Author's note: I'm back! This chapter was strangely difficult for me to write, and thus, it has taken much longer than usual to post. I beg your forgiveness!

-:-

Lainien fought against drooping eyelids as Elrond's hands tended to her back. The warm glow from the open window coupled with the soft sheets and her body's exhaustion made it extremely difficult for the elf to resist the deep sleep her very bones seemed to crave.

"Sleep, child," Elrond commanded softly, noting her exhaustion. She has pushed her body too far, came his thoughts. Lainien sighed as she realized she could no longer close her mind to the thoughts of others.

The wound is not deep, his thoughts continued, it should heal quickly. Even with her appalling level of self-care. Lainien was surprised to feel the tender amusement and fondness radiating from the brightness of his thoughts. Sliding in and out of consciousness, her mind gained a fleeting sense of enlightenment, allowing her to identify the source of the painful brilliance of the older elf's mind. He is the sun; powerful fire and life sustaining light, he is the center and core of them all.

-:-

Lainien awoke to soft grey light. Blinking in confusion, she realized she had been sleeping with her eyes closed. I must have truly pushed myself far, she mused, rubbing her eyelids.

Gentle footfalls announced the arrival of an elf, and the stunning brightness of the mind belonging to the steps informed Lainien that Elrond had returned.

"You're awake," the older elf remarked, smiling as he opened the door to her rarely used rooms. "You have slept for some time." There was admonishment hidden in his tones, warning her of an impending lecture from a concerned elf.

"I did not properly care for my body, and I have suffered for it," she announced firmly, intending to avoid lengthy reprimands. "My position as protector means being properly fit to carry out my duties, and thus, I have failed in this regard. It won't happen again."

Elrond sat at the edge of her bed, eyebrows drawn into a frown. "I would have you take care even if you weren't Estel's guardian." Lainien held his concerned frown for several moments. He speaks from care and concern for me, she realized, her heart constricting slightly with the realization. She nodded, unable to find any other action or words to suffice her appreciation, hoping he would understand.

"Well," he said, standing and bringing his hands together. "Now that you have rested, let's begin the day."

"Wait," Lainien called, struggling to bring her legs out from the thick covers and placing them upon the cold floor. "I have a… request," she hastily admitted, twisting her hands together in her lap and staring down at the stone beneath her feet.

"Yes?"

Lainien hesitated, struggling over conflicting emotions. I despise receiving help, but he has the skills and I trust him. This is something I greatly desire, but giving away hints of my wants reveals much about myself and my history. Am I willing to trust this elf with insights into my thoughts and wants?

"You've seen my scars," she stated quietly, cutting off her thoughts and continuing her sudden investigation of the grey stone.

"I have."

Lainien took in a breath, steadying herself. "Can you heal them?" she asked in a small voice. She felt his hesitation within the white flames of his brilliant mind, flickering through several more emotions before finally settling with contrition. It was all the answer she needed, and she hung her head both in shame for asking and sadness for hoping.

"I'm sorry, Lainien," he said, moving to sit upon the end of the bed. "I cannot take away the scar, only work to heal the pain it has inflicted." Lainien met his eyes, a question in hers.

"You see your scar as a reminder of the wrong things," he chided gently. "You should look upon your mark with pride, for you have suffered more than many, yet you still live and have lost none of your capacity to love." His lips carried a wan smile as he said this, watching her disbelief.

"The care you give to the few you hold dear show that your soul is not tainted, as they would believe. This scar shows your triumph in the face of hardship and your victory over those who would break you. Hold it with pride."

Lainien held his gaze for several moments, unable to reply. Elrond watched as she uncharacteristically displayed much emotion upon her face. There was anger, confusion, disbelief, and sadness. But there was also hope, he thought, and that was enough for him.

"I understand, and thank you for your words," she said softly, bowing her head. The embarrassment pushed heavily against her chest as she spoke, and she wanted to kick herself for asking such a thing.

"It is a common desire to rid yourself of things that bring forth dark memories. You are not weak." Lainien met his eye, finding the sincerity in his gaze and drawing strength from his words.

"Thank you," she said, bringing her hand to her chest. Elrond smiled and stood from the bed. "Come," he bid, extending his hand. "Haedirn has been difficult to keep entertained during his stay in the healing halls. You will undoubtedly provide more entertainment that I have." He smiled back at her.

Lainien jumped out of bed and donned boots and a cloak, rushing to follow Elrond into the healing halls. "He is not badly hurt?" she asked.

"He will recover soon. It is merely a precaution to keep him so long," Elrond responded, soothing Lainien's concerns.

Despite his assuring words, Lainien quickened her stride, reaching the healing rooms at almost a run. Bright laughter filled her senses as she rounded the corner and she halted. The Young Prince is here.

