Hey hey you all! Sooo I hope you like! Please FOLLOW or REVIEW! Sorry it took so long. Still having some block...THEY WILL GET BETTER. Guys...seriously though. I've been going through stuff so I'm trying my best.

DGMSilverAirHead03- He was challenging her thinking that she would not accept if that's what you were referring to :)

20JenWinchester12- Thanks so much! To be honest, I was scared to post it. Same with this chapter.

ForbiddenShadow0- Thanks! It took me forever to fix. And I was tempted to magically make him alive again.

And I love all the rest of you too! Seriously though, you guys make my day as any writer knows.

And after this one is finished (my first one), I might try to write another story with LotR. Might be a prequel or sequel or an entirely different type of story. Different genre! I'll let you all know! But it might be awhile :P

Merith sat up with a start. The covers fell and she looked down, noticing the clothes she had worn the day before. Oh dear, I really am a mess. Then she realized the day she had and groaned even louder. All she wanted to do was be a normal elf. She already was separated from her race by her mind; did she really need to divide even more by their actions? No elleth would have acted the way she did yesterday. Had she really pretended to faint to get Legolas' attention? Did she really assume that they were friends? Perhaps she should apologize. Yes, that seemed like the elven thing to do. He apologized when he did something unfit. She also should properly thank Arwen too.

Merith washed herself and redressed, leaving her hair down to wave down her back. Her new dress was gold and it accented her eyes, making them stand out against her skin. She smiled a bit, liking the way she looked. She didn't feel shallow either for it was the only thing she had from her past. And with that, she decided to fully give in to the circumstances for the time being. She knew it had to be that way. So she would go apologize and express gratitude and then try to stay out of everybody's way.

She started down the halls, trying to remember the way Legolas had left to.

"Are you lost, Lady Merith?"

"Arwen!" Arwen stood gracefully down the marble coated hall and Merith waved towards her. Arwen giggled, delighted to see the girl's happiness.

"Arwen, I was actually looking for you. And Legolas. But you're here so…I just wanted to officially thank you for graciously inviting me into your home and kingdom. I am going to leave today so I felt the need to express my true gratitude."

"Merith, you do not have to leave. You are very welcomed here. In fact, I'd like to give you a tour and have you more fully initiated in our community."

"Oh…thank you. I would very much like that. Are you sure?"

"Yes." She smiled warmly as if Merith was her own family. Merith could not help but feel warm. She wanted to hug the elleth. Arwen, sensing this, wrapped her arms around the younger elf. The moment felt true and Merith took it as her own. It wasn't confusing or strange. It was nice. Then Arwen released her and looked at her with questioning eyes.

"Why did you need to see Legolas?" She flashed a playful grin and Merith began to blush.

"Oh, I just needed to…um… I needed to thank him too." She tried to even her face but it ended up getting worse.

"It's ok; he's in the main hall." Arwen's eyes still teased her and Merith wasn't sure if she wanted to confront him in front of her. They walked together, stepping lightly on the stone path. When they reached the main, Legolas stood, glancing out the window. He turned upon their arrival. Merith cautiously stepped towards him, not wanted to catch his eye.

"Sir Legolas, I just wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I do not think it was appropriate and I am sorry." She finished off with a light bow and Legolas finally face his entire body towards her.

"It's ok Lady Merith." He painted a tight smile on his face and walked away towards Arwen.

Merith felt slightly saddened but figured it was going to be this way. What had she expected? She was still a stranger. Her actions yesterday were rash and embarrassing. She was surprised that he had even gone along with her yesterday. It was probably because he pitied her.

"Arwen, I am going to leave to visit Aragorn. I believe I can help him with his army. He told me of the alliance and I wish to help."

Arwen was slow in response. "Well, yes Legolas, I'm sure he could use your skill. Would you be leaving today?" She eyed Merith, signaling the unspoken question.

"Yes." He never returned his eyes to Merith. Was he really going to leave to help train the men and elven army? Well...that would be his business. Legolas started towards his room. Arwen trailed behind and Merith watched as she caught him arm but she couldn't distinguish the words that Arwen hissed. Then a distant memory came back into play. Mirona.

"Legolas," Arwen started in a harsh whisper. "I thought you were going to help Merith become acquainted."

