AN: A HUGE thank you to ALL of my reviewers, followers and those of you who have made my story a favorite! Every time I see these it makes my day! I hope that you all continue to enjoy the story! As always, I own nothing that belongs to the great J.R.R. Tolkien. I own only my own characters that are privileged to get to explore his world!

My Confession

"I have been wrong about you.

Thought I was strong without you.

For so long nothing could move me.

For so long nothing could change me.

Now I feel myself surrender

Each time I see your face.

I am captured by your beauty,

Your unassuming grace.

And I feel my heart is turning,

Falling into place.

I can't hide

Now hear my confession.

[bridge:]

You are the air that I breath.

You're the ground beneath my feet.

When did I stop believing?

Cause I feel myself surrender

Each time I see your face.

I am staggered by your beauty,

Your unassuming grace.

And I feel my heart

Falling into place.

I can't hide

Now hear my confession."- My Confession by Josh Groban

/

Mia sat on the balcony that was attached to her bedroom, staring out over the beautiful view that was the Mirkwood forest in the early morning light. It had been more than a month since she had arrived in Middle Earth lost, alone and chased by monsters or Orcs, as she now knew them. Mirkwood was a beautiful, peaceful place and she had enjoyed spending time here, but the longer time passed without her memory returning was starting to wear on her nerves. She hadn't even been allowed out of her bed for the first two weeks and so she had spent that time pouring over the history books of Middle Earth desperately trying to make her memory return. While the history had been interesting, she had received nothing for her efforts but a headache and a sore neck.

The last two weeks she had been allowed on small excursions out of her room as long as someone accompanied her. Aragorn, Elrohir and Legolas were always available when she needed them and they never complained no matter where she wanted to go or what questions she asked of them. She hated what this was doing to them. She always recognized their longing and hopes that today would be the day that it would all come rushing back, but so far they were left with nothing but disappointment.

When she had started to become over whelmed with all of the emotions, she found refuge in an unexpected source. Her grandfather, Elrond, was such a calm and steady being that just sitting next to him quieted the turmoil in her heart. When she had first met him a few days into her recovery she had been intimidated by him. Wisdom shown around him like an aura making him appear larger than life, but as they had spoken Mia came to recognize the kindness and understanding that were present in his personality as well.

She was grateful for all of the wonderful people in her life at this time although she desperately missed her friend Sara. As soon as he had heard Mia hadn't arrived in Middle Earth alone, Legolas sent out search parties for Sara and Mia began to understand why she had loved him since they first had been introduced. There had been no word about a strange woman being found and with each day that passed Mia lost a little more hope that Sara would be found. She had to keep reminding herself that the Valar themselves had told her Sara was all right.

Shaking herself, Mia forced her mind to think of less maudlin things. Today was the day that she would be allowed to finally walk about on her own. The bump on her head was almost completely healed except for a minor red scar that still was visible when she parted her hair to see it. She had been allowed to remove her arm from its sling last night and it felt wonderful to be able to stretch the limb out straight. She still had to be careful of the stitching under her collarbone, but the healer no longer deemed it necessary to immobilize her entire arm.

Today was also a special day not only because of her newfound freedom and independence, but also because there was to be a special dinner tonight in honor of Elrond and Elrohir. Although they had been in Mirkwood a month, everyone had been occupied with Mia's arrival. So tonight, she would be formally reintroduced to the King of Mirkwood and the royalty that resided here. Mia was terrified and excited all at the same time when she thought about the coming evening. Each new experience that she had made her hope that it would be what brought her memory back and the dinner tonight was no different.

A knock on her door stopped her spiraling thoughts about her memory and she called for the person to enter. Legolas stepped through the door and his eyes met hers across the distance. It was cliché to say that her heart stood still, but the simple truth was that it did. She couldn't look at him without it happening. She smiled at him as he shut the door and walked towards her on the balcony.

"Good Morning Legolas," she said as he joined her at the small table.

"Good Morning. How are you today?" he asked as he settled himself in to the chair.

"Well. Thank you for asking. My arm is stiff, but that is more from disuse than the injury itself. The healer has cleared me for the dinner tonight. She believes that as long as I am gentle with my arm for the next week that the stitches should hold just fine." She said, gazing out over the landscape.

