Legolas quickly made his way through the King's Halls, eager to seclude himself in his rooms for the remainder of the evening. More than relieved that he was finally away from his father's presence for the day, letters that had just arrived from Lorien were awaiting his attention. He was not surprised to find so many, knowing it was likely that Aerendyll would write pages and pages to fill him in on every aspect of her time away. He only hoped that she was doing well, and that she still had no inkling of why she was truly sent away.

"What has you in such a hurry?"

Legolas came to an abrupt stop, turning slightly to see a smiling Tauriel not far behind him. He waited for her to catch up to him before continuing on, though at a slower pace.

"I have received letters from Aerendyll. I am most eager to hear of her time away," he said.

While he by now knew she arrived safely, Tauriel and the other guards had not seen much of her before they left as she was quickly whisked into meetings with Galadriel and Celeborn and they had to make all haste back to Mirkwood.

"May I join you? I am most eager to hear from her as well. She was so sure that it would be a horrible time on our journey there," Tauriel asked.

"Of course. I shall send for some wine," Legolas replied.

In no time, they were within his sitting room while a servant brought in food and wine. Legolas did not waste time in opening the bundle, quickly pulling out the first letter and reading it aloud.

"She is unhappy that I wish for her to continue training," Legolas said dryly, putting the letter down and reaching for the next one as Tauriel chuckled.

"Can you blame her? Legolas, not all of us are meant for this way of life," she replied. "But I will admit that you have done her an injustice. She is capable of protecting herself." Legolas shot her a dark look. "Or at least she is not so dire as you made her to be."

Legolas only rolled his eyes before quickly opening the second letter.

"She was lucky the marchwarden arrived when he did," he said, his eyes scanning over its contents. "It is more important than ever before that she knows to protect herself. We both know this."

Tauriel fell silent as she looked down into her goblet while Legolas read silently.

"I wished you would have informed me of these tidings before we left," she said softly.

"So you would have informed her?" Legolas asked, looking back up at her with a raised brow. Tauriel looked up at him, anger in her eyes.

"She has a right to know and I am rather astonished that you, her dearest friend, would choose to run and hide rather than tell her the truth," she retorted. "She thinks it was your father that kept you from her before she left, but we both know the truth. Tell me, when did the Prince of Mirkwood become so weak?"

Legolas flinched, but it didn't dull the anger now sparking in his own eyes.

"He forbid me from telling her," he said, his voice low.

"And when has that stopped you?" Tauriel shot back.

"She would have refused to leave," Legolas continued.

"We both know she would have seen reason-"

"I did what I had to in order to keep her safe! Do you honestly think she would have left if she knew there was darkness closing in on our borders? You know as well as I that she chooses duty before all else and she would have seen it as her duty to stay!" Legolas shouted as he jumped to his feet.

Tauriel sat back in her chair, her eyes wide. It was rare Legolas raised his voice to the captain of the guard, but his guilt was eating him from within. He regretted nothing more than pushing Aerendyll away her last day before she left, but it was the only way he could keep from telling her the true reason she was being sent to Lorien. He had come to see his father's reasoning, though even now, he wished with all his being to tell her the truth. They never kept secrets from each other. However, there was no way Aerendyll would have left Mirkwood if she knew. That darkness was coming. She would have insisted on staying. And like his father, Legolas could not stomach the thought of harm befalling her.

Legolas took a deep breath and sank back in his chair, viciously grabbing the letter from the table and returning his attention to it. Tauriel remained silent as she stared down at her goblet.

"Outside of her disdain for her training, how does she fare?" Tauriel asked softly, her eyes flicking up to Legolas.

He took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

"She appears to enjoy her time with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn," he replied. He then paused, a slight smile on his face as he sat up. "And she has yet again mentioned the marchwarden."

He looked up at Tauriel, who remained expressionless.

"I believed he dined with her the night we stopped at the border," she said.

"And apparently sat with her at the feast in her honor that night," Legolas said, his eyes returning to the letter. "Been visiting her outside of training."

Tauriel sat up, placing her goblet on the table and reaching for a piece of fruit.

"I do not see how this is of interest," she replied.