"I was, Arwen, but she proved that she only wanted to play. I truly think she will be fine on her own."

"That's because you don't dare to change the way you see things. She isn't ok; she's just pretending to be so that she's not a burden. Earlier today, she told me she was to leave because she didn't feel welcomed. Now I know that isn't your entire fault but you gave me your word. And as a healer, she really needs this."

Legolas sighed, knowing it was true. "Fine, Arwen. I will stay. But I cannot waste all my hours foolishly playing in the leaves. She needs to find a new life. Or another person to help her."

"Give her time, Legolas!" Her voice rose and Merith caught the words drifting through the air. Legolas and Arwen stared, silence overcoming them.

"Legolas…what is this really about?" She knew him too well. Legolas ran his fingers though his hair in frustration.

"I am alone Arwen. I left all my friends when I went off to war. And my friends of new are all settling with each other. I cannot stand it anymore…So I tried to give her a chance. But this girl, she doesn't seem to understand. She thinks that losing it all isn't a big deal. She thinks she wake up and become a new person. It's childish."

"Is that what you think of me?" Merith stepped out of the shadows, her eyes streaming with tears. Legolas made a motion to apologize but she cut him off.

"You think I'm just a child, don't you? That I can't take my situation seriously? No, I understand. That's why I'm trying to let go. I'm trying to leave the pain behind as soon as I can because I know there is no going back. I know what Mirona does; I smelled it on my sheets. So please excuse me if I don't want to bitterly lie in my past!" Her words cut through and she stormed back to her room. Legolas tried to follow but Arwen stopped him.

"Give her a few minutes to cool off, Legolas. She is right after all." Even Arwen's words were cool and Legolas felt extreme guilt. Of course she didn't want to be serious…He stood there in the quiet and Arwen walked off. He felt ashamed at his actions. He had no right to say any of it. Waiting a few moments, he let her relax behind the door. Then he knocked gently.

"I wish to be alone." Legolas could hear her voice quiver and he sighed.

"Please, Lady Merith. Let me explain myself."

"I don't think I owe you that." Her voiced still wobbled upon the brink of breaking.

"I know. But I'm truely sorry. So I'm going to go leave you now but I will come back." He started to leave and heard a why even bother mumble. He had upset the only two people he was currently in contact with. This made him wonder why he was even here. Well, why he was still at Rivendell. His work could be put to much better use. He sat outside, distancing the time with these thoughts. Then he stood back up, reaching towards the door. Legolas hesitated, not knowing what lines he would play.

Suddenly, the wood beneath his palm disappeared and the elleth stood tall in front of him, her face blank and hard as stone.

"What do you wish to say?" No emotion came from her words.

"Perhaps we could sit down?" He gestured over to the seats on the outdoor villa and she passed him by, already on her way. He caught up with her and sat across from her small and frail looking body. Her face still turned away from his. He noticed that her hair was down today and he couldn't help but notice her extreme beauty. Then he shook this thought, remembering why he was there.

"I am truly sorry, Lady Merith. I was not thinking about you when I was saying those things. To be honest, I was thinking of myself." Merith finally looked at him, not knowing what he was going to say.

"After war…I fell into a deep depression. All the seriousness of all the deaths finally released their weight upon my shoulders. I did not know how to cope. Then, when I saw you in the woods, I knew I couldn't let another life be lost. But when you so easily came out of your own confusion, I couldn't help but be jealous. And there's still more. I do apologize and I hope you can forgive me in time." He stood up to leave, pausing to see if she would respond. When only silence followed, he started to walk away.

"Wait," Merith sighed. She too stood up and walked towards him. "Your apology seems genuine. Maybe we should start anew?" Merith had saw in his eyes that he was true to ever word. And he was hurting too; she saw him trying to hide it now. Maybe it was all a misunderstanding and she could prove herself by dropping the issue.

"Yes, Lady Merith, I would very much like that." His smile was so warm and smoothing that Merith knew she could not stay mad for long. And she didn't feel like she could hold a grudge. But she also wanted to put and end to all awkwardness. And she needed to ask him some questions...

"Legolas, could you take me around the kingdom? And could we, perhaps, meet some more people?" Her innocent face shone towards him and she reminded him of the children in his realm. Then he realized that she was probably only a century younger than him. Maybe it was her expressions that projected youth.