An awkward silence filled the space between them. Mia knew what the unasked question was that hung in the air, but she didn't have the answer that he desperately wanted to hear.

"Not yet," she whispered, her gaze never wavering from the landscape.

She heard Legolas inhale deeply and then slowly exhale. Her sensitive hearing had given her headaches at first, but she was slowly adjusting to it. She pushed herself out of the chair so fast it tipped over behind her, crashing to the ground.

"I can't do this anymore!" she stormed into her room kicking the chair out of her way. Legolas quickly followed her, "What is wrong, Ariel?"

"That! That is what is wrong! Ariel!" Mia paced furiously dragging her hand through her hair. "Being near you is torture! I don't know you but I know you! I don't love you but I do love you! These contradicting feelings are tearing me apart!" She turned to him, staring into his eyes so full of pain like her own. "You have been nothing but kindness and understanding since I have been here and it only makes those feelings that I have for you stronger, but then I keep circling back around to the fact that even though I am supposed to remember you, the fact is that I don't. You look at me, yes just like that," she said as he gazed at her, "and I hate myself for not remembering."

She sunk down on to the bed, clutching her arms tight about her middle as if to protect herself. "All that I want is to remember. To remember you and my family and our life together." She raised her eyes to meet his once more and whispered, "What's wrong with me Legolas? Why can't I remember?"

Legolas sat down beside her and slowly eased his arm around her shoulders not knowing how to answer her and feeling that she wasn't really seeking an answer right now. Mia collapsed into him, letting his strength hold her up as she fought the sadness the threatened to bring hysterical tears. After a few moments and some gasping sobs later, Mia pulled herself together and slowly sat up.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so dramatic," she said, embarrassed that she had behaved so crazily.

Legolas tilted her chin up so that he could look directly in to her eyes as he told her, "You have nothing to be sorry for. None of this is your fault and I swear I will not stop until we have all the answers that we seek."

Mia smiled slightly. He could make her believe that anything was possible, even that things would be all right. As they looked at each other, Legolas' fingers on her chin tightened and she noticed another light enter his eyes. She would have had to be dead to not know what the change in him was and she would have had to be equally dead to not feel the answering spark in herself. She couldn't breathe, there was no air left in the room as he lowered his head towards her. Their lips met tentatively at first and then he pressed into her firmly as his had slid from her shoulder to the back of her head to hold her to him.

His lips were warm and firm against her own and she melted into him, opening willingly as his tongue probed for entrance. Heat pooled in her belly as she brought her hand up, clinging to the back of his neck as his tongue explored her mouth. She couldn't suppress the moan that bubbled up from her and she knew he heard because his hands tightened where they held her. She was edging closer to him when a knock at the door interrupted them.

They pulled back from each other, both in a daze, slowly trying to come back to reality. The knock sounded again and this time Mia stood up to answer it. "Just a moment," she called as she smoothed down her hair, walking to the door. She was amazed that she could stand upright and when she reached out for the door handle she saw that her hands were shaking. No kiss had ever moved her the way that one had. Taking a deep breath and suppressing the regret that it had ended too quickly, she opened the door and found Aragorn on the other side.

"Good Morning Aragorn. What brings you by this morning?" she asked, stepping aside so that he could enter.

Aragorn smiled at her and then noticing Legolas was there as well, greeted him too. "Good Morning both of you. I came by to see if you wanted to take a walk this morning, but I see I am too late." Aragorn inclined his head to Legolas.

"That's very kind of you," Mia said, "but the healer has released me from needing an escort everywhere. However, I do very much enjoy your company so if you would like to join me for a walk, strictly for the company, I would love to have you with me."

Mia really enjoyed the time that she had spent with Aragorn. It was easy to be around him because he had a practical joke side that she was sure not many had ever seen. He was always teasing her and pulling her a little farther out of her shell and she could see how he would be a wonderful older brother. She could feel that they had been close once and he was just another reason that she wanted her memory back, but the memories were like pieces of a puzzle that just didn't fit right. A few days ago she had a memory of him, though she hadn't told anyone about it.

