Hey guys. I'm exhausted, and I know this is really short. So I'll get another one up by early next week (followed by a new chapter on the Thursday or Friday). Wow. I went from nothing to do except relax and write (and play computer games, and paint, and write friends and family) to scrambling around like a chicken with my head cut off with buying books that haven't all come in, trying to get my schedule straightened out, trying to catch teachers, dealing with all the bull paperwork that seems to multiply like rabid bunnies, picking up extra hours at work... I'm exhausted. Did I say that already? Probably doesn't help that for some bizarre reason I woke up at four and couldn't get back to sleep.
Okay, enough complaining. On to reviewer response!
The Hobbit Ivy: Actually, usually I can keep updating while in school. It's when I'm not that things get difficult... because I only have internet access at school (and one of my summer jobs this summer). I went from summer job, to a different summer job (with no internet) and back to school. So, chapters should be coming more normally again. Well... not quite. Not just yet, anyway. ; )
Lady Anck-su-namun: Um... maybe I'm just brain-dead at the moment, but what am I reading? Besides homework texts, of course.
Coolio02: Thanks, and is this soon enough?
sarah: You're easy to please. lol. Nope, won't work out that way. She has to remember on her own. All he could do would be confuse her and slow things down.
LJP: Again? When did Tanthien woo her before? Umm... maybe someone else has my elf.
xkuroxshinobix: I plan to, hopefully at least one chapter a week (though with really short ones, like this one and the next, I tend to update a bit faster).
Animir: You're quite entitled to your opinion. I don't much like him either, but I really sympathize with Legolas when writing this. I know what you mean about all the names! When I write, at least, I try and break it up by what the speaker/character is acting like at the time, or how the speaker wants the character to feel... that sounds totally confusing, but maybe you can make some sense out of it!
The Luckiest: Most definately. Do you get asked about your name often?
IvannethFuin: She will eventually...
Elven at Heart: I know patience isn't exactly what you want to hear... but then I just typed it, rather than said it... aghn. Whatever. Onto the story!
Chapter 11
"Legolas!" Lunian called out the name even as she jumped from her horse's back. She let her horse to the elf who tended to them, and smiled over her shoulder at her companion. "Thank you for the company, Tanthien."
"Any time, my lady," he answered, bowing his head slightly. "Like tomorrow, perhaps?"
She nodded with a faint smile, before running to catch up with Legolas as he turned again to approach the training field. "Good morning, Legolas," she murmured.
He looked at her, took in the happily sparkling eyes. He nodded slightly and turned away.
As the afternoon wore into evening he straightened from his wary warrior's pose, and sheathed his blades. "Enough, Lunian."
"Oh, all right," she grumbled, flipping the blades around so their hafts were presented. She watched his small smile as he took them with a frown of her own. "Legolas? What is it?"
"Nothing, Milady," he denied, his voice a bit deeper than usual. "You are awaited," he murmured, inclining his head.
She turned and saw Nallina waiting for her. She smiled and waved. "Again tomorrow?" she asked, looking up at him.
After a moment he nodded, before bowing his head and walking into the woods. Something was clearly bothering him. She was about to follow, press him for reasons—
"Lunian!"
"Coming!" she rolled her eyes and ran to meet her friend, joining her return to their rooms. "I know, I know," she interrupted when Nallina would have mentioned how dirty she was. "He's incredibly good, you know."
"I know. I've seen him fight before."
Lunian frowned. "I… don't remember having seen it."
Nallina smiled faintly and shrugged delicately. "If you did, you shall likely remember one day."
"Lina, that is very irritating."
"And you know why it must be," Nallina scolded gently.
Lunain sighed and stepped into the bath, washing the dirt from her skin quickly as Nallina lathered her hair. "Sometimes, Lina, you act like a second mother to me."
Nallina laughed softly and poured some water over Lunian's head, rinsing her hair. "I have never been your mother, merely your friend." She sat down at stared at a bit of water creeping across the stone floor. "Lunian?"
"Hmm?"
"Where were you this morning? Or yesterday morning?"
"Or the one before that, or before that, for the last few months?" she asked, lifting a brow.
"Yes," Nallina agreed, her ear tips turning red.
"I was with Tanthien," Lunian murmured, ducking under the water to rinse off. She stood and wrapped herself quickly.
"Why?"
"Because he is fairly nice, and not as pompous or flirtatious as Ethwan or Irithil, most of the time."
Nallina frowned and followed her into her room, waiting as Lunian changed into a gown. "Does Legolas know?"
"What does it matter if he does or not?" Lunain asked, twisting to see the fastenings she couldn't do up blind. Finally she turned her back to Nallina, who went to work without comment. "Besides," Lunian murmured, tugging the gown down to where it was supposed to be as Nallina stepped back. "He always seems to know."
"Yes…"
"Nallina, just say whatever it is that has you so upset."
"Shouldn't you think about what you've forgotten before you consider growing closer to someone?"
Lunian blinked, turning slowly to face her friend. "What I've forgotten? I have been told I may never remember fully, but I've remembered a little more each day. I remember Arwen, and watching Elladan with that rash-causing plant, Estel, the white city… I know there is much I don't know… but why should I stop my life until I remember?"
"Do not stop it," Nallina murmured, "just… don't change it, either."
Lunian shook her head with a slight sigh. "Lina, you worry too much."
"And I fear you don't worry enough," Nallina replied softly, biting her lip.