn't quite sure why he had felt the need to act like nothing was wrong to begin with.

During his bath he had thought that perhaps he shouldn't have followed Estel, especially if the healer couldn't help him after all. At the same time, he knew that if he could get his memories back, Imladris would probably be one of the best places to be; not that he really knew elsewhere…

He had tried to think of things he could recall: people, places, events, his mind was a blank slate on a lot of important things and he didn't know what to make of it.

It had been relaxing to have his solitude and bath. He had sent Estel away after his bath had been drawn and had felt slightly guilty for it, knowing the stress and worry he was causing. The man had still come back after, however, to check the stitches on his arm.

Estel could tell Legolas was deep in thought and was content just to walk beside his friend. He wondered if Legolas' short temper of earlier was because of his fierce headache or the memory loss as he had all but dismissed him from his chambers previously but now seemed to want his company.

Then the door was in front of them and Estel opened it, bowing at Legolas to go through. "My prince…" he said jokingly, hoping to lighten the mood a little.

Legolas scoffed at the ridiculous comment before remembering what Estel had told him: that he really was a prince; his father was King Thranduil of Mirkwood.

The smile immediately deflated and he sighed as he walked in and over to where he had seen the herbs kept.

Estel inwardly berated himself for forgetting how surprised Legolas had been over the news. He wasn't sure how to behave around him anymore and it broke his heart.

He followed the elf inside, closing the door softly behind them.

Picking out the herbs he needed, he brought them to the table and started making the tea for his friend before he paused. "Would you like something to help you sleep?"

To his surprise, the young elf actually nodded.

He must be feeling terrible indeed, the man thought sadly, turning back to his task, for rarely did the prince want to be willingly put to sleep. He could still see the pain behind Legolas' eyes and hoped that when he next awoke it would be gone.

Once Estel had finished with the tea, he handed it to Legolas and started to head back to their chambers. However, Legolas suddenly stopped, his head tilted slightly as he listened, a gentle smile reaching his lips.

Estel quickly realized it was the trees and started off again, this time towards the gardens.

Legolas' smile widened as he followed Estel, his eyes softened in gratitude as the man sensed his need to be with the trees.

When they were last in the garden, he hadn't had a chance to enjoy the nature since Elrond had begun his interrogation right away, seeing his pain. Therefore, this time when they entered, Legolas took it all in, thought about nothing but the beauty of it and the way the moon cast its glow as if trying to enhance the scene before him. It nearly brought tears to his eyes.

Estel watched the awe on Legolas' face, the shine to his eyes as he stood frozen and he couldn't stop a tear from falling. It hurt to see his friend look upon the garden he had spent countless hours in with such new reverence like he had never seen it before. However, he said nothing, knowing Legolas had needed this, even if it tore him in two, he would be there for the elf.

Legolas' mind finally made up; he moved towards a tree, an old, grand one that stood proud and tall, its leaves full and a bright green for the summer. Unknown to Legolas, it was the tree he always chose for comfort and it welcomed him with open arms, and a little confusion.

Estel smiled sadly as Legolas climbed, not surprised that—even without his memories—he had chosen that particular tree.

It was still a few hours away from dawn but the summer breeze was warm and he sat beneath Legolas, his back leaning against the old tree's trunk, closing his eyes.

Legolas had drawn much comfort from the trees and felt refreshed when he awoke, his headache absent, his mind clear; he almost didn't want to move.

He looked up at the bright blue sky between the leaves without a cloud in sight, the gentle breeze played with his hair as he listened to the songs of the birds and water splash in a nearby fountain.

The wood-elf lay there in a crook of the grand tree, enjoying his surroundings and started to sing, adding to the music around him.

Estel still sat below and tilted his head up with a smile when he heard his friend's melodic voice join in with nature. It had been far too long since he'd heard it, and it made him realize how much he had missed the sound.

The two stayed put, one singing, one listening, content and carefree.

The morning meal had briefly crossed Estel's mind as his hunger started to grow but he wouldn't interrupt the beautiful songs his friend created for anything.

Unfortunately, Legolas finished his last song and then laughed. "I can hear your stomach from up here, Estel!" the elf said, his voice full of mirth, his eyes shining as he jumped down in front of the man with grace only an elf could posses.

Estel rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, disappointed in interrupting the songs after all, although he suspected that Legolas was also hungry.

