Disclaimer- I own nothing- if you recognise it- it's not mine!!!

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Finally, everything was coming together.

It had been nearly a year since the betrothal of Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood and Thalia daughter of Glorfindel. It had been mutual decision to wait a time before bonding.

The year had been devoted to learning to live together. There had been many fights and many tears but there had also been many joyful occasions between the two. It had been a joy to the rest of the household to watch the couple develop their relationship. At times it seemed that they were but small elflings, at other times it seemed that they had been married for many years.

There was still much to be said between the two of them, and between the two families of the intended. Letters had been passed but the details of which were unknown. 

Thalia's recovery had been hindered somewhat by reoccurring dreams but with Lord Elrond's help, they had almost stopped. Legolas was fairing well, considering that his life had been difficult. He had taken Thalia relapse extremely personally and with trying to perform his duties from another realm was proving very difficult.

~

I stood with Arwen in the yard at the front of the house. I was waiting for Legolas to arrive. He had had to leave for Mirkwood about a month ago, something about duties and something important- I wasn't really listening to him.

It seems ages since I last saw him and it was driving me crazy. I could still feel his presence. He made sure of that. Every so often we'd mind speak. That was weird and it made me dizzy, so he made sure that he only spoke when I was in bed. Although how he knew when I was in bed is a complete mystery. I just wanted a hug from him. Unbeknownst to him I had stolen one of his shirts and I now slept in it. No matter how many times it was washed, his scent still clung to the fabric. He wouldn't mind- at least, I hope not.

I was excited. I wanted to hug him and never let go. I was seriously thinking of locking him in our room and hiding the key. I missed him. It was so lonely at night. I had a big bed all to myself, and it was cold. Adar hadn't helped, with the help of my dear mother, they'd drawn up a schedule, a very full schedule. Their reasoning was understandable, they were trying to help me. They didn't want me to feel lonely. But it didn't help, it just made me more irritable.

The feeling had become almost unbearable. I was being smothered, but I didn't want to offend them so I kept my mouth shut. Despite the help that Elrond had so readily given me, I had resorted to old methods. I was on the edge and I had to or I would have exploded. The guilt that was slowly beginning to flow through my veins, was quickly beginning to almost override my excitement at seeing Legolas. He'd see my legs and he'd see the new cuts and he'd know that I betrayed him. I had promised and I had failed. Had the time that I had tried to beat this…habit, been for nothing? Was I just one of those people who couldn't be helped?

On the bright side, Haldir arrived just after Legolas left. That stopped me from feeling so…awful. Together, he and the twins had managed to keep me occupied on my free days. And it worked, I sometimes managed to forget about him for a few hours.

Over the past year, Elrond has been teaching how to vent my feelings a little more constructively. And at last count I had only cut 25 times over the year. It didn't sound too good but it was a major improvement.

Life was definitely better.

Three weeks. Three weeks and I would be a married woman. We had decided to wait a year before getting married. I didn't want to rush things. In truth, I was wary of living with somebody full time. It was different here. There were people coming in and out of our room all the time. And I had Adar here and mum, and everybody else. The idea of living in Mirkwood was scaring me. New people and I…just don't mix. Being married to the prince was not going to be a walk in the park. But I also know that he will do everything in his power to make sure that I am happy and settled.

Arwen touched my arm, startling me. I looked at her but she just pointed to the bridge up ahead. Legolas was here. Finally. He looked more handsome that I had ever seen him. His golden hair shined in the sun and he sat, straight and proud. A smile graced his lips as his eyes locked with mine.

Butterflies suddenly invaded my stomach and I felt nervous. What do you say to someone that you've not seen for a month?

~

A wave of warmth flooded me as my eyes found her. I had missed her. The nights had been the hardest. Sleeping with her soft body wrapped around mine was something that I had taken for granted. The past month had given me time alone to think about everything. The past two years have been the most erratic of my life so far. The girl that I had met in the forest was not the same woman that stood waiting for me now. The love that I felt for her terrified me somewhat. She was in my thoughts at almost every moment. I wished desperately to pull her to me and taste those lips, to allow her scent to engulf me.

