Okay, everyone, quick update… if ffnet ever loads for me to get anything up. But I've got to be quick whether it does or not, or no food for me! And you gotta have something better than an orange to study and work out a fifty minute presentation (last one, thankfully… but it's tomorrow! AHHH!)

Farflung: College will bring it's own problems? I'm in college now, and though first term freshman year it seemed like I had time out the wazoo, I can't stop to breathe anymore! ARGH! Okay, I'm better. I guess it didn't come out quite as I planned, but Lady E was sort of the 'mastermind' behind the scheme… which isn't saying much, all things considered.

LadyJadePerendhil: Thanks for explaining! And just thanks.

Green*Eyed*Elf*Goddess: Good for you! Have you started posting?

Iluvien: Yeah, I agree. Quick little moment of dry humor.

Galorin: Thank you, but there will be no more of Urgan (as far as I can foresee), and yes, Lady(well, former Lady) E is being held in the healing rooms until the child is born.

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Legolas braced himself against the balcony railing, his knuckles white, his head bowed. A shuddering breath escaped him, his hands tightening. He only noticed someone behind him when that someone's arms circled his waist, warmth soaking into his back. He took a deep breath and tried to relax, but found it impossible as the link he shared with Leherim was stretched to breaking. Finally it did break, leaving him feeling numb.

His muscles went slack, his fingers dropping to his sides as he sank to the floor, his head falling forward, no strength left within him.

Mirimir held him up as best she could for as long as she could, keeping him from slamming painfully into the stone floor, but she let him go, slowing him, and moved to sit beside him when he was sitting steady enough, facing him, her own breathing ragged as his breath came too quickly, his eyes so dark and pained.

Finally his breath caught in a soft sob, and he allowed her to pull him forward, his face buried in the angle of neck and shoulder as warm moisture fell onto her skin. She wrapped one arm tightly around him, the other resting over his back, her fingers combing absently through his hair, trying to calm him as he mourned the passing of his sister to the West. She and Elrohir had been sent for not long ago, and Legolas had been antsy since, worried, pained, afraid, spending every moment he could speaking to her.

Afraid what had apparently happened would happen.

She took a deep breath and tried to calm her own feelings, knowing that although most of what she felt was coming from him, a good portion of it was her own. She didn't want Leherim to leave… and she would probably miss Elrohir a little… the twerp.

Legolas took a deep breath, and she could feel him consciously trying to get a grip on his emotions, trying to block the link he shared with her enough she wasn't getting his emotions… but he was unable to as he was overwhelmed by reality again.

She couldn't imagine what it must be like, to spend your life, with only a handful of years as an exception, with an elf, only to have that elf suddenly gone. The only good thing she could find in this mess was that one day they would see Leherim again.

His tears were slowing, his breathing easier. Slowly he straightened slightly, and scooted over to the wall, placing his back against it, letting his head fall carelessly back as he fought to control the emotions. His eyes opened for an instant, one hand lifting slightly, fingers open, reaching for her.

She walked over to him—her old walk, not upright—and allowed him to draw her close, his arms tight around her once she found a comfortable way to sit on him. Feeling him begin to win his internal battle, she leaned her head against his shoulder, listening to his heart slow to a normal rate as the time passed.

Once she felt nothing volatile from him, but felt enough to know he wasn't blocking himself from her, she relaxed a bit. Are you going to be okay?

I don't know, he answered honestly. Even standing on the shore I didn't feel this strong a desire to cross.

She leaned back, watched his eyes darken as he thought about it again. She set her hands against his cheeks, stroking lightly with her thumbs. You'll see her again, when you do go.

Yes… but when will that be?

What holds you here?

Aragorn, Gimli, my blasted title…

The Wood would not like you to die for them. Aragorn and Gimli will age quickly, will they not?

Dwarves live much longer than most humans, and Aragorn is not most humans. He may live many years before he dies.

Can you wait that long, or shall preparations be made for you to follow her? You know she's feeling this loss as keenly as you are.

I know, but it doesn't make it easier. I will stay until Aragorn has died.

Are you sure you can?

No.

Mirimir tilted her head at him, seeing weariness from weeks of uncertainty gnawing at him. That much he could do something about. She got up, pulled him up beside her, and walked with him to the rooms he had shared with Leherim and Elrohir. Now the door to their sitting room, and so their room, was closed, blocking off the view. You need to sleep… shall you be able to here?

I'll have to, won't I?

Her gaze fell, no answer presenting itself. She looked up after a moment to see Legolas staring blankly at the wall. Legolas?

He shook himself slightly and ran a hand through his hair, his other plucking at the fastenings on his tunic.

Umm… Goodnight, she murmured softly, turning around as the tunic parted.

Night it is. His voice was soft, but she could still catch the bleak tone.

Legolas, the sun will rise in the morning, and the stars are out tonight.

And I can see neither.

She frowned, nibbling her lip. Perhaps you should travel for a while. Go see those friends of yours, get out of the mountain… away from your memories for a little while.

Maybe, he agreed, his voice filled with exhaustion. His hand settled on her shoulder, pulling her slightly around so he could kiss her cheek. I shall be all right in time, little one. He rested his head against hers for a moment, then stepped back. Go on and get some rest yourself… I know you miss her as well.