"She enjoys training with him," Legolas then said, a smirk appearing upon his face as he looked up at Tauriel. Her eyes widened. "He has offered his aid should there be anything that she needs during her stay."

He chuckled softly as he put the letter aside and reached for the next.

"Perhaps she will mention him again in this one," he mused as he opened it.

"You do not perhaps think…" Tauriel's voice trailed off as Legolas looked up at her. "The King would never allow it."

"Ah, but who will tell him? Certainly not you or I. And I do not foresee her mentioning a burgeoning friendship with the marchwarden to him," he said before looking back at the letter. "It is good that she has a friend."

Tauriel frowned as she looked down at her hands in her lap, an expression that Legolas did not see.

"What do you intend to do then? Encourage it?" she asked.

"I do not see the harm. Ari deserves to be happy," Legolas said without looking at her.

"But… what if it should become more than just friendship? What happiness could come when she must return to Mirkwood and he must remain in Lorien. Or do you wish for her to remain there?" Tauriel then asked.

Legolas looked up at her, his expression clearly reading that he had not thought far enough ahead to consider that. Tauriel smiled slightly as she reached for her goblet. He frowned as he looked down at the letter a few more moments. He then looked back up at the captain.

"If it is what she truly wishes and it brings her happiness, I will not stand in her way," he said. Tauriel only raised an eyebrow in his direction. "You do not believe me."

"Forgive me for thinking you would not so easily let her go. You have grown up together," she said, a smirk now appearing on her face as she lifted the goblet to her lips.

"I can and I will… should the time come," Legolas huffed, returning to reading the letter.

"Very well, my lord," Tauriel said, her smirk only growing.

Legolas only huffed yet again before beginning to read the letter aloud.

Aerendyll felt a bit jumpy as she made her way toward the training grounds. As usual, there were plenty of elves about, though that was not what had her nervous. It had been days since the feast and she had not spoken to Haldir. In fact, the marchwarden had sent word and cancelled their last few sessions. She worried that she had offended him in some way that night, though try as she might, she could not see how. Which only made her more concerned.

She stopped on the edge of the grounds, finding Haldir in the midst of deep conversation with another elf. She hesitated before starting towards them, lifting her chin. She was Aerendyll, ward and advisor to King Thranduil of Mirkwood. She was afraid of nothing.

As she drew near, Haldir looked towards her, almost as though he sensed her arrival. For a moment, she thought she saw a hint of something in his eyes. He then shook his head, looking back to the elf with which he was speaking.

"Thank you. That is all, Braern," he said, dismissing the other elf. Aerendyll looked towards him, wondering if this perhaps was Daella's intended. Braern nodded his head and then turned walking off. "I trust you are well."

"Yes," Aerendyll said, smiling though she could sense a hint of coldness from him.

He motioned for her to follow him, but she did not move at first, frowning at his retreating back.

"Have I offended you, Sir Marchwarden?" she called out. He stopped, then turned to look at her, his face void of expression. Her confidence faltered for a moment as she looked to the ground. She then took a deep breath and looked up at him. "You seem… distant."

Haldir looked away, yet another expression flying across his face that she could not decipher.

"I apologize if I have caused you harm," she continued. He glanced around and then met her eyes, his face softening.

"It is nothing for you to fret about, my lady. You have done no wrong. It is nothing that involves you," he said.

And almost as though nothing had transpired, Haldir was just as he was, offering her a warm smile as he motioned for her to join him. She quickly made her way to his side and the two quickly walked towards a corner of the grounds where no one was currently training. It was odd, but then again, perhaps whatever ailed Haldir's mind truly had nothing to do with her. She had been foolish to think it would.

"Today we shall spar. I should like to see how you are progressing," he said. Aerendyll nodded as she quickly pulled off her bow and quiver, setting them aside on the ground.

She then unsheathed her sword, finding it was beginning to feel lighter in her hands. Remaining still, she watched as Haldir unsheathed his sword. At first he did not move, only tilting his head as he assessed her stance. A flush came across her cheeks, though it was not the first time the marchwarden had evaluated her. She breathed in deeply through her nose, still waiting.

