Sorry, this is going to be really fast, but I have to go study. Wow, some really negative sentiment towards Tanthien...

Lady Anck-su-namun: Okay. I won't. (but she does)

LilAznElfLuver: A very good guess. Evil? Really? Sorry. Hope this isn't one, too, then.

The Hobbit Ivy: Actually, if I'm remembering right, you were closer before...

angel13: thanks

RiRiana: Here you go!

sarah: any luck? Yeah, but I haven't really had time to paint recently. And, yup--she think's it may be him, though she isn't sure.

lambchops: You want it to be over? So soon?

IvannethFuin: But Tanthien is the one with bright blue eyes. Right?

Laurenke1: Sorry about the chapter length, but I can't help it unless you want to wait about twice longer between them.

megs6789: Cute? How could that be cute? Devistating, I would think.

Elven at Heart: Sorry, but is this soon enough?

mush: I'm guessing it's the same 'mush' for both reviews. So: Elves CAN die in Valinor. The first elf to die did so there. I've been going on the idea that (for Legolas, at least) family and friends would be enough to keep him from dying even without Lunian. The time of rebirth is, as far as I know, not up to them. If Lunian was reborn and he wasn't there... well, go to my one-shot series called 'A Moment in Immortal Time' and read the chapter titled 'The waves rolled on', and you'll see what I mean. And yes, even know he is pained by her death--losing the one he loved so much for so long. Any elf that dies (unless they become human) will end up in the halls of mandos. I don't know that it is definite for them to be reborn. As for Tanthien... you aren't the only one to hate him, though 'die evil elf' is a first. So far.

Zeriae: Welcome to the story! Are you caught up yet?

Chapter 13

"You have no attachments," he frowned.

"Not that I remember," she agreed, a bit tightly as she stepped back from the elf she had been dancing with in the garden. She considered the quickest ways to rid herself of the highly unwanted attention. "But that is the problem. I probably wouldn't remember."

"That is not possible," he shook his head, smiling faintly, as if expecting to be told she was making a joke.

"Yes, it is, unfortunately. I was born once before, on the other shores. I lived there, died there… and I loved there. There is someone I loved very deeply, and though I remember small fragments of his voice, of my own feelings, I do not know who it was… or is, for I know is he here, and that I have met him."

"If he does not come forward, then why does it matter?"

"It matters because I love him," she stated, stepping even farther back.

"You don't know who he is," he countered, taking a step closer.

"I may not be able to picture him in my mind, may not hear his voice over others in a crowd, but my heart has not forgotten, even if my mind has. I will not be at peace until I know what I once knew." When he started to move forward again, she held up a hand. "Please, my lord. I know in your mind I am just a few months past my coming of age… but it is no longer true in my own mind. I spent a lifetime loving someone, and I will not put that aside. I would not, even if I were told he had died of his grief for losing me."

When she opened her eyes, he was gone. She slowly bowed her head, crossing her arms over her chest tightly. Taking a deep breath she began walking, soon coming to the one she knew was there. She leaned against him, sighing as his arms surrounded her. After a few moments he picked her up, carrying her to a bench that was hidden by a semi-circle of trees.

"Why didn't you say anything?" he asked softly once she had relaxed against him.

"I…" She shrugged and sighed. "I recall so little, but I know it was everything to me then. That the love I can barely remember was what kept me going for so long… I feel like my loss of memory is nearly a betrayal, and didn't want to admit it to anyone."

He was silent for a moment, running a hand through her hair. Finally he sighed. "I am not anyone, Lunian, I am me. And remembering your love at all is better than remembering nothing, dear one."

She smiled faintly and traced a design on his tunic with one finger. "How could I forget something imprinted on my heart and soul?"

"You cannot. And you did not. You simply ignore it, dismiss it. One day it will all make sense, Milady."

Her smile grew as peace flowed through her. "I love the way you say Milady," she murmured. "No one else says it like that."

Legolas's smile was small and tender, but his eyes were cold at the thought. "I am glad of that," he said at last, gathering her a little closer. "Lunian?"

"Hmm?"

"You know why he does not reveal himself, don't you?"

She nodded faintly. "Because I must remember on my own. Legolas?"

"Yes?"

"What happens if I don't remember?"

"You will."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because you are already remembering, do remember."

"Hmm."

Legolas smiled as he felt the last of her tensions fade away.