Chapter Four: Running And Hiding

Legolas found me once again at the lake's edge. When he greeted me, a smile that didn't reach his eyes crossed his lips. I could see how distraught he was from his argument with his father.

"Will you join me for a late meal?" he asked politely.

I looked down at myself. "I would love to, except I am not properly dressed."

He pulled me up. "Your attire is no matter."

"But in the Great Hall"

"Excuse me for interrupting," he started. It really was starting to bother me how good-mannered he was. "But we are not going to the Great Hall."

Not going to the Great Hall? "May I ask where we are going?"

"You shall see." We walked to the palace and toward his quarters once we entered. Silently the entire time, I was making a mental list of all the places we could be heading. When he stopped outside a familiar door, I was confused. I had no idea why we would dine in there. He held the door open and gestured for me to enter. I did and immediately my eyes fell upon a silver dress hanging on one of the four tall posts on the bed.

"I will await outside while you ready yourself. Take your time." I turned around only to see the door snap shut. I sighed and turned to the dress. Why was he always giving me outfits such as this to wear? I was much more comfortable in my pants and baggy shirt, but very much out of place. I really should refrain from wearing such clothing around the prince, but he did say we were friends. What other choice did I have?

Gently taking the dress down, I laid it on the bed until I had my clothes stripped off. The dress was sleeveless silk. Why did the elves make dresses so tight fitting? They cared more about appearance than comfort, that's why. Not to mention they looked good in the dresses. They were not designed for the species of men.

I found it quite amusing how I was never given shoes. It wasn't that I minded; I actually preferred going shoeless. It just made me wonder if elvish shoes were a rarity.

Once I had the dress fitted comfortably. I ran my hands through my messy and frizzy hair. It was most likely just made it worse, but hey, what was I going to do? I opened the door and glanced to the side. Spotting Legolas patiently waiting. He was wearing a blue-silver tunic that looked much like it was crafted in Lothlorien.

"Wha—how" I stuttered.

A large smile crossed his face and he took my hand. "Shall we?" An eyebrow lifted on my face, soon to be followed by the second and I shrugged. He led me down the hall, striking up a conversation. "You look lovely, Aluhin."

"Thank you. I do not know why you treat me so, for I have done nothing to deserve your gratitude of…friendship."

"Oh, but you have. You have shown me ways to live happily without possessions. I have always enjoyed nature and would spend hours—if not days—as an elfling scurrying in the trees. I thought I was very close to nature up until I met you. You spend your days basking in the sun, laying in the grass, and singing in the rain." I looked at him, confused at how he would know this as he turned a corner. "I wake in the early morning and see you sleeping in the grass."

He woke early in the morning? How early? I could not wonder any longer for he opened and exterior door, gesturing me out.

A small marble gazebo sat a hundred yards from us. We neared and I saw a deep red covered table and two chairs. Candles sat upon it along with trays of covered food. We stopped at the foot of the gazebo.

"Does this location suit you?" he asked, looking at me.

I continued to look in awe of what sat before me. "Legolas…it's beautiful."

His fingers touched my chin and I turned my attention to him. "Not nearly as beautiful as you," he whispered.

My heart took off, pounding at the speed of light. His fingers were warm and soft on my face. His thumb was gently rubbing the flesh on my jaw. I looked into his eyes, once again falling into the green pools. I desperately wanted to know why they kept changing. A smile claimed his lips and his other hand entered mine.

"You must be hungry," he stated, withdrawing a hand from my face and stepping onto the platform.

"Yes," I managed to say as my heart slowed to its normal rate. I let him pull me forward and sat in the chair he offered. After sitting down himself, he revealed delicious foods and their scent engulfed me. He served both of us and we ate in silence for a little while. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to ask him the question which had been burning inside me.

"Legolas?" He looked up. "Can you teach me Westron?"

He set down his fork. "What brings you to feel the need to learn this language?"

"I just feel that since I am human, I should know a language those of my kind speak. Mayhap in the future, I may come in contact with one and I want to be able to communicate."

He paused and picked up his fork again. "Fair enough. Yes, I shall teach you."

