A/N: Hola, readers!

I apologize for taking so long with these updates. While I do enjoy writing, I am not always in the mood to do so, hence the reason why it takes me so stinking long to post.

Legolas

"What are you reading?"

I glance up at my unexpected, yet welcoming, intruder. "Nothing that would interest you in the slightest."

With a shrug, Aderyn enters the study while Istonion, her escort, waits patiently near the doorway. She lowers herself down onto the chair in front of my desk, and I couldn't help but admire the plain tunic and leggings she'd chosen to wear in preference of the gowns I had entrusted Belwen to provide her with. "Is there something you need?"

"Figured I visit you," Aderyn crosses one leg over the other. "Shoot the breeze."

"Shoot the breeze?"

"It's a figure of speech," she explains. "For casual conversation."

"I am busy."

"With what?"

"Business."

"What sort of business?"

"One that would bore you to tears." I return my attention back to my work.

"Try me."

I massage my temples, careful to keep my voice patient. "I really can't talk right now, Aderyn. Why aren't you occupying your time with more... stimulating activities?"

While I enjoyed whatever company she would allow me, Aderyn was well-known for spending most of her days practicing archery at the training grounds or exploring my father's halls. And reading. By the Valar, did she love to read...

"Is my interest in your sedentary routine bothering you?"

"My life is anything but sedentary."

"You didn't answer my question."

"And you didn't answer mine."

She sighs. "I appreciate everything you have done for me these past several weeks; truly, I do, but..." She glances over her shoulder at her impassive escort. "Is it really necessary that I be put under such... scrutiny?"

"Does it make you uncomfortable?"

"You don't trust me." It wasn't a question.

"I've given you freedom to explore whatever parts of these halls you desire. What more do you want?"

She gives me a leveled stare. "You know what I want."

Indeed I did. However... "It is not possible right now."

"Will it ever be?" she challenges. "I don't know what else to tell you or your father."

In the weeks that followed since her reluctant arrival, my father and I have had done our bests to attain whatever useful Aderyn was willing to tell us about herself and her people. Aside from being raised on a farm by her uncle and serving as a soldier, her insights on the Haradrim legions were inconclusive. In spite of our best efforts, Aderyn did not crack under our interrogation, having insisted that she was just as much in the dark as we were when it came to our enemies.

Unlike King Thranduil, however, I was inclined to believe her.

"I did promise you that this would not be forever," I remind her. "And I intend to keep my word."

She gives me a skeptical look. "But your father..."

"My father trusts my judgement." I cross my arms against my chest, grateful for the use of both appendages once again. Aderyn had insisted she be the one to observe my recovery, much to everyone's, including my own, astonishment, even going so far as to clean and re-stitch my wounds. Her meticulousness and professionalism as a healer were so impressive, I was almost inclined to offer her a job within the infirmary. And why shouldn't I? It would most certainly keep her busy.

"Legolas?"

I blink.

"I was wondering if your father would grant me permission to visit Lake-town." She tilts her head. "Did you just... space out on me?"

I raise a brow in question.

"It's an expression," she explains. "You know, when a person gets lost into their own thoughts while somebody is talking to them?"

I stare at her for a long moment. "I'll see what I can arrange, but no promises."

~xXx~

Even after so many years, the nightmares still continued to plague me.

With a frustrated sigh, I toss the bedsheets off of my bare, slick chest and pull on a pale yet simple tunic. Sleep would not come to me again this night, of that much I was certain.

Upon entering soft, moonlight glow of the Chamber of Gardens, a vast cavern full of breathtaking flowers, plants, and shrubbery, I find Istonion lingering among the colorful vegetation. "My lord." He bows, his expression sheepish.

"What are you doing here?" I demand, as he was suppose to be guarding Aderyn.

"He followed me here," a gentle voice speaks from behind. "Like the good dog that he is."

Istonion rolls his eyes.

