Disclaimer: Not Mine.

A/N: These last chapters have been kinda on the eh, side. Many apologies, I promise it'll get better. As always, Thank you to to everyone for the wonderful reviews. You make me want to write, though you grace me with compliments far better than I deserve. Enjoy!

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Two of a Kind

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So much had changed. Changed almost beyond recognition. When did this occur? It was not so long ago that the halls of Imladris were filled with elves, and she herself content to be within its borders. And yet, it was so. The ways of old were no longer, and Imladris' wonder was no more. Instead was left a barren, stark cold reminder of the splendor of a time forgotten.

Had she forgotten what it meant to be elf-kind?

Arwen walked amongst the cluttered pathways and silent halls, remembering little things of her past. Of the grand hall filled with the warmth of her people during the celebrations hosted by her father. Of arguments and reconciles between her and her brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. Of the beautiful and regal presence of her mother that brought a lightness to her heart.

She had forgotten.

In the world of men she had lost all contact with her own people. With her own heritage. With herself.

Dismayed and dishearten, Arwen found herself standing just outside two very lavish doors. Her father's chamber. Afraid to enter yet afraid not to, she forced herself to cross the threshold.

It was dark and musty, having not seen the sunlight in ages. Lost were the essence of her father, Elrond Halfelven, for they were replaced by the scent of dark and dead things. Finding her way through the shadows, Arwen threw back the thick curtains and allowed the much missed sun to once again bathe the room with its light.

Everything was covered in layers of suit. The elvish blankets that had once been bright and lively were now dull and gray as they lay untouched on the bed. Before her very eyes Arwen was once again only a mere elf-ling as she ran into her parents room and jumped on their bed, waking the two sleeping elves. Arwen's heart grew heavy then, she did not realize the full extent in which she missed her family.

She ventured to her father's closet and found remnants of clothing, left behind for the Elves brought little with them over the sea and that which they brought was brought through necessity. She touched the soft fabrics, left surprising well maintained despite the years of neglect. Among those she found her favorite garment belonging to Lord Elrond. She carefully handled the robe with delicate hands, almost afraid that if she was too harsh it would crumble before her. Her fingers traced its intricate pattern and when she smelled it, it still held the scent of her father.

She remembered one of her last meetings with him.

"Arwen... there is nothing for you here, only death." Elrond's voice was determined as he spoke.

Then he moved to comfort his daughter from the harsh reality he had brought to her, "Aim, ú-'erin veleth lîn?"

"Gerich meleth nîn, ada."

"Ada..." Arwen involuntary cried out, tears already streaming down her face. Then the Queen of Elves and Men crumbled to the floor, consumed by her grief, and cried while holding a garment belonging to her father.

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Arwen ventured out into the gardens underneath a star less sky. She heard the soft humming of Legolas' voice and she sought him out amongst the overgrown greens of the garden.

He heard her soft footsteps behind him yet continued his quiet humming. He was admiring the steady streams and waterfalls of Rivendell. Standing in his favorite view point selected when he was still a child.

Arwen walked unseeingly, as if she were only guided by his voice. He saw that her usually vibrant violet eyes were now dark and hidden behind redness that only came from crying. He saw on her face the many streaks made by her tears from under puffy eyes. Eyes which were glossed over and unfocused. And he noticed that she was clutching a piece of clothing in her pale hands. As she got closer he recognized the fabric of that of his younger years and knew to whom it belonged. He could only guess what she had been doing. She came to rest on the soft grass, staring off into nothingness and he wondered if she even knew he was there.

Legolas had vowed to himself that he should stay far from her ... for her presence too painful to bear. His heart could not take it...being so close to her and yet so far away. But it was worse when he was separated from her. He couldn't help but return to Rivendell or Lothlorien every year in hope that she too would return. Or going to Gondor just to catch a glimpse of her...only to disappear the next day. He was pathetic and he knew it but she had such a hold over him that he knew not how to break free.

Yet he was moved by her once again even when he tried to remain indifferent. As he gazed upon the Lady of Imladris at her worst, he felt his resolve diminish.

She was still beautiful. Still the noblest and fairest that now walked the earth. Despite the years, she had aged very little. Still having skin of the purest ivory, the dark hair of her youth and those enchanting violet eyes. She was indeed a sight to be seen. Even now, in her miserable state she was breathtaking.

And the sight of her was heartbreaking. Finally, Legolas stopped his song and waited.

"Nae saian luume," Her voice was raspy. "I have been away for far too long. You were right. I am ashamed of what I have become. I am a disgrace. What would my father think of me?"

Legolas looked down at her, she was twisting and untwisting the garment in her hands. He sighed. He did not mean to bring on such misery. He sat down next to her.

"He would think that you are brave and wise. He would see your strength and courage. And he would be proud that he should have a daughter worthy of the title as the Queen of Elves and Men. That even now the light of the Evenstar shines..."

"Elves...what elves? There are none that dwell here save you and me. And you are wrong...the light of the Evenstar has diminished into nothing more than a mere glimmer."

"Please do not be troubled. I was wrong in my accusations, I acted out of anger and frustration."

"You spoke the truth. For it was I that abandoned all of this and now I should be alone to grieve at the loss." She now griped the cloth so tightly that her knuckles were white. "I turned from both the shadow and the twilight..."

He gently took her hands and it seemed to break her from her trance. She finally met his stare, fresh tears were upon her eyes. "and you ... my beloved friend."

"Legolas, how have I left you? Why have you not yet sailed over the sea?"

"Though I do not belong here in these times, I belong wherever you are. And that is reason enough for me to stay in this world."

"But I have treated you like an outcast! All these years...neglected. I do not blame you for being angry with me. And I would not blame you if you sailed tomorrow."

"True, it was painful to see you so involved in the world of men that you had no time for your own people. But that does not mean I do not care for you. And it would grieve me beyond all things in this world if I were to ever be without your friendship."

"How can you forgive me so easily?" she whispered, unbelieving.

"Because I dare not turn my back on the last of my kin, my Queen, and my friend. If you do not know how much I care for you, then you know nothing at all. This..." He took her hands and placed them over his heart, "this is real."

Then he laid his forehead against hers. "We still have time left to our story, and we shall find out the end together."

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Aim, ú-'erin veleth lîn: Do I not also have your love?

Gerich meleth nîn, ada: You have my love, father.

Nae saian luume: It has been too long.

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