/

Aragorn was coming back today! Alatariel had been too excited to sleep last night; she hadn't seen her brother in a year because he had been out with the rangers. She had every intention on convincing her brother to let her come with him when he left this time. She was sixteen and had been training in Rivendell with the best sword master and bowman, thanks to her father, and she felt that she was more than ready for a more difficult challenge.

It was still dark outside when Alatariel slipped out the front door and walked to the main road into Rivendell. She wanted to be there the moment Aragorn arrived. She had friends in Rivendell, but she only had one brother and he was her best friend. It had been Aragorn that had encouraged her to practice with her bow and when she had been ten he had given her a practice sword for her birthday and helped her to practice with it.

It had been such a long year without him and she hoped that she could convince him that she was ready to go with him. Her father would not be happy about it she was sure, but then he also had a hard time reconciling the fact that while she liked her lessons on being a lady with her aunt Arwen, nothing compared to her daily practice with weapons and battle. Nevertheless, Elrohir always encouraged her to pursue her interests and to do her best at them.

The sun was just beginning to rise above the horizon and Alatariel was starting to become hungry when she saw a familiar face peak around the curve of the road.

"Aragorn!" Alatariel shouted and ran to meet her brother.

Aragorn smiled and held out his arms to her, "Little sister!" Aragorn scooped her up, spinning her around, "I have missed you." Aragorn sat her down, kissing the top of her head. "That's getting harder to do, you have gotten taller," he said as they began down the road to Rivendell arm in arm.

Laughing, Alatariel replied, "You have been gone a year brother, some things are destined to change in that time. My growing taller is not all that had changed. The sword master says that my skills are unrivaled by any my age and the bowman says the same."

"I am sure that is true. You practice more than anyone that I know," Aragorn replied. He had a feeling he knew where this conversation was heading and he really hoped that he was wrong.

"I love practicing. I take it very seriously. Aragorn, I was hoping to ask you a question before you left and please hear me out before you answer," Alatariel said stopping in front of him.

Aragorn shook his head, "Don't Alatariel. Please don't ask me."

"You haven't heard me out yet. Please Aragorn, let me go with you when you go back. I am ready to train with the rangers. I can handle the responsibility," Alatariel didn't want to beg, but he had to say yes.

Aragorn replied as he stepped around her and continued walking, "No, Alatariel. You are only sixteen and a girl. I will not take you into the wild, into certain danger. You cannot ask that of me and besides you know that Elrohir will never agree to such a thing."

Alatariel clung to his arm, attempting to stop him from walking but he just kept going. "Please Aragorn, he will listen to you. If you say that I am ready he will let me go."

Aragorn stopped and turned to face her again, "You are missing an important fact. I will not tell him you are ready, because the simple fact is that you are not." He took her hands between his as she started to pull away, "I don't want to fight with you the first day that I am back, but I won't do this. You are too young and inexperienced. I will not put you in danger."

Alatariel pulled her hands out of his grasp, her eyes tearing up. "You can't do this to me Aragorn. How am I supposed to gain experience if you don't let me go with you? Please," she pleaded.

Aragorn took a deep breath, "No Alatariel. You are not going."

Alatariel clinched her jaw in frustration and disappointment. Throwing a tantrum would only reinforce Aragorn's thoughts that she was too young. "Very well, brother. I will accept your answer for now, but I will try to convince you otherwise while you are here."

With that, she turned to continue walking towards Rivendell leaving Aragorn completely floored. That was not his sister. The sister he knew would not have accepted his final answer so calmly and rationally. It wasn't that she spoiled and selfish, but more like when she was convinced she was right she became steadfast and determined. Aragorn shook himself and caught up with her.

"Well, um, all…..all right then. I'm glad you understand," he said, falling into stride with her.

Alatariel smiled and glanced sideways at him, "Of course brother. For now."

She had not convinced him to take her along that time, much to her disappointment, but on her eighteenth birthday she had finally gotten her wish and from then on had been trained with the rangers.

/

The three of them had left Alatariels' room and took a walk together through the gardens. She couldn't help, but glance at Legolas every now and then. She wished that they had not been interrupted earlier. She wanted to talk to him about the kiss and find out what he was thinking, but she couldn't do that with Aragorn there. She decided that she would try to speak to Legolas in private as soon as they were back at the castle.

