A/N I think I'm going to make many people unhappy with the results from this story. I've even been mortally threatened.
During the following week after Arden's wound in battle, Legolas kept his word and visited her every night. Unfortunately, by the time he arrived she was always asleep. He spent the duration of his stay back in Gondor talking to Gilraen who hardly seemed to sleep at all since she was given the care of her sister. But she informed him that Arden was getting better rather quickly. And the worst of it was over.
The Harad did not make any more attacks on South Gondor and after a week of camping out, most of the army including Legolas made their way back into the walls of Gondor. He left a small amount of men behind with Eldarion to assist those of Southern Gondor. When Legolas arrived back to the gates it was still daylight.
Legolas was greeted first by Elfwine, whom Aragorn had made stay behind. The King did not want Eomer's only son to die under his care.
"Legolas," he said. "What news do you bring?"
"All is quiet for now," he responded. Legolas did not stop walking but made a straight path towards the Houses of Healing.
"You are headed for the Houses of Healing are you not?" Elfwine asked.
"Yes."
"I will go with you. It is almost lunch time and I am meeting Elise there."
"Yes, it seems the royal family never leaves the place."
They walked in silence for a bit and then Legolas ventured to pry.
"Are you in love with the King's youngest daughter?"
Elfwine did not respond right away. He merely tried to hide a small smile playing on his lips.
"You do not have to respond, my friend. It is painfully obvious to everyone. Save perhaps the royal family themselves."
"Well, I will admit it then," he said, "if you will admit to me if you go to the Houses to see Arden, or Gilraen?"
Legolas stopped his pace then and turned to Elfwine slightly confused.
"What do you mean. I go to see Arden, she is ill."
"Yes, but you spend all your time with Gilraen."
"I never knew you were a gossip."
"But I could say the same of you."
They stood there staring at each other in a deadlock silence. Finally Legolas, curious of Elfwine's question spoke again.
"Are you implying that I am in love with one of Aragorn's daughters?"
"I would say that you are, though I'm not sure with which one. So long as it isn't Elise," he said. "You just seem different lately is all. And the messengers that you send back from the front line say that you are going mad. They say you stare blankly into the distance and then as easily frown as you break into a laugh."
Legolas resumed walking and thought on Elfwine's words.
"I only speak to Gilraen because Arden is asleep by the time I can ride back."
"So then it is Arden that you love?"
"You are jumping to conclusions. Of course I love Arden. I also love Gilraen, Elise, Arwen, and Aragorn. They are my dear friends."
"As you wish," Elfwine said.
Right then they reached the Houses of Healing and went inside together.
They walked down to Arden's room. Outside the door stood Elise. She smiled when she saw them approach.
"Elfwine, Legolas," she began "so good to see you. I take it by your daytime appearance, Legolas, that all has gone well in south Gondor?"
"Indeed it has my lady. Is Arden awake? I should be glad to finally speak with her."
"Yes. Wait one moment and I will announce you."
Elise slipped inside. Arden was sitting up in the bed and Gilraen was putting a new bandage on her wound. Arwen sat in a chair by the bed.
"Arden," Elise said. "Legolas is here to see you. Put your robe back on so he can come in."
"No. Do not let him in. I asked you all not to let anyone in who was not family," she said.
"But Legolas is like family," argued Elise.
"I do not want anyone, especially not a soldier, to see me this way. It is hard enough to make them see me as an equal. I do not need the soldiers of Gondor to see me this weak."
"Arden," her mother said, "you are being rude. He is your friend and is concerned for your health. How would you feel if he was wounded and refused to see you?"
"You will upset him," Gilraen broke in. "He has ridden back every night this week to see you."
"I asked that no one see me. And all of you let Legolas in and who knows who else at night when I was asleep. Why did you go against my wishes?"
"Fine," Elise said. "I will make your excuses, but only this one time. If he returns then it is your problem."
"I will go with you," Gilraen said. "Just give me one second."
She finished bandaging Arden and together, they walked out where Legolas and Elfwine were waiting.
"Greetings Gilraen. How does Arden fair today?" Legolas asked.
"She is much better. She even walked around the room once with only a little help from me."
"May I see her then?"
"I am afraid not. She was very tired from the walking and is taking a little nap."
Legolas sensed they were not being completely honest. He hid the hurt he felt behind a blank expression.
"Legolas," Elise said. "Elfwine and I were going to go have lunch would you like to join us?"
Legolas snapped out of his thoughts at the sound of her voice.
"Sounds good," he said. "Will you join us, Gilraen?"
"Sounds good to me too."