"Anything you want is yours, Lady Merith." He bowed towards her. She now seemed different then the free soul he had witnessed the other day. Her mind had settled and she was reserved and polite through her softly spoken words. And he was happy to repay for his actions.

"Then, could you perhaps call me Merith?" She smiled gently towards him.

"Sure, L- I mean…yes, Merith." The name rolled of his tongue and he found himself reminiscing about Arwen. She was the only other elleth who had ever asked him this. Different…It's only different. And Legolas felt so bad that he would oblige to her wishes. And he was glad she had let it go so easily. No matter how severe his experiences were, it gave him no excuse.

"Well, I could take you to see Lord Elrond, I'm sure he'd be interested to meet you. And we could go through the gardens, and maybe the river?"

"The river? Umm…well…I…I don't think…"

"Or we don't have too. There are many other sites." Legolas didn't want to question her sudden insecurity.

Merith did not know why it happened either. She had just suddenly felt an overwhelming fear when he mentioned the water. She merely nodded towards him, feigning comfort. All Merith wanted to do was start new again. She wanted to let go of everything. She wanted to pretend that she had never drunk Mirona, that this was simply her fate.

"Let's go meet Lord Elrond then. And on the way, could you please fill me in on…well everything? I'm sorry, I don't mean to bombard you will all of this. Actually, no. I'm not sorry. You aren't fully forgiven quite yet."

"I promised you anything. Of course I can fill you in." Merith noticed that his behavior was different than before. He was more quiet and deliberite. Perhaps it was her yelling at him. She didn't mind. Even if he was being nice to her out of guilt. It was better than solitude.

"So we are here in Rivendell. Lord Elrond is the king and-"

"Legolas, wait. I think I know this already…But the Mirona allows me to doesn't it?"

Legolas sighed, knowing the questions that would follow.

"Why was I given Mirona, Legolas? I know I wasn't supposed to find out. I don't even know how I recognized the scent. But I think you know why."

"Merith…It is not my place to tell you any of this. Your parents are the ones who decided this fate; the tale would be theirs to tell…"

"But you know where I am from, don't you?" She stared deep into his eyes, an uncomfortable shade of the waters. Although they were strikingly beautiful, the shade made her fearful again. She couldn't get a read on him. It was probably her mind again. Most elves were very good in depicting emotions where she only saw blank canvases.

"Merith, here is my advice. If you truly want to get rid of the pain, you shouldn't go looking for answers. All I can tell you will lead you to dead ends. I know that's hard and I know curiosity is difficult to fight but you must trust me."

Merith did not know if she could stop from searching. Was it even possible for her to get her life back? Would she be leaving behind friends and family? Had she loved somebody? Legolas saw this in her and gave her the answers he knew.

"The only family you had left two days ago. Your family kept their distance from others. That is all I know. I am sorry." The two continued to walk side by side without any more words for a few moments. Then Legolas broke the silence.

"You know who Aragorn is, right?" She nodded. "Well he's to marry Arwen. That's why you came here. Aragorn met you and you too became friends. That I know. So you do have friends here even if you don't remember them."

This comforted Merith a little more even if she did not remember the relationship she had with the man, at least somebody knew her. Maybe he could…no. She should listen to Legolas. She already promised herself to let it all go. She just didn't expect there to be something else. Maybe Lord Elrond knew of her. But she wasn't ready quite yet.

"Well I shall go check if Lord Elrond is-"

"If I am what?"

An older elf stood in front of her, covering her in the shadows. She nervously glanced up towards his glare. Subtle lines of age set lightly across his face and Merith couldn't even conceive the number of years he had lived. It would be triple of her own.

"Lord Elrond," Legolas spoke, bowing slightly. "This is Lady Merith."

Lord Elrond's eyes swept lightly over her, and Merith tried to hold her stance.

"Ahh, yes. Our newest addition. I am Lord Elrond, king of Rivendell." Merith began to bow but he directed her back up.

"But I think this maiden already knew that, didn't she?"

"Well...yes. Yet I do not know how. Perhaps some of my memories are being regained."