So until then, they talked about nothing in particular, letting the conversation take it's own course and soon lost track of time. The noon bell rang, reminding them all that they had not eaten anything this morning. Alatariels' stomach growled in protest.

"I think that my stomach would appreciate some lunch," she laughed as they turned back toward the castle.

"Mine couldn't agree more," replied Aragorn. "Are you ready for the dinner tonight?"

Mia didn't answer right away and they both looked towards her, "I am. I'm just a bit nervous. I'm not particularly fond of large crowds, especially when I don't know anyone."

Legolas tried to reassure her. "It will be okay. Aragorn, Elrohir and myself will all be there for you and if you feel uncomfortable at any time, you can always leave the dinner."

"Thank you," Mia smiled. "You all have been so wonderful, I can't thank you enough."

"You don't have any reason to thank us, you know that," Legolas said as they entered the castle and turned toward her room. After her time in convalescence it was a habit of theirs to have lunch on the balcony.

"Of course I do. I appreciate all that you have done for me," Mia said.

The walk to her room was a short one and as they reached her door Aragorn said, "I would love to have lunch with you, but I must find Lord Elrond. Gandalf is to arrive today and I need to speak with them both. So, if you will excuse me, I will see you tonight."

Mia smiled and said, "Of course. I will see you tonight."

As Aragorn left, Mia turned to Legolas and asked, "You don't need to go as well, do you?"

Legolas shook his head as he held the door open for her, "No, if you wish me to stay, I have no prior engagements."

"Good," she said turning to him as he closed the door behind them. "Because I want to talk to you about what happened earlier."

Legolas froze facing the door. He had been thinking about that kiss the entire morning and knew they would need to talk. He shouldn't have kissed her. He knew that it was too soon and it would only confuse her further, but when she had been that close and in his arms, he hadn't been able to stop himself. The past weeks of having her in his sight, but just out of reach was bittersweet and for just a moment it had felt like it had before she had disappeared.

When he turned toward her he was surprised to see how close she was to him, almost in his arms, and it took restraint not to pull her there again. She spoke before he could say anything.

"I am confused about so much here, but through all the confusion and turmoil there is one thing that always remains the same. Although I can't explain it, my feelings for you are always there. There is no logical explanation that I can come up with, but Legolas," Mia paused looking into his eyes and taking a deep breath. "I know, deep down, that I love you and that I always have." She laughed, a nervous chuckle, and asked, "Does that make me crazy?"

Legolas's only answer was to pull her into his arms and they clung to each other, both unable to speak. Legolas closed his eyes and for a moment just held her while he tried to get his emotions under control. Not letting her go, he whispered to her, "I love you. Always, forever. Nothing will ever change that."

Mia pulled back just enough to look at him, "You are amazing." She leaned in and pressed her lips to his. She had to show him just how much she felt and words were not enough. Legolas was lost to that kiss and when he felt her tongue against his lips, the passion that he felt for her flamed to life. Deepening the kiss, he held her flush to his body, not able to get close enough. And then, there was a knock on the door.

As Mia pulled back and looked at him, she chuckled, "I think that we are doomed to be ever interrupted."

"So it would seem," he whispered against her lips as he kissed her again.

This time the knock was followed by a polite request, "Milady? I have your lunch if you are ready."

Mia pecked Legolas on the lips before pulling out of his arms. "We will continue this later."

"Agreed," he said, turning to open the door for the maid.

The maid entered with a tray that held enough food for a small army. "Good Afternoon Prince Legolas and Lady Alatariel. Will the Lord Aragorn and Lord Elrohir be joining you this afternoon?" she asked as she set the tray on the balcony table.

Mia was still trying to get used to the new name and title, but replied, "No, I believe it is just the two of us for today."

The maid curtsied to them both and replied, "If you need anything please call for me. Once you are finished with lunch, I will come back to help you prepare for dinner tonight if you wish Milady."

Mia smiled and inclined her head, "Thank you. That would be wonderful since I don't have a clue where to begin."

"You are most welcome. I will return in an hour unless you have need of me before then," the maid said as she walked to the door and made a final curtsy.