"Thank you."

"No thanks required. It is the least I can do." He took a few more bits and set down his fork again, pushing his unfinished plate away. I looked up at him in question.

"I have asked you to join me tonight because I think it is important that we speak."

The subject seemed serious enough and I followed his suit, pushing my plate away. "Yes?" I was fairly sure I knew what he was going to say.

He cleared his throat. "Recently, a band of unidentified humans were spotted inside Mirkwood borders. They have been camping in the forest for a little over a week now." He paused looked up at me.

"Yes, I have heard of them. Your father feels I am linked to them." His eyebrows sought each other and he opened his mouth to ask how, but I continued. "He had me conference with one of his assistants."

"Did he? I shall have to see that."

"Is that what this is about? Is he having you question me also?"

"No, no. Quite the opposite. He sees you as a threat and does not trust your word. He wants to have you tried for luring enemies."

"Luring enemies?" This conviction startled me. "What would be the sentence which follows?"

His eyes fell to the table. "Public beheading would get off well."

I closed my eyes. This may very well be my last night alive. "Is this farewell then?" I asked, looking at him.

"No"

"Are you going to take me in? Prove he is right? Force me to say I'm guilty?"

"Aluhin"

"I am not! I do not know them! You"

"Aluhin!" he shouted over my growing voice. He grabbed my hand, which was involuntarily clutching my knife. I dropped it and he held my hand in his. "I do not agree with him. I wish for you to live on."

"Are you here to ask me to run? I do not run from my problems. I was raised by elves. Elves do not run."

"Of course. No, I am not here to ask you to flee. I will hide you"

"Elves do not hide!"

"Unfortunately, as much as I would like you to be an elf, you are not. You are a human."

"I may not be an elf, but I feel like one at heart! I cannot do as you ask!" I yelled.

"Aluhin, please. Just for awhile. Let me keep you in the castle. Just until I talk some sense into him."

"Legolas, it will not work! There is no way he won't find me in his home!"

"Please, Aluhin." I looked into his eyes. I almost thought I saw them shining with unshed tears. "Trust me," he said softly.

I closed my eyes and felt him lightly squeeze my hand. Things were much worse than I originally thought. What made him want to help me so badly? What was that emotion that burned so brightly in his eyes?

"Why are you helping me?" I whispered so softly his elven ears might have had a hard time hearing.

"Please, Aluhin. Let me do this for you."

"All my life people give and I cannot repay"

"Aluhin, look at me." I squeezed my eyes shut tighter. "Look at me!" I opened my eyes slowly, hoping no tears would fall. "I would never forgive myself to let an innocent person die. You are a friend, a very dear friend, of mine. Please, let me do this for you. Payment is not needed."

I looked at our joined hands and trusted him. I trusted him like I have never trusted anyone. He could be leading me straight into a trap. My life was now in his hands. I felt myself nod slowly and heard Legolas rise from his chair. My eyes opened to see him standing next to me. He pulled me up and startled me with a hug.

"It will be alright. We will get through this."

'We?' "I am not afraid of death."

He held me tighter. "Say no such things. You will not face death in the near future."

If I didn't know better, I'd think he was afraid of me dying. I told myself it was probably pity or the warrior in him that disliked the killing of innocents. I found myself doubting his intentions. What drove him to his actions?

He finally pulled away, our eyes meeting. "You are tired. Let me show you to your room."

We walked in silence the same way we had come. Legolas had one arm snaked around my waist, holding me close. I still felt insecure, alone. He led me into the very common room I had set foot in often the past few days.

"Here?" I asked, turning to him. I was about to continue when he placed a finger on my lips.

"Rest here for now. We shall speak more in the morning." I nodded and he bid me good night before heading to his room.

I laid on the bed, not bothering to change from the dress. My eyes drifted longingly to the window, knowing death may consume me come morning.

I woke often that night and was very aware of someone in the room with me. They were oblivious to my knowledge of their presence, but continued to sit and watch me sleep. I found myself wondering as I drifted off to sleep on countless occasions what he was thinking about.