"…and he turned the darkest shade of pink I have ever seen!" came Legolas' voice, bright with mirth, forcing him to halt his story as another fit of laughter overtook him.

"What did she do then?" Haldir's voice asked.

"The poor girl continued the dance with a polite smile upon her face, and a slight wince with every step! And after it was finished, she limped from the room, stammering out an excuse as she went! Haedirn was mortified." Legolas responded, losing himself to laughter again at the end, accompanied by Haldir.

"It was not quite that bad," an indignant sounding Haedirn replied. At another round of boisterous laughter, Lainien knocked upon the door. "Come in," huffed Haedirn, who was obviously still frustrated at his companions.

Lainien walked into the room and made straight for Haedirn, eyes narrowed in keen observation of the elf. Ignoring the other inhabitants of the room, she came to stand beside his bed, eyes still searching his form.

"You are injured," Lainien said softly, eyes now meeting Haedirn's.

"Your concern is unneeded," Haedirn said, amusement thick in his voice, "I am not badly hurt."

"Yes, only his pride is wounded at the moment," Haldir retorted, chuckling lightly. His amusement subsided as eyes flashed to his face promising retribution.

"I will be free to leave soon," Haedirn continued, meeting Lainien's face again.

"I will stay with you until you do," Lainien stated firmly, moving to stand at the end of his bed and leaning against the wall, eyes daring him to argue otherwise. Fond frustration swept through the warmth of Haedirn's mind, but he did not contradict her. If it would please you, my friend, I would welcome your company, he thought, smiling at her.

"You will certainly be better company than I have had of late," he added, scowling at the two elves next to him. Legolas was unabashed as he grinned at his Captain.

"I could not miss the opportunity to share the stories of your triumphant and miraculous marriage to the beautiful elf who suffered through your splendid courtship for so long," Legolas said, smirking at Haedirn and bringing another fit of giggles from Haldir.

Haedirn, Legolas, and Haldir continued conversation for some time, and Lainien was content in observing the fluttering fabric of the curtains as they were buffered in the cool wind.

Haldir, who stood from his seat and slowly approached her, apprehension thick in his thoughts and posture, drew her from her thoughts. Lainien turned to face him, waiting for his thoughts to form words.

"How are your wounds faring, Lainien?" he asked, shifting lightly between his feet.

Lainien took the moment to observe his mind closely, noting the solid comfort of trees present in the space of his thoughts, giving his mind a grounded and sturdy feel, as thoughts swayed like branches and emotions ran through long roots of thought anchoring the elf. He has a solid, stable mind that resists quick change.

She became aware that her silence made the elf uncomfortable, and, blinking, she finally responded. "They are healing well," she said, trying to keep the weary out of her tone.

Haldir looked quickly to Legolas before shifting back to Lainien. Straight to the point, he reminded himself, remembering Legolas' advice. Lainien quirked a brow, turning to Legolas. The elf shrugged, and returned his eyes to Haldir.

"That is good," Haldir responded. Straightening, he continued. "I noticed while fighting alongside you that your skill and speed are unique, but that you seem to lack technical practice with the sword." Lainien's bow rose further, but she did not comment. It is a true observation without mockery… so far.

"If it would please you, I would be interested in learning from your fighting style. In return, I could demonstrate several techniques from the Golden Wood." His tone was neutral, but his thoughts grew nervous and anxiety flickered through the leaves of his mind.

Is he nervous that I will be offended by his offer, she questioned, sifting through his thoughts for answer with little luck, or is he worried that I will accept his offer? She decided that the former is more probable.

"I would be honored to learn from the Marchwarden of the Golden Wood," she responded, nodding her head lightly in an attempt to match his formal tone. She met Haedirn's eyes for a moment to receive his nod and smile, releasing the breath she had been holding thanks to his assurance.

Haldir nodded as well and after a quick glance at Legolas and a bow – and a smirk – for Haedirn, he swept from the room.

"He has much to teach, and is a gifted warrior," Haedirn said as Lainien moved to take Haldir's seat next to the bed. "You will gain great skill under him." Legolas snickered lightly, receiving a glare from Haedirn.

Lainien sat in pleasurable silence, watching the Young Prince bait Haedirn into several different arguments before the Prince finally took his leave.

"Rest well, Captain," Legolas said, turning from the door to grin mischievously at Haedirn. "It is important that an elf who has reached your age maintains his strength." Lainien could hear his chuckle continue down the hallway at Haedirn grumbling protests. "Ridiculous, difficult, disrespectful child!"

Lainien patted his arm in sympathy for the elf while successfully hiding the smirk that threatened to creep upon her lips. After several more dark mutterings about the Prince, Haedirn finally calmed.