~

He had reluctantly travelled home, his duties had been neglected and the time had come to rectify that mistake. His mother had been overjoyed at having him home and she was more than happy to help him move his belongings to the west wing of the house. It had been decided that, although he was the crowned prince, he had a right to as much privacy as everybody else. The first few months of their marriage would be hard. They would both have to adjust to living together and taking care of their duties. He only hoped that he could make her comfortable. He could already feel the fear begin to root itself within her heart. Her determination was the only thing keeping her from breaking down.

As Legolas drew closer she became more excited, it showed in her stance. She could hardly stay still. It seemed that Arwen's lessons in how to be a lady, had worked. She held a somewhat regal and graceful air about her.

Her hair shimmered she moved her head and her eyes sparkled.

Arwen smiled graciously at Legolas as his horse came to a stop. Thalia's eyes seemed to burn a hole into his back as he slid from the magnificent beast. Tentatively, her hand squeezed his shoulder, begging him to turn round. He allowed a small smile to slip through his stoic expression. Before he could gather his thoughts, she had wrapped her arms around his neck. Her soft lips caressed his as her hands buried themselves in his long hair, as if to stop him from leaving.

He leant down and placing his hands on her hips, picked her up and spun her round. Her silky hair fell around her face and brushed his cheeks lightly.

"I missed you"

She whispered softly to him. He chuckled and pulled her to him, trying desperately to familiarise every curve of her body.

Legolas lifted his gaze as the sound of low laughter reached his ears. Elrond and Glorfindel were stood with Arwen, looking thoroughly amused.

He reluctantly let go of Thalia and stepped forward.

"My Lords" he said as he bowed low

"Welcome back Legolas. Imladris will surely be more cheerful with your presence"

Glorfindel said, looking pointedly at his daughter.

"Thalia, your mother is looking for you. It would be wise for you to go to her now"

She rolled her eyes at him before kissing Legolas softly then disappearing down the garden path.

"How has she been?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Elrond looked uncomfortable for a moment before answering.

"To be honest Legolas. Something is wrong. I am not certain that she knows it herself. It could be a simple as your absence from her life or it could be a complex as it had been in the past" his answer did not satisfy Legolas.

"Has she cut?"

Glorfindel sighed. His green eyes narrowing and his lips pursed in a thin line.

"She has. It has been less frequent, but she still feels the need to spill her blood"

There an undertone of anger in his voice as he spoke. After the events of the past, he was loath to let her out of his sight. He feared losing her to the darkness that had strangled her once before. Her demons had lessened, but had not yet released her. It was obvious that she still battled with herself. The pain has been etched on her features, for everyone to see, despite her attempts to mask it.

Legolas shook his head as he felt a pang of guilt in his heart.

"Do not blame yourself Legolas" Elrond said as he gazed ahead.

"How can I not?"

The three entered the house and made their way towards Elrond's study.

"She has had to deal with much and it has only been a short time since she began her recovery. Give her time. Her actions are more habitual than anything else. It will take time for her to leave her habits behind"

Legolas watched the elves in the gardens as they walked by. They looked peaceful. He envied them. He could not disguise the turmoil that his heart now felt at the news of his beloved.

"And what of her and her mother?" he asked

"They have become close these past weeks. They have become as close to each other as they were before, or so I have been informed by Katlin. You have no need to worry Legolas. Katlin is keeping a very close watch on her daughter"

Legolas and Elrond grinned at Glorfindel's words.

"When will your father arrive Legolas?"

"He should arrive early next week. My mother wishes to help with the preparations for the ceremony"

Elrond nodded.

"If you do not mind my lords. I must go and bathe, I am afraid that Thalia would not appreciate lying in bed with somebody so filthy"

Laughter rang through the halls at the thought of Thalia's reaction to such a thing. She had become somewhat obsessed with cleanliness over the year. She now bathed twice a day and she would make sure that Legolas did the same.

Legolas said his goodbyes and made his way to his room where unbeknownst to him, a serious problem awaited him.