The wooden door let out a painful creak as it was moved from its resting place, flooding the room with sunlight.

Legolas struggled to sit up, wanting to see his visitor. "Who is it?" he called, collapsing back onto his bed.

Elsa took a few steps forward. Hesitantly, she approached Legolas' side. "It's me. I heard you were awake."

Legolas reached out for Elsa's hand.

"How do you feel?"

"I'm getting stronger. I'm just a bit stiff. Perhaps I will go for a walk later today. I would like for you to accompany me."

Elsa said nothing. She only looked deep into Legolas' eyes. She felt terrible about his condition and could not bear to see him weak in his bed. She didn't want to see Legolas while his strength was still lacking. But she did not know how to explain her feelings to Legolas without making a mess of things. She nodded simply and forced a tiny smile across her lips.

Legolas smiled back, pleased to her agreement. He gently squeezed her hand. "So, what do you think of Mirkwood?"

"It's lovely."

"I wish I were able to show you around," Legolas said wistfully. "I assume you've met my family?"

"Your sister, Tathren, is all I've met. Your…your mother is ill, last I heard."

Legolas' brow knit together in concern. "Ill? From what?"

Elsa paused, afraid she had said too much already. How could she tell him about his father? "Your mother wouldn't want you to worry. Just focus on recovering."

Legolas, though unconvinced, forced himself to relax. Noticing her discomfort, Legolas began to chat away about his home. After many stories, Legolas noticed Elsa's droopy eyes. With a smile of amusement, he advised her to take a long nap.

Elsa reluctantly agreed. They shared a short but deep kiss and then Elsa was on her way.

Legolas pushed himself up to a sitting position. After a moment's thought, he flung the light coverings from his lap and slowly slid off the bed. It took a minute for him to find his balance, but once Legolas was sure his legs would hold him he whirled his shirt around and over his shoulders and set off.

Something was wrong. Something had happened. He knew it. Maybe it was his sister…

Legolas cleared all thoughts from his head as he searched for someone who could inform him of what was going on.

Everyone he passed stopped and stared as if they should report him for being out.

At last, Legolas spotted Arwen, looking lonely and sad. She was leaning against the trunk of a tree. The blossoms on the branches made her skin look fair.

Arwen's surprise showed on her face as she saw the young prince walk up to her and lean against the tree as well.

"You shouldn't be up," were the first words out of her mouth.

Legolas brushed aside the comment and locked eyes with his child-hood friend. "What's wrong?"

Arwen shifted uncomfortably in his gaze. "Nothing."

Legolas' patience had been worn thin and he grew impatient with the lack of cooperation. "Why does everyone deny me this knowledge? Do you think I will die from it? Nay, for you torture me much more so in keeping these secrets which I know involve me. Stop playing these games, Evenstar. They are not becoming of you."

Arwen tried to remain strong and keep her voice from shaking. "I do not mean to play games and neither does anyone else. We are only concerned for you."

"But-"

Arwen held up her hand. "If you wish me to continue, then you must remain silent. I am very sorry to have to tell you this and in this way but so it is. Your father died in war and-" Arwen stopped short as she saw the news sink into Legolas. "-and I grieve for the loss of life," the Evenstar finished quietly, unable to tell him more. She could not bring herself to see his reaction and did not even look up when he left her.

Arwen's heart broke within her. She should have told him about hi smother. But how could she after giving him the news about his father? She had to find Tathren. She hated to seem so callous to the grieving princess' feelings, but she was in no way able to tell Legolas about his mother.