I woke close to morning and finally gave up on sleep. I craved to go for a swim, but knew I was unable. Rolling over, I realized the elf was gone. Darkness still engulfed the realm, but it was not eerie as I had expected at night in the castle. I felt the urge to go to the window, the atmosphere had the familiar feel of a storm brewing. I fed the urge and I pulled my feet from the warm comforter and felt the cold floor under them.

It was a moon-less summer night. I spotted lightning flash in the distance. Thunder soon followed, rolling across the land. There was not a soul out, and it seemed logical. Large pellets of water began to fall and for the first time I did not want to go out on the balcony and bask in them. I watched them fall, breaking into countless pieces as they hit the ground. They were destroyed almost as soon as they were created, so short lived. It was just like I felt.

If I had known earlier, years ago, I would meet this fate, would I have done anything different? Most likely not, but I did wish I had made more acquaintances in my life. I really only knew two elves, and neither very well.

I stood there for Lord knows how long, staring into the storm that dropped on the land. I don't know how, but even over the roar of thunder and crash of lightning I was able to hear the elf enter the room. The door clicked shut and his footsteps stopped. The only sound was the pelting rain on the walls.

"Aluhin," he whispered a few moments later as lightning lit up the room. I said nothing and did not acknowledge his presence. He most likely thought my human ears were not sensitive enough to hear him. He stepped beside me. "You should be resting," he whispered in my ear.

"And miss this?"

He paused and said nothing for a few moments more "Aluhin." His tone told me I was worrying him by my silence. "You do not have to worry. No harm will come to you. Aluhin?" His hand touched my shoulder and turned me to face him. "You will be safe."

"I am not treating this day any different than others. Everyday shall be treated as one's last. Life lived to the fullest, with no regrets."

Thunder rolled in the distance followed by a crack of lightning. I turned away only to have Legolas' arms surround me.

"You are not going to die!" He whispered forcefully. I sank into his arms.

"Someday I will. Anyway, I did not say I was. I am not afraid for I know it will consume me someday."

"I am afraid. You are worrying me."

I pulled away, looking into his eyes. "Don't worry for me. Don't waste your time worrying about me." I turned and walked to the door.

"Where are you going?"

"Out. I need to think." I looked at him as the room was lit up again, into his pleading eyes before turning and exiting the room.

Immediately after shutting the door behind me, I remembered the dress. There was no way I could avoid ruining it in the weather outside. My clothes were in my room along with Legolas. So I did something I normally wouldn't do. I slipped into the prince's room.

My heart was racing, in a different way than earlier. I was afraid what would happen if Legolas would return before I left. I opened his wardrobe and found a casual green tunic. Quickly switching outfits, I exited the room and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Finally, I was ready to head out.

The rain let up a little, sadly, before I was able to escape the indoors. I walked until just before sunrise when an eerie sight sent me heading back to the castle.

A flash of lightning lit up the sky and for that moment my eyes happened to pass over the trees. A figure caught my eye and although I could only see its' outline for a fraction of a second, I clearly saw every detail of it possible from the conditions. A raven was perched upon a human's shoulder. The figure stood tall, dressed in a long cloak with the hood drawn. As soon as it appeared, it was gone. I stood frozen for a moment wanting nature to provide me with another glimpse. The rush of air sounded and I looked up to see the raven directly above me, flying toward a familiar section of the castle. Lightning cracked and I quickly turned to see the figure gone.

An uneasy feeling settled over me and I set off to the castle. When I borrowed the clothing, I forgot one major detail that put more stress on my mind. How was I to return a sopping wet tunic unnoticed? Not to mention the reoccurring problem of him returning before I was finished.

I was struggling out of the wet outer tunic when a throat cleared from the doorway. I froze, my back to him, before turning to see Legolas with a very odd look on his face.

"I…I uh…sorry? I just…" He walked toward me, not speaking. I vaguely noticed his clothes were different and I wondered if he had come in to change and noticed my dress on the bed.

"Sorry?" I tried again, hoping he wasn't upset with me for taking without asking. I had never seen him like this. He almost seemed amused.