Once Legolas had again closed the door he asked, "Is there anything that I can help you with for tonight?"

Mia walked to the table as she answered, "Distract me for awhile. I'm afraid that thinking about meeting all those people will make me change my mind about going."

Legolas walked up behind her and put his hands on her arms, "You never were one for official dinners," he said, resting his chin on top of her head.

She sighed and relaxed back into him, "Do you know why?"

"You told me that it took to much effort to try and please everyone and to not offend people," he replied smiling as he pulled out a chair for her.

Sitting down she said, "That actually sounds like me."

Legolas sat down in the chair across from her and filled her glass with water from the pitcher.

After taking a sip, Mia said, "Tell me more. How did you see me, Legolas?"

/

The next hour flew by and the maid returned to help Mia prepare for the dinner. Although Mia did not want Legolas to leave she understood that he would need time to prepare as well. While the dinner would not begin until dark, which was still five hours away, the maid informed her that between bathing, dressing and doing her hair they would just make it in time.

As Legolas bowed on his exit he heard Alatariel ask the maid in disbelief, "It will really take that long?" Shaking his head and smiling he left feeling more at peace than he had in years. Meanwhile, Mia was watching as the maid filled the hot tub size bathtub that was sunk into the middle of the floor. Over the past month, Mia had enjoyed many baths in that tub and still couldn't believe it was that big. This time, though, the maid was pouring different oils into the water and the scents came to life on the breeze.

"Now, you must relax and let the oils do their work while I wash your hair." The maid said as she took towels from a wardrobe against the wall.

The first time that the maid had insisted on helping her bathe, Mia had been shocked speechless. After explaining that all ladies were assisted in their baths and that she needed help even more because she was injured, Mia slowly accepted the help although she felt extremely awkward. It still wasn't comfortable now, but the maid had looked so hurt the first time she had refused she couldn't bring herself to refuse again. The bonus was that she really did enjoy having someone else wash her hair and so Mia slid into the bath and tried to relax although the dinner loomed ever closer.

/

Five hours, a bath, a dress and hair later, Mia stood at the entrance to the dinning hall unable to bring herself to step into the door way and walk down the steps. The noise of a hundred people speaking and laughing unnerved her. These people all new and expected to see Alatariel and to welcome her back, but the would only get Mia a woman who couldn't remember her own past.

Mia turned to go back to her room, cursing herself for being a coward when a voice spoke from the shadows beside her.

"You will not disappoint them my dear." The kind old man that stepped into the light was the same one she saw in her dream of the ball. His eyes observed and yet saw threw her at the same time. "The people who matter in there love you unconditionally and the rest don't matter."

"I know you. I've seen you in my memories." Mia said as she continued to study him trying to draw out a name from the memory.

He smiled and said, "Yes my dear, you know me well. My name is Gandalf and we are good friends." He held up his hand as she started to speak, "No my dear, please no apologies are needed between friends." Gandalf motioned to the doorway, "Go. They are waiting for you."

Nodding, Mia smiled, "Thank you."

"You are welcome," he said as she turned back to the entrance. "And Alatariel," she turned her face back to him as he paused, "welcome home."

She grinned then and stepped into the light and noise of the dining hall. Legolas noticed her the instant she appeared. Her golden brown hair fell in graceful curls down her back, her cheeks were flushed and green eyes bright as the reflected the candlelight. What took him back to the past was the forest green dress shot with silver thread. It was the one she had been wearing when he finally realized that he loved her.

/

He had been out on patrol when the party arrived from Rivendell. The Lords Elrohir and Elladen were to be visiting for a week and there was a welcome feast being hosted in their honor this evening. The patrol had run into some trouble with the spiders that infested Mirkwood and so they arrived late to the feast.

When he finally made it to the feast, Legolas approached his father and the lords where they stood off to the side of the dining hall to make his apologies for being late.

"My lords, father," Legolas said bowing. "Please forgive my tardiness. We ran into some trouble on the way back."

Elrohir and Elladen bowed as well. "Nothing too serious I hope," said Elladen as they rose.

"Not at all. It was taken care of quickly my Lord," replied Legolas.

"It is good to see you again Prince Legolas. We haven't seen you in six, almost seven, years if I am not mistaken." Elrohir said as he took a glass of wine from a passing server.