Haldir then launched towards her and Aerendyll quickly pivoted left, raising her sword as he twisted, the clang reverberating through the air. His attack was quick, but strong. However, finally, Aerendyll felt as though she was finally moving faster. That she was becoming stronger. Though they were still moving, her eyes were constantly apprising the situation. Haldir would move towards her and she would spin out of the way. Or she would meet his with her own force, pushing back.

Aerendyll swore she saw a smile of approval on his face as they continued on, which filled her with a warmth she hadn't felt before. It was so swift and so sudden that her footing faltered. She attempted to catch her balance, reaching out but then realized too late there was nothing to grasp onto. Her sword flew out of her hand as she pitched backwards. At the last second, Haldir reached for her, grabbing her hand and attempting to pull her toward him, but instead, she grabbed him with both hands, her momentum pulling him with her.

She landed with a thump, wincing at both the pain now in the back of her head and at the force of Haldir landing on top of her.

At first, she groaned, but then as she opened her eyes, she peered up into Haldir's own and froze.

"My lady," he murmured, his eyes roaming her face, likely looking for wounds. Heat then filled her cheeks as she realized the position they were in. On the training grounds where anyone could see.

Haldir came to the same realization as he quickly pushed up to his feet.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, holding his hand out to her. Aerendyll swallowed, still yet unable to speak as she accepted his hand and allowed him to pull her up.

Once she was standing on her own, she quickly pulled her hand from his and brushed dust from her clothing, wishing to look anyway but at the marchwarden, a flurry of different feelings inside. How could she be so foolish? And here she had been doing so well. She tried not to think about the fact that only moments ago, the marchwarden had been atop her. And that she had not completely detested it.

"I am fine," she said brusquely, continuing to brush off her clothing.

"You appear injured-"

"I am fine," she said, this time more harshly.

She started to look towards him and then stopped, instead turning and dashing back towards her dwelling. She was not sure just why she felt the urge to be away from Haldir, though likely it was the embarrassment she had just made of herself.

"So foolish," she muttered to herself.

"You are many things, Lady Aerendyll, though I do not see foolish as one," a voice called out.

Aerendyll stopped and then turned, seeing Cohnal walking towards her, a friendly smile on his face.

"Does something ail you?" he asked.

"Oh, no, just… had a bit of a mishap in training," she said, fighting to regain control of her features, though she was sure there was still a flush to her cheeks. "I was just returning to my rooms."

"Then allow me to escort you," he said.

While it was possibly the last thing Aerendyll wanted, she obliged and the two started back at a leisurely pace.

"How goes your training?" Cohnal asked politely.

"Well, I should think. Though I do fear I am still hopeless," she said, keeping her eyes forward. She could feel Cohnal studying her closely.

"I am sure under the Marchwarden's watchful eye, you will progress quickly," he replied.

"I should hope," Aerendyll said. "I do not wish to return to Mirkwood with nothing to show for my efforts. The Prince is rather insistent that I learn to protect myself."

"How is the Prince? It has been some time since I have heard from him," Cohnal asked.

"Well," she said shortly, not wishing to confess to him that she had yet to hear from Legolas. "As he usually is."

"It must be difficult… being away from your betrothed," he then said lightly.

Aerendyll nearly came to a stop, she was so surprised, but continued walking. It seemed even in Lorien, rumours had followed her.

"He is my dearest friend," she said, keeping her voice even, though a slightly frown had appeared. How many times would she need to explain this? "Though we are not betrothed, nor do I think we ever will be. I see him as a cherished brother."

"My apologies. I must have misunderstood," Cohnal said, his voice calm.

"Speak nothing of it," Aerendyll said.

"I suppose I had read too deeply into my last letter from King Thranduil," Cohnal then continued easily. "We have been communicating quite regularly."

Yet again, Aerendyll wished to stop in surprise, but drew upon her many years of court to keep her expression schooled and her feet moving. She should have known that the King would still keep a close eye on her even though she was far away. As though he sensed this, Cohnal stopped, turning towards her. She did the same, worried what his next words would be.

"Though you are wise, might I offer some advice, my lady?" Cohnal said, his face void of expression. "While things may be different here in Lorien, do not forget that you are an advisor and lady of Mirkwood. It would be best to watch the company you keep."

