Sorry, so so sorry this took so long, I was busy with doctors and family issues. I'll try to update more regularly, I promise. Thank you all for the reviews, that's what keeps me going lol. Although I'm sure as some of your have pointed out, I haven't been going at all lately lol, and once again a thousand apologies but if it's any consolation this is THE chapter

It was with a weary countenance and a groggy mind that Legolas' awoke. As the room slowly came into focus he realized that he was no longer alone. Gimli lay asleep in one of the other two beds against the far wall but Aragorn was indeed awake and sitting only a few feet from the end of the elf's bed.

" You lied." The statement was said with the utmost calm yet Legolas was taken aback by his friend's words.

" I know not of what you speak." He protested in a quiet voice, slowly easing himself up. The task was trying but he managed without any sign of the discomfort it caused. Aragorn waited throughout the entire process and only spoke once Legolas' was settled back against the pillows.

" You claimed that you were well…" The man's voice trailed off and for a mere second the exhaustion he felt showed through the stern, regal exterior. Legolas felt a wave of pity.

" I did not want to worry you." He said softly, realizing with a start that the throbbing in his leg had returned with a vengeance. Aragorn noticed the small hesitation and raised his eyebrow.

" And what ails you now?" He asked, concern once more rising in his gray eyes. Legolas laughed.

" Merely a pull of the muscle…'tis nothing. You should rest, you look as though you will collapse, I know it has been several days since you've rested. No being, mortal or not can stand it." Aragorn was about to object but Legolas did not allow him to finish. " Do not be a hypocrite, go to sleep, I have been tended to and all is well." Aragorn sighed and slowly pushed himself onto his feet, a soft groan escaping his lips.

" Ai, I would not want to be that would I mellon'nin?" Giving Legolas a small smile he crossed the room, his footfalls unusually heavy, to the one bed remaining unoccupied.

After several minutes he had undressed down to his leggings and a light tunic. " Goodnight." He said over his shoulder before crawling beneath the covers and closing his eyes.

* * * *

Aragorn was dead sleep. Of that Legolas was sure and he knew that nothing could rouse Gimli, not even a marching battalion of orcs. Using his elven abilities to an advantage he crept out of bed, though the pain in his side and leg were now more distinct. Eowyn's herbs must be wearing off he thought tiredly. With another backward glance he disappeared out into the hallway.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

" You must get to bed, sister." Eomer said, the protectiveness of an older brother creeping into his voice. Eowyn smiled softly but shook her head, hands straying once more to the soiled bandages she had been washing. " You've been awake for nearly two days time, I worry for you." She nodded but said nothing.

There was no answer from the woman, not so much as a nod, and with a chuckle he settled himself back against the counter, arms folded across his broad chest. Amused he watched the distant unguarded look his sister's eyes held." Are you thinking of him once more? Of our new ally and valiant warrior?"

" Nay, and it surprises even me." She said softly. Eomer's expression turned from one of amusement to curiosity.

" And who may this new man be?"

" I would tell you not." She answered twisting the water from several of the linens. Eomer let out a breath of frustration.

" And I would like to know the name of the man who has now captured my sister's heart so that I may skewer him with my spear." Eowyn rolled her eyes in Eomer's direction.

" He has not captured my heart brother dear, he is merely a curiosity to me…I would like to know more of him."

" Perhaps he has not captured your heart as of yet but I seem to sense that he is more than a mere curiosity to you."

" I will have you know that-" But Eowyn has paused. Eomer was no longer looking at her, he seemed to be more interested in looking past her and tiredly she followed his gaze.

Legolas stood in the doorway, a calm look on his face. His hair was slightly tousled and it was the first time that Eowyn had seen him without the customary braids of his people.

" Legolas." She said quickly. " Have we forgotten something else for thy chambers?" Eomer raised an eyebrow at the question and watched as a small blush graced his sister's cheeks. " Are you ailing in any way?" Legolas shook his head delicately.

" Nay, I came in search of a place to bathe, I was hoping that you could help me."

" We can have the servants draw a bath for you immediately." Eomer responded, straightening his back.

" Oh no." Legolas protested. " I wouldn't want to wake anyone, perhaps someone could direct me to a stream or something of the like?"

" Of course, there's-" But Eomer wasn't allowed the chance to finish, for Eowyn had stepped forwards.

" If you'll follow me I'm sure I will lead you to a place very well suited to your needs." Legolas smiled faintly in the dim light and it seemed for a moment that he was glowing but the sensation disappeared almost as soon as it came and then he stood alone in the doorway a sad smile on his pale face.

" As you will." He said and waited until the lady had joined him before the two disappeared back into the hall.

Eomer remained alone in the room, unsure what to make of the encounter. " It couldn't be…" He said aloud to himself.

* * * * *

" You'll have to forgive our house for not thinking of all the necessary hospitalities. The battle has taken many people's attention and-"

" All is forgiven." Legolas said as they turned another corner. He was vaguely aware that they were fast approaching the exit of Helm's deep and wondered if it was safe for Eowyn to venture outside. Though he was a skilled fighter he highly doubted he would be able to protect her for long with his hurts. Quickly he dismissed the thought, happy that he was once again alone with her. "I doubt that even my people would be able to do so."

"I though the Eldar were perfect." Eowyn responded. They were now descending a long, winding stairway and Legolas gritted his teeth at a sharp throb of pain. All of his injuries seemed to be attacking him with a vengeance.

" Ah, no one is perfect but we are very close." There was a small silence from Eowyn as they came into a large hall. Yes they were leaving the stronghold and the thought calmed Legolas. He had long wished to be outside of the heavy stone walls. They reeked of death and pain. They were suffocating.

" And how do you fare?"

" I am well." Legolas answered quickly. The door remained strangely unguarded but it occurred to Legolas that all those able would be outside working on reconstructing the wall.

They passed outside unnoticed and Eowyn began to move silently among the ruble. Legolas had a feeling she'd done this before and followed with equal, if not more silence, merely admiring the figure before him.

Not much time had been spent when he found that they had finally left the confines of the fortress. He could feel the grass beneath his feet and curled his toes as they walked, loving the cool night air and breathing in the scent of the plants. His eyes closed for a moment and then when he looked again Eowyn was standing still before him. She was watching him intently.

Unsure of what to say Legolas stood still, dimly aware that his side was throbbing anew. He ignored the pain, pushed it to the back of his mind and waited. " You're beautiful…" Eowyn breathed and then suddenly, realizing her mistake snapped her mouth closed, lips pressing into a perfect cupid's bow. It was the first time Legolas had seen her loose her composure.

" Thank you." He replied softly. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she herself was but could not think of a way to word it without cheapening the moment. Triumph welled up in his chest. He had managed to reach her, to break through the cold exterior.

Tentatively, but with an air of underlying confidence Legolas reached out and stroked his fingers through the honey golden locks, relishing their softness. Eowyn did not pull away from the touch, rather she leaned in to it, powerless to stop her reaction.

Without a word Legolas leaned forwards and touched their lips together.

'Here by my side is heaven…' Weapon –Matthew Good Band

Sorry, I just had to include that. I've always liked the song but I was watching queer as folk the other night and they played that song during a brian/justin scene…and it was so moving lol. I just had to stick it in somewhere….