"So, lessons with Haldir?" Haedirn asked. "You must have impressed him in the forest."

"We fought well together."

"As long as you don't fight each other again, I don't foresee any issues."

Lainien rolled her eyes. I won't even honor that with a response.

-:-

"Very good, Lainien!" Haldir cheered, lowering his blade. "You learn very quickly," he continued, smiling at her from across the small clearing where green grass had begun appearing between the dying frost. He took a deep breath of warming, spring air, and found himself slightly winded from the effort of sparing with the wickedly fast elf.

It had only been two months and the elleth was close to beating him every time – a feat that few can claim.

She bowed her head, calm and reserved as usual. But I can see in her eyes, thought Haldir, taking a second longer look at the elf before him, there is joy and gratitude there where I would have only ever seen ice. She is not so indifferent as she would appear.

"If you two are quite finished out here," came Arwen's terse voice from behind Lainien, "we have several items that require your attention, Lainien. You cannot avoid your duties with prolonged training."

Lainien winced slightly at the rebuke aimed at her by a rather frustrated elleth. Arwen had been trying to coax Lainien into the arranging of Estel's first birth day celebration, and Lainien had been doing all she could to avoid such planning committees.

"I don't even like events," Lainien huffed under her breath, shuffling her feet around the newly growing grass. "How am I supposed to plan one?"

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't hear your mumbling. What was that?"

"I am coming," Lainien responded quickly, noting the rising fires of exasperation coming off in hot waves within her dear friend's mind.

"That's what I thought I heard," said a pleased Arwen, a dangerous gleam in her eye.

Women can truly be more frightening that any evil creature, thought Haldir, almost bringing Lainien to fits of giggles. She held in her laughter, but let lose a smirk.

"I am glad to see your enthusiasm, Lainien, for you will surely need it."

Lainien sighed and resigned herself to decoration planning and food organizing for the next several hours. At the light chuckle within the deep roots of though belonging to Haldir, she turned to give him her own stare. He blanched appropriately to the wild promise of retribution within her dark blue eyes, once again startled by their intensity. Yes, she thought, approvingly, fear me still, Haldir, Marchwarden of Lorien.

Lainien entered a small sitting room off the great hall, following Arwen's lithe and excited steps with slow, resigned steps of her own. The room was full of enthusiastic chatter by several elleths, the thoughts of whom slightly overwhelmed Lainien after her morning in relative solitude. Their thoughts are not nearly as calming as the woods or Haldir's grounded mind, she thought with a heavy sigh, trying to push out their thoughts.

Unable to completely quiet the thoughts of those around her - so full of anticipation and glee - she found her heart rate increasing and her breathing becoming shallow as she fought for control the rising panic clawing at her chest.

"It looks like there are quite enough people planning Estel's party, Arwen," came the clear voice of Legolas right behind Lainien. His proximity made her jump slightly, but the slight pressure of his hand supporting her elbow allowed the calm waters of his mind to envelope her, helping to drive out the numerous overwhelming thoughts. She sighed and leaned into his hand, allowing the brief touch for a short time.

"I do not think our presence is needed," he continued, meeting Arwen's eyes. Arwen narrowed her eyes at him in frustration. I finally managed to bring Lainien to an event! She will be able to talk with the other elves. But when she moved her glare to Lainien, her eyes softened. The elf was taking deep breaths with her eyes closed, and despite her calm face, Arwen could sense deep discomfort.

She sighed in resignation. I suppose this is not what is best for her after all, she thought, downcast as she realized that her and Elladan's plan would not work. "Very well, you two may leave."

Legolas didn't waste a moment. Using his hold upon Lainien's elbow, he turned her around and led her through the door, quite eager to get away from the myriad elleths himself. I don't need to be able to read minds to know what they are thinking, he scowled, remembering the impish smiles upon some of the elf's faces.

Lainien followed easily, accepting his hold and his lead while basking in the steady currents flowing from the elf by her side. His calm strength was appreciated immensely.

Before they could make their way out of the great hall, they met Gilraen. "Oh good, I found you," she said, smiling. Lainien straightened, pulling herself away from the Prince's hold, and moved toward Gilraen. "Would you please take care of Estel?" she asked, handing the child to Lainien. "I wish to attend the planning party."

Lainien eagerly accepted Estel into her arms, relishing in his soothing thoughts and the softness of his tiny fingers. "Of course, my Lady." Giving Lainien a soft touch upon her arm, Gilraen passed the two, heading for Arwen.

You two play nicely now, whispered Gilraen's thoughts as she walked away, prompting a light snort from her elven protector. She turned to meet the Prince's eyes and found him staring avidly at Estel, a warm smile upon his lips and bright happiness in his eyes.