"Come, let us cease that rumbling," the young elf continued, laughing harder after Estel's expression. He draped an arm across the man's shoulder. "We hunt!"

Both were slightly surprised by Legolas' sudden playful demeanor, especially Legolas, but the archer didn't pull back and Estel was ecstatic to feel like he had his old friend back, if only for awhile.

Legolas felt better than he had since he had first awoken by the lake, so at ease and relaxed. This was where he was supposed to be, even though it felt somewhat odd for him to be hanging over the man, making fun of him; even if it was actually normal.

Legolas soon had to release Estel, however, since he didn't know where they were headed, for their last meal, his head pounding and uncertainty had been a huge distraction. This time he took in his surroundings as they left the garden, even looking at the flowers in bloom hanging from the awnings, to the bell tower that stood in the middle. He wanted to make sure he knew his path this time.

This was home.

Estel had noted Legolas' curiosity and was excited to see him taking interest in his home to familiarize himself with it once again. He felt as though he was leading an elfling on his first visit through his father's halls and he deliberately walked slower for the young elf, a smile gracing his handsome features.

When the two had finally reached the dining hall, they found Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir already seated at the table, awaiting their arrival. At first glance it was apparent that the twins had indeed been told the news by the grim concentration on their faces and the silence that reigned.

However, when the three spotted Estel and Legolas, their mood immediately changed for the brighter upon seeing the smiles and light bantering between them.

They exchanged morning greetings and enjoyed their meal with pleasantries. The conversation was somewhat limited when it came to involving Legolas since there was much Estel had yet been able to fill him in on but Legolas didn't feel any of the pressure of the previous meal and was able to join the others for most of the discussions.

For awhile Legolas sat quietly and listened to the twins tease Estel, amused at the loving display.

It wasn't until after the meal when a pause in the chatter occurred but it didn't feel forced or tense in the hall.

"So you do not know what happened?" Elrohir broke the silence with his softly spoken question, his voice obviously hesitant.

Elladan shot his twin a look of disbelief while the others froze at the unexpected inquiry; Estel closed his eyes, wishing that he could have stopped his brother's words and saved them for later. Legolas was in a great mood and he had wanted it to stay that way.

Legolas smiled sadly and shook his head. "When I awoke I had naught but my bow and knives and knew not who I was or where I was going. There were some dead orcs about…" He paused, a troubled look crossing his features, it bothered him how little he knew—not even why. "My clothes were wet so I started a fire and dried them. Then I left the lake and ran into Estel a few hours later."

"You were fortunate no orcs came searching," Elladan said solemnly with a puff of relief, which was followed quickly by three nods.

"A lake…" Elrond suddenly murmured, thoughtfully. He had heard Legolas' little recollections the night before while he had examined him and something refused to fall into place, was stuck at the very tip of his tongue…

All eyes jumped to the elder elf but no one said anything, not daring to disrupt his thoughts.

"Ah, I believe I have heard of a tale of an enchanted lake close to that area…" Elrond finally stated, musingly, inwardly hoping it wasn't true, for if that was how Legolas had lost his memories, he didn't know of a sure-fire way to get his memories back, or if they would come back.

"Did you notice anything about the water?" Estel asked, having the same fearful thoughts run through his mind.

"I did not bathe in it after, if that is the question," Legolas retorted, but then he had had wet clothing… And… "The water looked a little murky but I thought that was because of the clouds…"

Everyone looked somber at the implication, the cheerful behavior of the meal dissipated. While it was bad news, at least they had something of an idea as to what might have happened to the archer.

Said elf sighed and stood, wishing for the light-hearted words of before but unable to blame Elrohir for bringing the topic up. He could tell that he had meant well as did the rest. "I wish to visit the garden," he said quietly, excusing himself.

"Forgive me, Legolas," Elrohir apologized guiltily, his eyes downcast.

"There is nothing to forgive," the young elf shook his head with a small smile. "I merely wish to explore." Which was partially true, he also wanted to draw comfort from the great tree and ponder this new theory.

Elrohir nodded, returning the smile without feeling.

Legolas then turned and left with his usual grace, the others watching.

Estel, however, pushed back his chair and made to follow. At one quick glance from Elrond he was settled back in his chair. "Let him be," the elder elf requested softly.

Estel stared after his friend and sighed sadly but knew that his father was right; Legolas needed some time to himself.