A/N: stuff in ~s is Elvish. xample: ~Where are you going?~

LEGOLAS

We set out from Dadroc, heading for Gondolin, which Radona claimed was a two-day voyage. I did not know- I had never traveled that route before, but we trusted her.

She was leading us when it began to get dark. "Radona," Naligor said. "Perhaps a good night's rest is in order?"

"Of course not," she replied. "We must get there as soon as possible."

"We will rest for the night," Arwen replied firmly.

"No, we-"

"Need I remind you that Arwen is the daughter of Lord Elrond," Aragorn cut in. "Any faithful-"

"Alright, then," Radona said. "We will make camp."

I stared into her eyes, lost in my thoughts. I had never seen anyone as beautiful as she looked then. She had dark brown hair to match her dark eyes. Her skin was pale and soft, which was what I admired the most. It looked soft as rose petals on a lovely spring morning. How I longed to wrap her in my arms! The only slightly imperfect thing about her was the way her eyes displayed her anger and frustration.

I blinked and broke my trance. I noticed the others lying down on the grass to sleep and began to do the same, but I knew that I would receive no sleep that night.

I was right. Halfway into the night I was frustrated at trying, so I stood and left. I was careful to stay close enough to still be able to see them, but far enough away to feel alone. I gazed up at the stars when I heard Arwen clear her throat and turned.

~Why have you left us?~ she asked gently.

~I felt as if I wanted to be alone.~ There was a bit of silence, until I finally broke it. ~I love the night,~ I said. ~Everything is peaceful and quiet. Everyone is finally asleep, and my thoughts can stray. It's a strange feeling… I'm alone, but I'm not lonely.~

~You are wrong there, my friend. You are not alone. You have the moon and the stars.~

~Perhaps.~

There was a little more silence, and then she said, ~Why did you feel the need to leave us?~

I paused. Finally, I said, ~I have much on my mind.~

~Radona?~

I jerked my head towards her. ~How did you know?~

Arwen smiled. ~Legolas, I've known you since before I can remember. Longer than Aragorn, in fact. And besides, I've been through what you are going through. I've been in love for the first time. I would find myself staring at him for no real reason, other than I loved the way he moved, spoke, looked. I would lay awake in bed, sleepless for no reason other than the deep desire to look into his eyes. It took me many of those nights to sort it all out. I felt confused at first. Even scared. But it has all worked out for good.~

~What must I do?~

She laughed. ~Later… perhaps when you know her better, you must tell her. Speak from your heart. But for now, you must sleep and regain your strength.~

I smiled. ~Thank you.~

~You're welcome. Now come, we'll barely get much sleep as it is.~

A/N: it's not true in the books, I just made that whole childhood friends thing up. But in my story, they've known each other since they were really really little.