Wow. Lots of reviews for last chapter.

Guess I'd better try to respond, at least a bit.

To Lyn: Thank you for pointing out proceeding verses preceding and loose verses lose. Honestly, I know the difference, it's just when editing my own things I don't always catch them. I have changed those… but I left stalking in. Reason why: When I hear someone stalked down a hall, it brings these to mind: striding, purposeful, quick, agile, perhaps even angry. If you can come up with something else that brings such words to mind, I'll consider changing it. Of course, I asked a friend from Wisconsin about it and she thought like you did. Maybe it's a regional thing—everyone I've asked who grew up around where I live have the same ideas about it that I do.

To liz122474: Mirimir's story will definitely take some telling… But I don't really know the spider part. In my mind they're just rabid spiders. They're kind of orcishly stupid—they may have attacked because they felt like it.

To gaya gwath: Very good! I had this chapter in mind already when I posted the last, but you're the only one who mentioned she probably couldn't read.

To Silent Lurker: I'm taking about a week to post new chapters because I have three other stories being posted currently, several more that I'm writing which will not be posted, on top of lab reports, exams, mid-terms, papers, and being ill for most of last week. Things will probably not speed up… and will in fact cease entirely during Christmas vacation, as I have no internet access then save for a few minutes between visits with family I hardly ever see (It is not likely that I will therefore forgo time with my family to check e-mail and upload anything. Sorry.).

And to Ithilien: It's nice to know you like my version of Legolas, and thank you for saying you like his link with Leherim. When I started this fic, I wondered how people would take to that little bit. I considered the idea of him being a warrior, and have tried balancing that with a more 'sensitive side' when he's around his family. So far it seems to be working nicely.

To everyone else who reviewed and like it/ want more, thanks for letting me know you exist, and hope you enjoy!

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Legolas took a deep breath to collect his thoughts as he opened the door. Mirimir's eyes narrowed on him, but she stayed on the bed, her arms crossing defensively for a moment, before they instead shifted to her sides to aide in fast flight, if needed.

The books Leherim had brought her were discarded carelessly, in much less time than would have been required to read so much as one. He had an idea as to why, and it was why he was here. "I brought you something," he murmured softly, seeing a shiver go over her when he spoke.

When he approached she was off the bed and under the table within a step. He closed his eyes and sat down with his back to the bed, facing her. He held up the book, and opened it to a page at random. As he held it, he watched her eyes slowly move to it, then watched as her head tilted and she studied the picture, her eyes drinking in the sight like she was starved for it. He turned to another page at random, letting her see that one as well. Then he closed the book and slid it towards her.

With her eyes flickering to his every few instants she eased one hand closer until she had the book, and withdrew it quickly, clutching the thin book to her chest, unwilling to look away from him very long.

He sighed softly. "Enjoy, little one," he murmured absently, getting to his feet. "I've not told Leherim, so she may continue to bring you those books," he nodded his head at the books on the bed, "but I'll bring you more later. Rather later, actually," he admitted with a frown. "The first hunt for the spiders that attacked Haragen's troops was entirely without success, so we're going out again in the evening. We'll be gone for a minimum of a week, so you won't have to worry about anyone other than Leherim entering until then."

As he left he saw Leherim coming down the hall already. Rather early, aren't you?

I'd rather not be there when you leave, she answered softly, her eyes dark.

He touched her cheek lightly before tucking her hair behind her ears. I should prepare.

You should be careful.

As if that's necessary, he scoffed quietly.

Leherim's eyes flashed in the soft light of the hall. Legolas! Just because—

Just because they were probably all ordered the day I joined to be sure nothing happened to me? He suggested it quietly. I may be working my way up to having my own troop, but that doesn't mean they're any less aware that I'm the prince.

She sighed and shook her head slightly. Despite how much it irritates you, I rather like it.

He smiled faintly. I know. And I can truly understand that. I just wish there was a way for you two to trust I can take care of myself enough it's not necessary.

I do believe you can, she protested. I just would rather not have to worry more than everyone else.

More?

Yes, more. Don't pretend you don't know what I mean.

He sighed softly and rested his forehead against her temple, one hand on her shoulder. I know, he agreed after a moment. He kissed her crown before walking swiftly down the halls to their rooms.

Leherim sighed and shook her head. Slowly she pushed the door open to see Mirimir crouched on the floor, under the table, with a book unlike the ones she'd been bringing. Legolas?

Hmm?

You brought her a children's book?

Mm-hmm. Lots of pictures.

Pictures? She thought softly, before she recalled that there had indeed been pictures in the book she had left behind a week or so ago. Not many, but enough. She could feel him hesitate, and suddenly understood. I'll leave her books to you, then.

She could sense a smile which wasn't present in his mental voice. Very well.

She set the tray down on the bed, and Mirimir was soon sitting near her, eating with one hand as she stared at the pictures. She laid the book down on the spread, traced her fingers over some of the designs.