Aerendyll could not find any words to reply, but it mattered not. Cohnal inclined his head towards her and then walked away. For a moment, she watched him go before her gaze turned back towards the training field. A strong pressure filled her chest, chasing away what little happiness she had managed to find so far in Lorien.

For while she had always placed duty above all else, for the first time in her life, she had begun to wonder why.

Haldir was not sure just how long he had been standing outside Aerendyll's door, but it had been some time. He was grateful the halls had been empty, though he could hear voices from within. Perhaps he should come back another time. He started to turn and walk away, but stopped, sighing heavily. He looked down at Aerendyll's weapons in his hands and back to the door. He had waited until the end of the day already. Aerendyll needed her weapons back.

He was a grown ellon and marchwarden of Lorien. Surely he could do this one task, though even now he felt his cheeks warm as his memories flashed back to those few moments on the training field with Aerendyll.

Suddenly, he wished he had sent them back to her through Braern, unsure if she would even care to see him.

Such mistakes were not uncommon in training. He had seen more than one of his warriors-in-training get caught up in their feet or distracted mid-fight and fallen. But Aerendyll had been doing quite well until she had met his eyes for a mere moment. He was not sure just what had caught her up, but then she was tumbling over and he had reached out to catch her. Rather than pulling her towards him, he had instead fallen upon her. He had been stunned as he looked down at her. But then as soon as she had met his eyes, he could see her embarrassment clearly. Even now, he could feel his own rising up yet again.

He then looked up at the door, straightening his back. He was a warrior of Lorien and an elf of honor. He owed Aerendyll an apology even though it had been purely accidental. Taking a deep breath, he walked over and knocked upon the door, then took a step back. The voices stopped and he heard footsteps approaching. The door was then pulled open and Daella stood there, her eyes widening.

"Sir Marchwarden," she said softly, quickly bobbing in a nervous bow.

"I wish to return these to Lady Aerendyll," he said, holding out the weapons.

"Daella, who is it?"

Haldir looked past the maid as she turned and his eyes met Aerendyll's as she stepped into view. She froze immediately, her eyes widening as red filled her cheeks. She had changed from her training wardrobe into a dress of deep burgundy, her hair now loose around her shoulders. In an instant, the thought that she was beautiful passed through his mind, but he quickly shook it away. Her eyes flinted down to the weapons in his hands and then back up to his eyes.

Her posture then straightened as her expression smoothed out.

"You may let him in, Daella," she said.

The maid looked back to Haldir and then stepped back, holding the door open so that he could walk in. Taking a deep breath, he walked into her sitting room and came to a stop a few feet from Aerendyll.

"Could you fetch some wine, Daella?" she then asked.

"Of course, my lady. Right away," the maid replied.

Haldir glanced back at her, noticing a small smile on her face as she quickly left them alone. He then turned back to her.

"You left these," he said, holding out the weapons.

Aerendyll gave him a strained smile as she quickly walked over and took them from his hands and then walked them into another room. He glanced around, folding his arms behind his back as he wondered if he should leave. But before he could decide, Aerendyll had returned.

"I apologize for my abrupt departure," she said smoothly, walking back towards him, but stopping a few feet away.

Haldir could sense that her mask was back firmly in place and the thought disheartened him, though he had not helped, keeping distance between them these last few days. Cohnal's words still rang strong through his mind.

"I can understand why… under the circumstances," he said, fixing his grey eyes upon her.

"It would seem I am still in need of much training," Aerendyll said, looking down at her hands.

"You are progressing quite well, I must say," Haldir insisted. "We all falter at times, even myself."

Aerendyll looked up at him, her eyebrows rising in surprise.

"I cannot imagine you faltering," she said.

"I assure you, I have. Many times during my own training," he replied honestly. A hint of a genuine smile flew across her face. "Though I do apologize if I made you uncomfortable."

"Oh, well, it was entirely my fault," Aerendyll said. "As we are both well aware."

Before they could continue, there was a knock at the door. Both turned to see Daella walk in carrying a tray with a bottle of wine and two goblets. She quickly set them on the table. She smiled at Aerendyll again, which caused her to stiffen, then turned and left the room.

