Kili sharply turned his head in the direction of the staircase when he heard quiet footsteps. He tried to hide his disappointment when he saw it wasn't Tauriel, but Legolas. His head was turned down, so Kili could not see it. Of course, he doubted he would have been able to read the elf's emotions anyways. They were alone for the moment, Kili's guards deciding that Kili wasn't going to try and escape tonight.

"Where's Tauriel?" Kili asked.

"I don't know," Legolas replied honestly, "But I doubt she will be back down here tonight."

Kili couldn't help but give the prince a glare. He was grateful for all that Legolas and Tauriel were doing for him, but he was growing tired of the secrets and lies. Every time that him and Tauriel made some progress, it seems like she rook three steps back from him. And the fact that he was now in a cell made it even easier for her to ignore him.

"It's not you she's angry with, Dwarf," Legolas replied, reading Kili's mind. Kili bit back his questions. For once, Legolas didn't seem venomous and intimidating. He just looked tired, and a little upset. Whatever had happened between him and Tauriel had made him like this, and Kili suddenly wasn't so eager to know.

"Is she alright?" was all Kili managed to say.

"Yes," Legolas replied. Kili could sense that he was holding something back.

"Legolas…" Kili said slowly, "I know you don't like me, and I know you think I will only bring her danger, but I love Tauriel. If something has happened to her-"

"She's fine," Legolas replied. The pair stood in silence for a few moments, neither sure what to say. Kili didn't want to push about Tauriel, but he needed to know what was happening. If she was in danger…

"I must go," Legolas said suddenly, "I must speak to my father."

Kili only nodded in reply and watched Legolas go.

Tauriel wasn't sure where she wanted to go, just that she wanted to be alone for a while. She couldn't go any of her usual places, Legolas would be sure to look for her eventually. She knew she would be breaking her promise to Kili, but she couldn't bring herself to face him right now. She was racked with guilt that it was her fault he was in this mess. Well, her parents fault, but if she hadn't acted on her feelings for him, he would probably be on his way back to Erebor by now.

And there was still the questions of whether or not she could trust Legolas. She didn't doubt that he had done what he thought was best, but that didn't excuse the lied. Right now, she needed someone she could rely on, and she just could do that with him right now. All she had was herself and Ara, but Ara was hardly a warrior or a spy. A treasured friend, yes, but if someone was trying hurt anyone close to Tauriel, she couldn't confide in Ara anymore. She didn't want anyone else dying for her.

Before she knew where she was going, Tauriel found herself back on the archery range. She wasn't sure why she came out here, she didn't even have her bow, yet she found comfort in the fact that she was back where she'd discovered one of her talents. Elven archers weren't rare, but most female warriors opted for swords and daggers. It had been a wonder to many that she was so young, yet as skilled as many of her senior.

She spotted a bow and quiver near the trees. It wasn't hers, but it would do. She picked up the foreign weapon and tested the weight. It was heavier and bigger than she was used to, but she felt the undeniable urge to shoot something right now. She grabbed the quiver and loosed a few arrows in quick succession. None of them hit her mark exactly, but they were close enough that she was content.

She walked quietly through the forest listening for the sounds of any prey. It was a long shot that she'd find something this close to Thranduil's halls, especially since she was so close to the training field. It was too noisy for anything to risk living there. But what she didn't expect was to hear soft voices in the distance. She paused, debating whether or not to make her presence known.

She would be caught in a compromising position if she was discovered. Elves did not take kindly to eavesdropping, and if these were High Elves there would be consequences. Desire her misgivings, she couldn't stop her feet from slowly moving forward. The voices became more distinct as he crept closer. She was soon able to make out the distinctive speech patterns of the high born.

"Thranduil doesn't believe it," she heard a voice.

"It does not matter if believes it," a second said, "We have evidence."

"The Silvan is set on disproving it."

"And who would take a low born's word over ours?"

Tauriel froze as she realized that they were talking about her and Kili. She took a small step back, more afraid of being caught then before. Here she was, listening to a confession, yet there was nothing she could do to prove it. She didn't want to admit it, but they were right. Unless another high born caught them, no one would believe her. She would have to continue her investigation on her own with no help.

She took another step back, cursing as she snapped a small stick beneath her heal. She froze, praying that they didn't hear her. But Elven ears her sharp, and the conversation stopped.

"What was that?"

"An animal?"

"No," someone replied slowly.

"Then another elf."

"Leave them," the first voice replied, "If they had any sense, they will forget what they heard."

Tauriel turned on her heel and fled. She knew she had to do something, but she had no idea what.