Legolas looked at her with curiosity. She knew why her knowledge was there. And hadn't she wanted more questions answered? Merith glanced up at him and he caught her thoughts. She was not ready. Maybe she truly did want to start new. Had she actually listened to his advice? He shouldn't jump to conclusions though, she could easily change her mind.

"Thank you for welcoming me into your city, Sir." Merith skipped any questions about her mind that had been unresolved.

"Yes, it was no trouble. You are welcome to stay as long as you want. In fact, there are some lovely homes that have been vacant. That is, if and when you are ready. But you should stay here for now. Arwen requested for you to have the healers check up on you at least twice a week. I am afraid we are both terribly busy right now so I must go but…Arwen may need some help tomorrow. Perhaps you could pay back the favor by lending a hand?

"Of course, Lord Elrond." Merith bowed again.

"Oh and Legolas, the same goes for you. You know our city doors are always open to you. Especially now." The king nodded towards him and Legolas returned the motion. Then he was gone.

"Legolas…what did he mean by especially now?" Merith looked up at him and him swiftly turned away, breaking eye contact.

"Oh, nothing…"

"It didn't seem like nothing." She said lightly. Legolas turned back to her, his face flashing with anger.

"Just drop it Merith." His voice was cool as he came close to her. "I don't need you worrying about me."

He was not rough nor did he touch her. The anger was washed away as quickly as it came. But his tone made her stop from asking more.

"Shall we take that tour then?" He had regained his former position, stepping into place by her side. "We'll just turn out this doorway and head to the gardens."

"That sounds fine." Merith was still curious by what the elven king had said. Why would Legolas live here if he were a prince to Mirkwood? Unless…no…

"Legolas?"

"Yes?" Merith looked at him once again, taking in his smooth features. His newly trimmed hair hung loosely on his earth green tunic. The fabric flattered his skin and looks. He was very handsome indeed. Merith noticed it every time she laid eyes upon him. His face was tilted in a questioning look but Merith could see a slight essence of pain behind his forced blank expression.

"Never mind." She did not want to pain him anymore. After all, he was...he was the guy who picked her up in that forest. The one who caught her when she fainted. Maybe it was him just being nice but if she could choose these nice people over a web of betrayel, she would.

"Actually...can I ask you a favor?"

"Anything."

"This is going to sound strange but please, just listen to the whole thing."

"Ok..." He looked at her spectically but let her continue on.

"I need you to give me another dose of Mirona. Just one more time. And this time, we could make You and I, we could leave right now and get started. We could plan a story, we could make up my past. Then you could fill me in after and I wouldn't be in so much confusion. It's perfect! I could choose everything and we could all just go along with it. Please?"

The girl sounded desperate yet hopeful, as if her idea was to have him simply brush her hair out of her face and the troubles would be swept away.

"Merith...I don't think that would be a good idea."

"Legolas please! You out of anyone has seen how much this has affected me. I keep swaying back in forth! I cannot do this anymore. I cannot sit here when I know there are so many secrets you are hiding from me. It's too overbearing! My parents are gone and all of you know my past but refuse to share it! So if I take it again, you could tell me a finely rehearsed story that I would belive to be true! I wouldn't have any questions and you wouldn't have to answer!" She was running out of ways to convice him.

"Ok... we could tell Lord Elrond about it. We could explain the entire situation. Then would you help me? I...I've already lost everything. Can't I at least try to fix it? I don't think I can keep living my immortal life like this."

Legolas knew that Elrond would be forced to let her too. It was their fault she remembered the scent. It was their fault that she was on so much confusion. They had spilled the sacred milkly liquid upon her gown.

"Legolas. All I want is one more chance."

"Ok...but you will be the one to tell him." He knew she wouldn't let it go till he spoke these words.

The elleth's joy bubbled over and she physically burst, her feet landing lightly back on the ground. This would be the end of the lies and the sorrow and the questions. Finally. She breathed relief into the still air, wanted to dance in the serenity.

"Let's go now! Oh thank you so much Legolas." She leaped up and hugged him before prancing back off the rooms.

Legolas only shook his head...he had truely gotten himself tangled in this hadn't he? He couldn't help but feel a little jealous. Merith could drink the liquid and rewrite her past. And...And he couldn't.

Done! Yes, I know. Maybe not my best. But I'm going to try really hard next chapter. I will no give up if you won't!