Leherim winced to see her nails. Still in horrible shape despite the length of time she had been trying to get them healed up, Leherim cleaned them with a salve from the healers every morning. They were beginning to grow, again, but so slowly. Her hair was growing a bit faster, and looked much better. It was almost all to her chin now, instead of some pieces there and others falling at her ears, and waved just faintly so it curved under or stuck out slightly when she tucked it behind her delicately pointed ears.

As the she-elf ate, Leherim nibbled, keeping the line to Legolas open as she felt him head down to the halls. The group soon left, the gate clicking shut between them with a rather ominous crash. Leherim bit her lip and looked at her hands, but knew better than to contact him for anything at such a time. A loss of concentration now could cost him his life.

A feathery touch on her hand brought her back to the room. "Hmm?" she murmured, blinking and looking around. "Oh," she added, seeing questioning grey eyes watching her. "Legolas is on his way out with the others. Hunting spiders," she added with a spiteful twist. She shuddered. "I hate spiders." She drew her knees to her chest and rested her chin on one. "Especially when they endanger someone I love." She could see what he was seeing right now, his way of assuring her they were fine, but he would soon drop that and focus entirely on the business at hand. "That stupid lug-head brother of mine," she muttered as the picture faded away. She opened her eyes, glaring at a spot on the wall beyond Mirimir. "He insists on being a member of the guard though he has no call to be, and even though he knows he's a target wherever he goes simply because he's the Prince. It's not that I don't think he can take care of himself—he'll have worked his way up to leading his own troop soon, and will eventually be a head captain… I just worry about him."

Grey eyes frowned at her, speculation gleaming in the washed out depths.

"I know it's silly," Leherim murmured. She closed her eyes and tried to judge how far they had gotten. "But at the same time, it's not. We've been so close for nearly as long as I can remember that we can feel when the other is hurt. I have to suffer with him, physically as well as emotionally, when he's injured on these damned hunts. He took a poisoned arrow to the shoulder once and I couldn't use my left arm for nearly two days without intense pain. It was much worse for him, of course. It just took him that long to remain conscious and gain enough strength to sever the connection entirely so I didn't feel it."

She was aware of being watched from time to time, but said nothing else, letting her whole body be open to what was happening. Soon her definite knowledge faded, and she was left for three days feeling only when the troops had stopped long enough in such a way Legolas felt comfortable sending her a reassurance.

The day before the troop was to return home nothing eventful had happened yet, which meant they would be there longer, unless they needed supplies. Even then, except for arrows, they wouldn't return to the palace, getting what they needed from the village instead. So she was left not knowing how much longer she would be stuck wanting him safely home.

A blast of shock and horror crashed through her as she ate with Mirimir, making her shake, and then… nothing. Nothing more came through.

"Nothing?" she whispered softly, beginning to tremble in earnest. "Legolas?" LEGOLAS!

Silence.

"Nothing," she breathed. "Valar," she whispered, trying to hold onto the hope he was doing this on purpose, or was just unconscious. That could sometimes do this sort of thing. She tucked her knees closer to herself and began rocking slowly as the time limped by.

Suddenly a blast of some unrecognizable emotion came at her from the hall. "Legolas!" she cried, jumping up from the bed. She raced through the door, not closing it behind her for once, in too much of a hurry to think of anything—or anyone—else.

Legolas was running towards her as well, and caught her in his arms when she threw hers around his neck. "Shh, dear one, I'm all right. I'm all right." He rocked her gently, holding her tightly as she slowly got a hold on her emotions. "I'm—ow!"

He scowled down at her, and she hit him again. "You orc!" she cried, thumping his chest with both fists in frustration. "How could you do that to me?"

He caught her fists and drew her slightly closer to the wall, away from the others moving in the halls. He kept his voice purposely calm and quiet, trying to calm her down. "I had to shut it off. I couldn't have what we were both feeling swamping me. Not then," he shook his head, his eyes darkening slightly.

She sighed and rested her forehead against his shoulder. "Why'd I have to be connected to my troll-brained brother, of all people? Why not some handsome, kind and loving elven warrior?"

Legolas chuckled softly and released her fists. "Sorry, little one. You're stuck with me, it seems."

She sighed once more, and then backed up to give him a once over. "Uninjured?"

"Completely… until I caught up with you," he finished dryly.

"Very funny," she bared her teeth at him.

He laughed lightly and leaned against the wall, waiting for her to ask. "Well?"

She smiled and closed her eyes, relieved to have him back. "How did it go?"

"We found and killed them all… Well, the group that was near the place Haragen's troop usually patrols." A slight movement caught his eye and he turned his head a fraction to see the person, to decide if he wanted to acknowledge having seen them or not. His eyes widened slightly and a brow arched. Someone appears to have followed you, dear sister.

What? She turned her head where he indicated. "Mirimir," she murmured softly. The she-elf crouched closer to the floor and began backing towards the room. "No, it's all right. You're welcome to be out here as well, you know."

Mirimir glanced up but continued into her room on all fours.

She is a bit better, Legolas murmured, trying to boost her spirits at seeing the display.

A bit, Leherim agreed, shaking her head. Not enough to assure her she would ever recover fully, though. What of the guards? Why are they gone?