As he neared me, he started to speak in a strange language I could only guess was Westron. Not only that, but his voice seemed to be different and forced. I dismissed the fact as part of his Westron accent.

"Legolas, I'm really not in the mood for lessons now. Do you mind if we start tomorrow…if I live to see the day?" I added softly.

I expected to feel his hands on my shoulders to shake some sense into me, but instead he stopped, cocked his head slightly to one side and it sounded as though he asked a question in Westron.

"Please?"

His posture slumped and head rolled back slight before muttering a single word. I could only guess its definition.

"Are you all right? Why are you not speaking to me? I am sorry about wearing your clothes, but I did not want to ruin the dress."

Still he did not speak. I picked up the wet tunic, wrung it out and placed it back on the hanger where I found it. Then turned to him and offered a weak smile. I hated the silent treatment he was giving me.

I looked to the floor. "Then I will leave you." I turned away only to feel a hand on my arm, pulling me back. Legolas was furiously shaking his head. "What is wrong with you? Why will you not speak to me? Why can't I leave?"

He froze, eyes locked on the door handle and they went wide. After uttering a word in Westron, he turned and strode to the window.

"What is it?" I asked. "Wh" I stopped in mid word when the door opened and none other than Legolas appeared from behind it.

"Wha-how did you" I turned to see the Legolas behind me gone and only a raven flying into the distance.

"Aluhin?" He asked.

"At least you are speaking now. I would really prefer we waited for the Westron. Also, could you please refrain from whatever weird elvish trick you just pulled? I am really not in the mood. Excuse me, my lord, but I best be leaving now. I have a few other engagements to attend to." I brushed past him and was almost through the doorway when he grabbed my arm just below the shoulder.

"What is it you speak of?"

"What do I speak of? Someone has a death wish for me? Do you know how that feels? Do you know what it is like having the thought, 'this is the last time' with every step you take?" Tears welled up in my eyes as my voice grew. "You don't! You don't! You are immortal and will live for millennia to come. For two decades—two decades—I have walked these lands. You cannot comprehend living for only that amount of time. In proportion to elves' ages, I am but a child. And although they were not great years, I made the best of it. How would you feel if your parents left you alone in the forest to die when you weren't even old enough to walk or speak for that matter? If you had to be brought up in a civilization who hated you? How would you cope? How would you find the will to get up each morning and put one foot before the other? Knowing no one would care if you weren't there. Knowing they would probably be better off?" Tears were freely flowing down my face and Legolas looked clearly appalled. His eyes also looked as if filled with unshed tears. Shock was written all over his face.

"I am sorry...I did not know," he whispered.

"Of course you didn't know! You'll never know!" I turned and entered the other room only to decide I could not stand being so close to him after losing control of my emotions. They had been stored up inside me ever since Mailin had kicked me out. I exited the room and broke into a run, not caring who heard me. The halls were empty, but movement could now be heard within the rooms. This could have been caused by my yelling or the fact my bare feet were slapping against the marble floors.

I ran from the castle, despite the guards who were yelling after me. I ran, praying and waiting for an arrow to slice through my back. Death would be welcomed now. The elf had helped all the horrible memories of my life come flooding back and flash before my eyes. I stumbled as I ran straight to the northern forest, a place I had never been before.

Tears continued to flow as realization set in. Everyone would be better off if I died. The thought crossed my mind to turn around, march straight to the king and surrender myself to him. A vivid picture entered my mind of the king sinking his sword deep into me. An odd feeling entered my stomach and I gagged. For some reason I couldn't turn around. As much as my mind wanted to, my body wouldn't let me. For the first time in my life, it felt good to run. So I ran. I oddly did not tire or thirst. My mind spun as I ran on. Images of myself entered and exited my mind's eye.

I have no idea how long this lastedhours, days evenbut the pictures became more and more gruesome and increased in number, flashing at a dizzying speed. Soon I felt black consume my vision and lost consciousness just after feeling myself collapse and my head connect with what felt like a jagged rock.

A/N: Thank you to my previous reviewers. Please all silent readers, review. Let me know what you think. It might greatly impact the story. Thank you for reading.