He is quite beautiful, she allowed, observing the defined lines of his face. His lips were thin, but they matched well with his slightly square jaw and soft lines curving his cheekbones. Dark, straight brows contrasted his pale skin and bright blue eyes…which were now boring into Lainien's. She shifted away from him, holding Estel more tightly as she cringed in embarrassment.

"Will you walk with me?" he asked, stepping to her side, but maintaining his distance from the obviously uncomfortable elf. She stared up at him and he felt the usual sever contemplation of his person. Her eyes are fire, burning through my soul. She can strip me bare with just a glance.

There was no hesitance in the flow of his mind, in which deep and clear waters ran with sincerity and calm strength as the owner of the mind left it open for her perusal. She nodded once, a quick movement that betrayed to Legolas her slight anxiety, and walked briskly out of the hall.

Together they made a path to the tree line, Legolas basking in the bright, warm light of early spring, and Lainien in the soothing minds of her two companions; one steady and tranquil, the other softly flowing with energy. The silence was full of peace.

Legolas halted when Lainien came to the base of a tree, her hand upon its lowest branch. With the grace of much practice, Lainien pulled herself upon the lowest branch, coming to sit with her back against the trunk and Estel lying comfortably in her lap.

Leaping up lightly, Legolas too settled with his back against the trunk on the opposite side of Lainien, their backs to each other and facing opposite directions. Lainien took a deep breath of fresh air, tension releasing from her shoulders that she didn't realize was there. It is still difficult to see him, she mused, but his mind is a comfort. While he disappeared from her sights, the deep waters of his thoughts were still present, and their cool tendrils reached out for her own.

"Would it be easier to be with others if you could not hear them?"

Lainien thought about it. "It is my ability that has kept me, and now others, safe," she responded.

"Is staying safe the only concern? You now have the chance to become closer to elves and develop friendship."

"Friendship has never come easily to me."

"Perhaps it was because of your abilities. Which brings us back to my original question," he responded. Lainien could hear the smile upon his voice. You think you are so very clever, Young Prince.

"It does have its disadvantages," she conceded, smiling down at Estel, who was using her hands to try to pull himself to a standing position upon her knees. In such a rush, my hope.

"Did you achieve your goal of becoming the best archer?" Lainien asked, smiling at the memory of a tiny elf with messy blonde hair struggling with a longbow.

"I have not yet challenged every archer in Middle Earth," Legolas chuckled.

"You have become humble, Young Prince."

Legolas cringed internally at the title, but relented. One day, I will hear my name from her lips again.

"Why did you leave the horse lords?" Legolas asked, surprising Lainien.

"Those who I cared for passed, and I did not wish to replace their memories in my heart," Lainien responded after a moment.

Legolas was hit with mild astonishment that Lainien was sharing so much with him, then sadness as he realized she would suffer the same agony again. As will I, he realized, recognizing his growing attachment to the child currently in Lainien's arms. She won't go through the pain alone this time, he noted, thinking of Lord Elrond, Elladan, and Arwen – all of whom would share in her grief and support her.

"Does suffering together truly ease the pain?" she asked, her voice soft.

"Yes," he responded simply. "The worst part of loss is the sudden loneliness, the deep emptiness left behind by the person who you loved."

Lainien contemplated his words, thinking over her worst pain over the years. Yes, the loneliness is the hardest, she decided.

"You aren't alone anymore, Lainien," came Legolas' voice, so soft that Lainien could barely hear the words whispered into the wind.

-:-

Lainien looked up from Estel, halting the story she had been telling him, to watch Gilraen's progress toward them from the hall. Smiling, she pointed and whispered to Estel. "Ennas, Estel nin! Naneth!" *Look, Estel! (It's your) Mother!*

Gilraen smiled at the pair as Estel's eyes turned to her. Lainien held onto his tiny hands as he pushed himself up upon her knees.

"Nana!"

Legolas froze. Then clutched on the branch as he righted himself. He spoke! He bounded off his perch to stand before the child, and was amused to see Lainien's wide eyes and open mouth.

Gilraen was soon standing at his side, excitement buzzing through her frame. Lainien recovered from her shock and handed Estel down to Legolas, who lowered the child into Gilraen's arms. He watched as Gilraen shed happy tears and tried to coax Estel into repeating his first word.

Turning to Lainien, his smiled widened at the infinitely soft look upon the elf's face. All sharpness was washed away with a gentle smile and deep emotion was displayed openly within large, dark blue eyes. Eyes which were suddenly meeting his, and he was given his first glance of tenderness from the wild elf. There was no hidden emotion or caution in her eyes. No fear or scorn. No indifference.

Instead, there was gentle tenderness brimming within her eyes, and suddenly, Legolas realized that blue was possibly the most beautiful color he had ever seen.