AN: So I just want to get it out there that I am not exactly sure how to write this chapter and am finding it pretty difficult. Apologies in advance. :/

Legolas POV

I lost count of the hours I sat at her bedside waiting for her to wake up. In the course of my long life, I have never referred to myself as a very "impatient elf" but watching her lay there peacefully and unmoving was the hardest thing I have ever been forced to endure. I wanted her to wake up so badly. The flicker of an eyelash or the smallest jerk in her elbow, a slight nod in her head, a small smile. I really missed her smile. The way her whole face would light up, it gave the impression that her smile reached all the way to her eyes. Yes, when she smiled her beautiful green eyes would sparkle and when you would look into them you could see her soul of fire burning within her, lighting her up. I even smiled at the thought of her beaming at me. Wow, I thought to myself. I am such a hopeless romantic. And despite the situation and the seriousness, I laughed. Not like a heave over, dying of laughter. But a laugh-filled with genuine humor and contentment. I am not sure exactly why I was laughing but it felt good that something besides misery had filled up my emotions. I knew it was ridiculous to laugh about something so ridiculously hopeless but for some reason, I believe that Tauriel was going to be okay. No, I knew that Tauriel was going to be okay because I had to believe that she saw me. And as crazy as this sounds I think that if she saw me, a familiar face of a friend she might stand a chance in feeling less lonely in this world. That was just a chance I had to take.

A few days later

I was still there. Waiting for her endlessly. The healers said it could take weeks but I knew I wanted to be with her when she woke up, especially since they had kept me out the first three days of her 'resting and recovering time'. Not until the fifth day did Thranduil send for me. As much as I hated it he was my king and could command me any time of the day at his convenience.

"Alert me the second she wakes up," I said firmly to the nearest healer. I put my hand on the door handle and added: "Alert me before anyone else. And no, I am not family but I am really all she has." I said to no healer in particular and set out down the hallway. As I approached the throne room an unfamiliar feeling of anxiety came over me. I shrugged the feeling off and walked in the room prepared to face my father and whatever may become of this meeting.

"Legolas," Thranduil said as I entered. "Welcome home my son." He said warmly showing half a smile.

"I am glad to be back father," I said politely watching him for any sign or trace of guilt. He showed none.

"I am glad to hear that my son. But, as concerned as I am with your well being, I am here to discuss Tauriel and the recent events concerning the young silvan elleth." He said his tone unwavering still conveying no emotion.

"What of her?" I asked wondering how he could possibly turn this to make her look like she had done something wrong.

"I am not angry if that's what you are implying." I released a breath. "I am concerned about the matters concerning her health and duties."

"You want me to take her captain duties?" I asked confused. Surely there were lots of other elves that would love that position; why choose me? As if noticing my confusion he went on.

"You are the best fighter in Mirkwood and you have a familiar face. Her position must be temporarily filled and you are probably the only elf she would trust to maintain the position with the intent of giving it back." I knew that this was true. Tauriel did not have very many friends or very many people who respected her position. I always thought that it had been out of jealousy that an elleth had 'stolen their position'. She did not steal anything and had not won the position out of my father's and I's favour but out of pure determination and skill that she continued to present at every training, spar, and battle. Though I did not have much interest in staying in Mirkwood for very long, neither training guards but my loyalty to Tauriel trumped my curiosity of visiting the borders that lay outside our forest.

"I will do it." He smiled. "But only until Tauriel's health has returned. Then I will continue venturing beyond our borders for this is no longer where I find peace to reside." He frowned at the last bit but let it go safe in the knowledge that I would probably be staying much longer than I had originally intended.

I walked out of the throne room and made my way to my chambers. I opened the door and walked over to my bed where Tauriel still remained. The healers had told me earlier that day that Tauriel was indeed strong enough to be transported to her own room to rest but I had shot them down knowing that my room was more easily accessible for the healers and if Tauriel had ever needed anything she would be closer to the healers (and truthfully myself). I took off my sword and laid it on an oak table examining the intricate carvings and symbols engraved into the elegant metal. I quickly changed out of my clothes from the day and washed off the remaining grime and dirt that I had managed to gather from the day. I changed into my comfortable night clothes and made myself comfortable on the ground wondering what troubles the next day would bring.

The Next morning I awoke early anticipating the arduous hours I would spend training new guards. I despised training the new guards. They were futile in battle and useless every other hour of the day. The older guards perhaps were arrogant but they provided some insight and understood the rhythm of battle and training. Tauriel, on the other hand, liked training the newer guards and hated the older ones. I understood her reasoning but I feel after having the same argument over and over again I will never see her side as clearly as I see my own.

Flashback:

"Noooo." I groaned.

"What is it, my friend?" Tauriel asked concern filling her voice.

"We are due to train the new guards today," I replied scornfully.

"Why do you despise the young guards so?" she asked me. "They are kind and unlike the arrogant beasts of our army, they treat their elders with respect." She said,e disgust lighting up her face.

"They all respect you," Legolas replies untruthfully, hiding back laughter.

"Legolas you know as well as I that the only reason they do not disrespect me openly is because they are frightened of you." She answered, casting an annoyed look at me. It was true they were afraid of me but it was more fun to act as though I remained uninvolved in the matter.

"Why ever would they be afraid of me?" I asked innocently trying to refrain from laughing. She looked as though she would start laughing too but remained serious enough to scold me for smiling.

"Play dumb all you want but you remember as well as I that you almost put a permanent hole in Gael's forehead when he said that the training grounds was 'no place for an elleth.'' She said recalling the memory with as much clarity as she could muster. "And," she continued. "Threatened to put an arrow in anyone else who even thought anything similar." She stated annoyance heating up her fair face.

"I do not recall using those words," I said smiling. She started but I cut her off ( the look on her face was so priceless) , "Even if I did send a similar message," Gulp. "Then you will be perfectly safe from disrespect because they will always be scared I will be behind their backs ready to jump at their throats," I said unable to refrain from releasing a small chuckle. She elbowed me hard and her face glowed with frustration and embarrassment.

"You are missing the point Legolas. I wish to make a greater name for myself than simply 'the friend of the almighty Prince of Mirkwood."

"Don't call me that," he said sharply.

"Fine, then I wish to prove that I am more than just another elleth that embroiders and makes tunics for my husband who' I hope will come home soon.'" She said with a false imitation of a noble elleth. I thought that she would be fine at that: being a simple elleth who spent her free time sewing not training In fact I think she would be great at whatever she decided to put her mind to. The idea of a restless Tauriel sitting on some other elf's mantle sewing them a tunic was mirthful but I knew Tauriel could never settle for just doing that, not when she has seen all the other things this world has to offer.

"Tauriel I believe that you will do that regardless of what kind of respect you get from one group of guards," I said truthfully

"Fine." She huffed. " I will tolerate the guards once you admit that the reason you dislike the younger guards is because they like me better." She said mockingly, A smile lighting upon her face.

"Never in your deranged dreams," I replied matching her mocking tone.

"Fine," she said stubbornly.

"Fine." I agreed, smiling. "But let us face the horrors of the small, adolescent, immature, young guards together," I said extending a hand.

"So we shall." She said smiling and taking my hand.

AN: so sorry that was confusing and honestly not very well written. It was impromptu and strange but I thought it added a little bit of fluff from when Legolas and Tauriel were younger because my story is lacking any sort of romantic theme or mood.