Legolas stood alone on the edge of the settlement. He leaned against a tree, thinking. His head jerked up suddenly as he heard a noise.

"Your senses have dulled," a voice said from behind him. He whirled around, but was knocked on his back. He pulled his attacker down with him, and they rolled along the forest floor. Legolas quickly pinned his attacker and pressed his bow against their throat.

"Of course, your fighting's still as good, if not better, then I remember Leggy."

Legolas sat back, staring at the female elf he had pinned to the ground. "Nib?"

"Long time no see Lassy."

"Don't call me that."

"Leggy-Leggy Lassy." Nib chanted in a sing-song voice. Legolas hid a smile at the sound of her old nickname for him.

"What are you doing sneaking up like that? I have daggers as well as my bow. I could have hurt you." Legolas said, standing up and holding his hand down to help Nib up.

"I know you better than that Lego," Nib said leaping up. "You're not the kind to kill first, ask questions later."

"I said hurt, not kill."

"But you wouldn't even hurt unless I was an enemy."

"You jumped me. Attacked me. I could have thought-"

"You're an elf. You have better senses than that," Nib cut him off. Legolas stood thinking of something to say as Nib watched. After a minute she said, "Time's up. I win."

"As always," Legolas sighed, grinning. "I still can't beat you."

"It's like trying to beat a bird at flying; it can't be done."

"Don't have too big a head do you?"

"Only when it comes to my game. About everything else I'm appropriately modest.

Legolas laughed. "I actually believe that."

"That's because you know me and you know it's true and you know I don't lie."

Legolas smiled again. "That's true. But what are you doing here? It's been a couple hundred years, hasn't it?"

"Nearly four, but who's counting?"

"You, apparently. How'd you know I was here?"

"I have ways. Besides, I needed to talk to you before you left. And since you were here instead of…"

"Even if I was home you could have-"

"No! Don't even suggest that," Nib said, completely serious for the first time. "I won't step foot inside Mirkwood as long as…" she stopped suddenly, looking away from Legolas.

"As long as my father is king?" Legolas finished.

Nib nodded slightly, and looked at the ground. "You know why. And I thought you understood."

"I do know and I do understand. But you said you needed to talk to me. What if I was home? What would be more important to you? Avoiding my father or seeing me?"

"You know the answer to that. Besides, I'm not the one who-"

"Legolas, the council…." The elf who suddenly appeared stopped when he saw Nib. "What are you doing here?" he accused.

"Kidnapping the Prince of Mirkwood, Elrond," Nib snapped, her voice dripping sarcasm.  "We're just talking."

"It's fine, Elrond. She just came to talk to me."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to sound the way it obviously did. You know I don't hold anything against you."

Nib sighed. "I'm sorry too. That was uncalled for. You've always been… understanding. At least more than Thranduil," she added under her breath.

Elrond, however, heard. "King Thranduil can be… stubborn. I'm sure Legolas can tell you that."

"I don't need Legolas to tell me. I know from experience."

"Of course," Elrond said quickly. "Anyway, you're welcome to stay here as long as you wish."

"Thank you."

"At the moment, I need to take Legolas. The council is waiting."

Legolas nodded. "I'll be back soon. Then we can talk."

"I'll be here."

"You're not coming back to the city?" Legolas asked.

"I don't think so. Maybe later."

"My elves won't bother you," Elrond said.

"I appreciate that, but I prefer to be alone anyway."

"Fine. If we're late be sure to be in the city by dark," Elrond said.

"Of course."

"I'm glad you're here. It's good to see you." Legolas bent slightly and kissed Nib lightly on the cheek before retreating with Elrond.