Okay, here's the last chapter for a while--hope you appreciate it, cause I should have been alseep three hours ago.

Why do people seem to believe they can tell everything about a story from ONE chapter? I mean, yeah, if the writing is horrid, there are more words misspelled or incorrect than not, no sign of a plot... then you can tell it's not worth reading. But one chapter shouldn't be enough. Okay, obviously I was flamed--always for the first chapter. I just don't get it. If you think it's that bad, why bother reviewing? I think the best one was saying I could 'write a little'... My writings combined have gotten over 1100 good reviews--so I can write a little. I'm so happy.

All that said...

Kat=me: I think fairly carefully about most of my sentances and word uses. Part of it is how each character would speak, partly how I wrote for the previous story, and a bit how I think they would being what they are. So, I'm sorry if I confuse you, and if you ever have questions I'll be glad to answer... but that's the way it's going to remain written.

The Hobbit Ivy: I had to smile reading your review since I already had this written... : )

Iluvien: I'm glad you do--I re-worked everything a few times to try and get that across without beating any readers over the head with it. Hopefully it remains fairly well balanced.

CrimsonEnchantress: I know what it's like to have no time. Thanks for taking the time here!

random flamer: If you read beyond the first chapter, you might have figured out that it isn't a Mary Sue at all, at least by any definition I've come across.

Crecy: Yeah, I'm sure it bites... and it's only going to get worse!

LJP: What is fanficish writing like? Yes, she knows Legolas loves her, but he shields even that enough that she only knows of a portion of it--which explains why she hasn't linked things. What he lets her feel is suitable for a good friend.

IvannethFuin: She knows they were as friends--nothing more. The final words were a memory coming forth to help comfort her.

asdasaERF: While the first story I ever posted here may be counted among the Mary-Sues, I object to this one falling under that category. As for elves not having stuffy parties--you're entirely missing the point. Lunian is young. The elves at the party are mostly very old--of around Elrond's age, in the vast majority. Not many eighteen year olds I've ever known are thrilled to go to their grandparent's or even their parents parties. When she is older, she will likely be glad to go to them, but right now she objects on a mere age level. She enjoys dancing, as long as she can choose when to leave, and has a good time with her friends. She protests because she would rather do other things, because, as I said, she is young.

jidgiuhsdg: Most of the names ARE elvish. I looked up a name generater, printed it out, and used it for most of those that weren't from Tolkien. I didn't print out a dictionary, and I don't use a translater to pick meanings for the words because most people who read this sort of thing aren't rushing to a site to look up what the name means. The only time any meaning behind a name really matters, the author usually finds a way--hopefully subtle--to include it in the story itself, to spare the reader lots of searching that most people really don't have time for in this day and age. Besides, I write to relax, unwind... and I'm not going to spend hours researching for my fanfiction. My original stories, perhaps.

And to xkuroxshinobix, angel13 (how did you review three times?), and RiRiana, thanks for reviewing!

Yeesh. Getting flames puts me in a bad mood. Sorry to any of my consistantly nice reviewers if my tongue got a bit sharp up there (and to my nice new ones, too).

Chapter 9

Lunian bolted upright as she woke, her eyes wide as she recalled the words she had fallen asleep hearing. There had been no one in her room, so it was truly a memory.

With a weary sigh she got up and dressed, going to the kitchens for a light snack before she headed out into the woods, climbing up into her favorite tree. From there she could look deeper into the woods, through some trees to see her family home and some of the gardens, or out over a pond. Today she chose the pond, settling herself onto the thick branch with a sigh as she watched the wind stroke the water.

She was so caught up in thoughts that she didn't notice the people looking for her until she heard her name called. She turned her head, seeing her father jog a few steps. "Legolas!"

"What is it, Elrohir?" he asked. Even from where she sat she could hear the slight edge to his voice. Whatever was wrong, he was ready to take action in an instant.

"Where is Lunian?"

Legolas bowed his head slightly, a frown drawing his brows together for an instant, before he lifted his head, looking directly at her. He turned to her father after a moment. "She is fine," he murmured.

Elrohir sighed and nodded. "You would know," he agreed, clapping a hand on Legolas's shoulder before returning inside.

"Where is she?" Ethwan asked, looking around at the trees in her direction.

"Where she wishes to be," Legolas answered softly. "She will come when she feels she is ready to."

Irithil was in his path when he tried to go back inside. "She was crying last night."

"I know." Legolas looked down the very slight difference in height, studying the male before him.

"What did you do to her?" Ethwan hissed, mimicking Irithil's pose, arms crossed defiantly over his chest.

"I offered her my shoulder to lean on, my ear to use. If you would excuse me, Irithil, my father has some business he wishes me to attend to at the moment."

"But I suppose if she asked you to join her for a walk you would be available?" Ethwan asked, his voice somewhat bitter.

"I always have time for her, as does my father. As should any who claim to care about her." He looked at them coolly before stepping forward, forcing Irithil either to move and let him pass or continue the challenge.

Irithil moved after a moment, and Lunian found a faint snort leaving her before she turned back to watching the pond. Irithil was full of himself from time to time, but he wasn't stupid. There were some elves you just didn't push.

After that little scene, she simply let her mind wander, focusing from time to time on where people were, just to distract herself. Closing her eyes she made guesses based on where she felt them to be, smiling when a word or two drifted to her ears and affirmed what she had assumed. A few minutes of that was all it would take for her to return to her sityation, making her wonder all over again what she was to do.

She felt him come close just before he started climbing. Following his progress was simple, using that gift, but she couldn't tell where he was by sound until he was nearly beside her. The tree told her, of course, but she reassured it she didn't mind him. "Bring anything to eat?"

He chuckled but passed her some waybread without comment, eating his own. The water skin was shared, as was the view before them. When their meal was done he dusted his hands on his leggings, turned on their branch to face her.

Without looking at him she pulled her legs up, wrapping her arms around them, leaning her head back against the trunk. "How did you know where I was?"

"I always know. Just as you always know where I am."

"I was born with that gift," she murmured softly. "Were you?"

"I learned it, through our time together."

"I am the only one you find, then?"

"Yes, Milady."

She sighed softly and shook her head. "I'm getting over emotional about sappy songs."

She felt rather than saw his smile. "No, Lunian. It would take a cold heart not to be affected by such a song after what you have just learned."

Lunain smiled faintly, moving onto her knees to reach out to cup his cheek in her palm. "How do you always know when I need time to think on my own, or when I would rather have someone else present? When I need silent company, or gentle wisdom?"

He kissed her palm and then moved so he was behind her, his back to the trunk of the tree. He pulled her back, wrapping both arms around her middle. "I knew you well, and for many years, Lunian."

"Doesn't this hurt you, then?"

"On the contrary. Helping you does my heart good. I do not enjoy your pain, your confusion, but I know it is a necessary step towards remembering everything… and when you remember it, you will be complete, and at peace, which is all I wish."

She let out a deep sigh, even as a small smile played at her lips as she curled into his embrace. "I don't think there is anything I could remember that would make me worthy of such a friend as you."

"You are quite wrong, Milady. It was always I who thanked the Valar for knowing you." He kissed her crown before resting his head back against the tree, smiling faintly as she relaxed even farther.