It was felt they could be put to better use elsewhere.

Are you sure that's wise?

No, he answered softly, his eyes solemn. But what can I do? Ask Father to return them?

Leherim frowned and shook her head. No, that won't work. He can't do that if it was an agreement he made with someone to move them, and they wouldn't have been moved, otherwise, not without discussing it with us.

Legolas nodded, having worked that out a while before—when their father had mentioned the guards would be taken away. Without due cause, they will not be returned.

Leherim sighed softly and nodded, resting her head against her brother's shoulder. Welcome home, she whispered softly.

He felt her hesitant question, though she refrained from asking. As far as I know, I'll be here a while.

Good. She leaned up and kissed his cheek before turning to the room. Grab some lunch for us?

You're hungry already? You were probably eating breakfast—

I was picking at my breakfast, yes.

He sighed softly and nodded his head. Very well.

Bring enough for you, as well.

He frowned at her.

She smiled slightly, feeling his concerns. She shall come to accept you.

Perhaps I should sit by the door, though.

But that's unnatural.

Unnatural?

We always sit together. She'll get used to you in time.

And in the meantime she may starve.

She shook her head. No. I'll leave food if she won't eat with you beside me. Just make sure you put yourself near the foot of the bed, so I'll be between you two.

You think that will be enough?

Probably not this time, but eventually, yes.

He sighed softly and bowed his head slightly. As you wish.

Thank you. We'd best speak aloud, though.

Very well. He walked to the kitchen as Leherim made her way to Mirimir's room.

She glanced around, found Mirimir on the bed with the picture book Legolas had brought her a week ago. You may wish to bring another book.

A grin came through. Already have one, dear one.

She smiled slightly and sat in the middle of the bed. "Legolas, as you saw, is fine. I convinced him to eat with us, so he'll be here with our food soon. He'll be home for a while," she stated happily with a grin.

Mirimir stiffened at the words, but the door was already opening as she was visibly trying to decide whether to stay or go to her place beneath the table.

Legolas came in with the tray, and set it down before Leherim, sitting at the edge of the bed facing his sister, as far from Mirimir as the bed allowed. "They already had it prepared for you," he murmured, taking a plate off the tray. "Oh," he murmured, reaching behind himself. He drew a large, thin book from under his tunic. "I thought you might like this one, Mirimir," he murmured, handing it to Leherim.

She smiled as she recognized it, laying her palm over the cover. "The most beautiful places of Imladris, created by a brilliant artist. I remember this. Almost as glorious as the real thing."

"Almost," Legolas agreed, eating ravenously.

"You hadn't already stopped for food?" Leherim asked after passing the book to Mirimir, who drew it behind herself, stuffing it under a pillow.

"With you half-sure I was dead? I think not," he sniffed in fake offense and finished his allotted meal. He looked at Leherim pleadingly.

She rolled her eyes and passed over part of her food. "Very well."

They both stilled as a hand reached over and snapped a plate off the tray before scooting back to the very far end of the bed. Mirimir looked at Legolas without trust as she guarded her food.

He smiled faintly. "I wouldn't have eaten yours… well, I would have brought replacement if I had." He took in those defiant washed out eyes and then let his gaze wander, taking in the dark hair, now one length, the nails beginning to grow, the limbs without bruises and with slowly fading scars. "Looks like Leherim is taking good care of you. It shouldn't be too much longer before your fingers no longer hurt."

He caught a flash of something in the eyes, before she tilted her head, letting some of her hair fall to hide whatever it was.

Leherim cleared her throat softly. "Are you finished with my meal?" she asked softly, looking at the rest.

"Yes," he agreed, passing over what he hadn't eaten. She ate it as he studied the room. "It's rather dreary in here, isn't it?"

"Well, I thought to move her when I first brought her here, but she seems comfortable enough. Maybe later."

"In the meantime, though, you could make it more livable. A wardrobe to hold her dresses, for example." He glanced around. "Maybe a small shelf to hold things."

"What things?"

"Books?" He tilted his head at the book he'd recently brought. "Have you taken her to the garden yet?"

Mirimir began trembling and shivered deeper into a ball at the suggestion.

"Or perhaps you should bring her some plants. Anything to make this place more befitting an elf… One who is a guest in a palace, after all." He frowned at Leherim, silently reprimanding her for not thinking of that.

She looked around the room and saw what he meant. While undoubtedly beautiful compared to what Mirimir had known, there was nothing there, really, to remind her she was an elf. "I believe you are right. We shall have to work on that."

"Yes. But for now, I should be reporting to Father, so I'd best go."

"Oh… yes," Leherim winced. "Sorry. I didn't even think about that."

"He'll understand, little one," he murmured, kissing her crown as he rose. "Hope you enjoy the book, Mirimir," he called, before moving quickly from the room.

"I hope he doesn't get in trouble for that. He usually reports right to Father after something like this. Father likes to know he's well, and he wants to hear it from him." She shook her head slightly and turned to see Mirimir begin eating her lunch, one hand running lightly over the picture on the cover of the book Legolas had brought her.