"How often have you fallen, then, Sir Marchwarden?" she then asked smoothly as she walked over and poured the wine into one of the goblets.

For whatever reason she did not offer him any, which told him that she clearly did not intend for him to stay long. It was likely for the best. If Cohnal was lurking around, he surely would not hesitate to inform the King of this meeting.

"I believe I have lost count. Especially as it was so long ago," he answered, finding the conversation stiff and unlike their others, which saddened him. "It took me many tries before I could even make it through the course."

Aerendyll paused momentarily, then lifted her goblet to her lips.

"I suppose I should be grateful that you have not put me through it yet," she said after taking a small drink.

"All in due time, my lady. But rest assured, you will be prepared," Haldir said.

The two fell into awkward silence. Haldir could not stop from studying her as she stared off towards the terrace. Her brow was furrowed slightly and for a moment, he felt loneliness clothed around her. He had seen it start to disappear and he worried just what might have brought it back. Was it him? A pain entered his chest at causing her any amount of hurt.

"Have you heard from the Prince?" he asked. Aerendyll looked back at him, her eyes wide. She then shook her head, a sad smile on her face.

"I am sure he is only busy. There are many things the King relies on him for, patrolling our borders being but one," she said, infusing as much cheer into her voice as she could, though Haldir could tell that it was false.

"Perhaps he will have written by the time the next post arrives," Haldir suggested. Aerendyll nodded, though did not meet his eyes. He could still see the melancholy in her eyes and wished for nothing more than to wipe it away.

Haldir started to move towards her as though he could provide some comfort, but then halted. He must temper himself. He could not forget who she was.

"Perhaps," she said, nodding to herself.

"If you wish, we could return to our lesson tomorrow," Haldir offered. Aerendyll looked over at him and then quickly looked away.

"I am afraid I shall be busy with Lord Celeborn and his advisors all the rest of this week," she said solemnly.

"Yes, I see," he said, though he could not help the disappointment that filled him.

Though it was not much and yes, he had attempted to keep her at arms' length since the feast, he looked forward to their time together on the training field. It was the only time he dared spend with her.

"I honestly am not so sure why Legolas insists I continue. Really, I believe today made it quite clear that this is not what I am meant to be doing. I should focus on my studies with the Lord and Lady," she continued with a slight laugh.

"If the Prince found it important," he started, though he stopped, unsure of what to say next. Aerendyll's eyes flashed towards him, but once again, she looked away.

"Legolas can be rather overbearing," she said. "But the most important thing for me to learn is how Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn rule these lands. It is my duty to Mirkwood to understand this. I should think that you, of anyone, should understand how important one's duty is."

Haldir stiffened slightly at her words. Yes, he did understand dedication to one's duty; had spent his life devoted to keeping the borders of Lorien safe. Though for some reason, he found himself feeling slightly conflicted for the first time. Taking a deep breath, he wondered if this was why Aerendyll had invited him in. To remind him of her purpose here and who she was. As though he could forget.

"I do understand," he finally said. "Duty above all else."

Aerendyll finally met his eyes and for a moment, he thought he saw conflict there. But like always with Aerendyll, it was quickly gone and her mask fully in place.

"Yes, quite right…"

I admit, even I'm getting a bit frustrated and I'm writing this, haha. It's definitely two steps forward and one step back with Haldir and Aerendyll. One minute they're flirting on the dance floor and next, Cohnal is swooping in to redirect everything. And yea, I couldn't help myself – I am a sucker for that "falling on each other" trope. But I think it worked here – Aerendyll is still learning the art of combat and all.

Doesn't help that I'm on such a start and stop writing schedule right now with all the overtime I'm still doing with the Olympics. But I somehow managed to finish a new chapter this morning. Should probably go back and read everything from the beginning to get back into the flow as I move forward. Things are about to start picking up rather quickly, though I still feel like the chapters are a bit disjointed…

Anywho, we also finally get to see what's going on with Legolas. There are going to be a few more scenes showing us what's going on back in Mirkwood coming up.

Thanks for reading, following and commenting!