I whirl around, my eyes widening at the sight of Aderyn sitting cross-legged on a stone bench in nothing but her nightgown and robe, her midnight curls curtaining her face and shoulders like a beautiful waterfall. Had she always been this breathtaking to look at?

I swallow. "You should be in bed," I tell her.

"Couldn't sleep." She narrows her eyes. "Are you alright? You look a bit flushed."

I wave away her concern as I approached her. While I'd originally sought the garden for some privacy, a part of me couldn't help but be pleased to see her here. "What are you reading?" I wonder, noticing the book that was opened between her lap.

"Just some poem about an elven maiden who gave her heart to a mortal man."

"Beren and Luthien," I nod appreciatively.

"You are familiar with their story?"

"It was a favorite of my mother's."

"Where is your mother, anyway?" Aderyn says. "She lives here, right? I know it's not uncommon for royal spouses to live separately from each other, but I wouldn't want to assume."

"She is dead."

Aderyn tenses, and I lower myself down onto the bench next to her. "She was taken captive by Orcs when I was a small," I clarify.

"I'm...," Aderyn swallows. "I'm so sorry."

I wave off her sentiment, not wanting to dwell on such agonizing thoughts any longer than I had to. "Tell me about your mother." Aderyn had mentioned being raised by her uncle, but never went into details about the two pivotal beings who, in essence, created her.

"She's not around anymore either."

I narrow my eyes. "Is she...?"

Aderyn nod.

"And your father?"

"He died right along with her."

I look away, unable to imagine the kind of pain she must've endured after losing both her father and mother. "How did it happen?"

"Accident," she says. "Just a stupid accident."

"Do you miss them?" I wince. Of all the mindless questions to ask...

Much to my surprise, Aderyn chuckles. "Now and again," she says

"What do you mean?" I ask, stunned by her words.

"They weren't exactly nurturing," she explains. "And they fought... constantly."

I frown. While my father and mother had adored each other, they were not without their quarrels. And what did Aderyn mean by that comment? In what ways were they neglectful? I had so many questions...

My reluctant guest glances up at me then, and smiles. "Go ahead and ask. I don't mind."

"It's none of my business."

"I did love my parents, Legolas. I still do. It's just...," with a shake of her head, she closes her book with a loud snap. "They could've done better. A lot better."

"I respectfully disagree." She raises a quizzical brow. "Without them, you wouldn't have existed, and our paths would not have crossed."

She blushes, whether from my words or expression, I did not know. Regardless, I could no longer deny my growing fondness for the young woman. Aderyn made me feel things that went a tad shy beyond platonic, which both frightened and disheartened me. How could I possibly desire someone whose heart belonged to another?

We stare at one another in silence for a moment too long, and Aderyn arises to her feet. "It's late," she says quietly.

I stand to my full height as well.

It would never have worked out between us. Aderyn was mortal, whereas I would fail to age. To think that I even considered such a bond between us. How foolish.

I clench my fists tightly.

How utterly, insanely foolish.

As if sensing my distress, Aderyn shuffles from foot to foot. "I bid you goodnight, then."

She turns to leave, Istonion right on her heels, and my heart sank at her departing figure. "Aderyn," I suddenly blurt.

She pauses, turning to face me once again.

I take a steadying breath. "You are more than welcomed to lend your assistance within the infirmary," I tell her. "Just so you know."

"Are you sure?" Her expression morphs into one of uncertainty. "I wouldn't want to impose..."

"Nonsense." I stand before her. "I'm sure the healers wouldn't mind your company and help. If they do, please feel free to report them to me. A good tongue thrashing by their beloved prince will set them straight."

She chuckles, making me grin. "I'll consider it."

Without warning, Aderyn reaches up and presses a kiss against my cheek. "You're a good friend, Legolas," she murmurs into my ear.

With a small smile, she turns away, and Istonion follows his charge out of the chamber.

I touch the spot where Aderyn's lips had lingered only seconds before, my gaze never once tearing away from her retreating form.

~xXx~

Love it or hate it, don't forget to tell me how you feel. Until next time!