"Yes you are my Lord. Patrols and other duties have kept me busy here," said Legolas.

"Alatariel will be glad that you could make it this evening," Elladen said as they made their way to the head table.

"I didn't know she was coming with you," said Legolas as they made their way through the crowd.

"Yes she was in Rivendell for her twenty-fifth birthday and decided to come with us. She will go back to training with Aragorn and the rangers once we return next week," replied Elrohir.

"It will be nice to see her again. If you will excuse me, I see a friend I need to speak with before dinner." Legolas bowed, taking his leave of the lords.

"Your son does you proud, King Thranduil," said Elrohir as they sat down at the table.

"Thank you, yes he does. These past few years he has really taken on a lot of responsibilities. I just wish he would choose an elf maiden so that I could enjoy grandchildren," Thranduil chuckled.

"He has no particular one in mind?" questioned Elladen.

"None that I am aware of. Though I continually ask him." Thranduil gestured for his glass to be refilled.

Meanwhile, Legolas was discussing the patrol with his friend when his friend went completely still, eyes locked on the entrance to the hall. As his back was to the entrance, Legolas was confused as to what had caught his friend's attention so completely. Turning to discover the reason, Legolas could never have expected what he saw.

She was in a word, unbelievable. Legolas's mouth went dry as he stared at her. She looked so familiar but he could not place how he knew her. Her tall graceful form stood still as she searched for someone and gave him time to look his fill. Long, golden brown hair in soft curls fell to the middle of her back, her cheeks were lightly flushed and her eyes were such a brilliant shade of green that he could tell their color from across the room. It appeared that she had found who she was looking for because she smiled and started to walk down the stairs.

"Stunning, is she not?" his friends voice asked from behind him, pulling Legolas' attention but not his gaze from her.

"Who is she? I feel that I know her, but surely I would recall such beauty." Legolas said as his eyes followed her as she walked down the center of the room.

He heard his friend chuckle and respond, "Legolas, of course you know her. That is the Lady Alatariel."

Legolas heard those words just as she approached the head table and curtsied. A soft breeze could have knocked him to his knees he was so stunned. That couldn't be her. It just couldn't. The Alatariel he knew was awkward with her height and constantly trying to prove she was one of the men instead of a girl. This creature was everything soft, beautiful and feminine. Trying to reconcile the two separate beings was impossible.

"That can't be her. You must be mistaken," said Legolas.

Still chuckling at his friends' expense he replied, "I am not. Come with me good Prince and I will introduce you." Putting his hand on Legolas' shoulder he guided him back to the head table.

Alatariel was speaking with her father, uncle and the King and did not immediately notice Legolas walking up beside her until his friend spoke up.

"Excuse me King Thranduil for interrupting, but I wanted greet the Lady before dinner begins."

Legolas was still trying to clear his head when her gaze transferred from his friend to him. Her smile was instantaneous, lighting her whole face.

Somewhere in the distance he heard his father reply and the introduction of his friend to Alatariel was made, but he was at a loss for words until he heard her speak.

"It is good to see you again," her voice was soft and gentle as his friend took her hand, bowing to her. "You as well milady."

Alatariel turned back to Legolas then and held out her hand, "It has been a long time Prince Legolas. It is good to see you as well."

Legolas came out of his stupor and took her hand. Her hand was warm and soft where it touched his as he bowed, his eyes never leaving hers, "My lady, it is wonderful to see you again. Welcome back to Mirkwood."

As he was releasing her hand, albeit reluctantly, King Thranduil motioned for the feast to begin. Legolas immediately offered his arm to her asking, "Would you allow me to escort you to your seat?"

Alatariel nodded, taking his arm, "Of course, thank you."

Her seat, thank the Valar, was right beside his and for the rest of the dinner he had to remember to keep breathing. The reason for that would be, if he truly confessed to himself, that he had always been in love with her. They had always been, after their first few meetings, friends and over the years they had grown close, but because of the age difference there had been no romantic feelings between them.

That had all changed tonight when she had walked into the room. She was no longer a child and he could not deny his instant attraction to her. This attraction combined with the friendship they had could only be love. He hoped she felt the same.