A/N: Thanks to Erewyn (Patricia) for editing that line about the men of Lake Esgaroth.

And of course, to everyone that's been reading- thanks! I really do appreciate it. =)

Chapter Two: Of Things That Change

Legolas smiled broadly and sat back in the plush chair. He stared at the bright fire before him and brought the glass to his mouth, wetting his lips on the fine Dorwinion wine that his father had given him. He felt refreshed and renewed- since his return home, he had taken a warm bath, changed his clothing and eaten an excellent meal. He was in his own bedroom now and the warmth of the fire and wine had relaxed him. His eyes grew hazy and distant as he mused over the past few hours.

Time had seemed to pass by in a blur the moment he set foot in his father's study. Fortinbas had informed him that his father rarely slept at night and usually sat in his study, reading over old manuscripts and double-checking ledgers and trading papers. Legolas knew however, that his father's restlessness at night was more likely due to his prolonged absence than anything else.

Legolas had walked into Thranduil's study unannounced. The king did not even lift his head when Legolas had cleared his throat quite loudly and only when he said the word 'father' did Thranduil look up.

From that moment on, Legolas' ears rang with the sound of laughter and his body ached with the strength of each embrace and hold.

Daurwyn and Lohr had been awakened from their sleep by Fortinbas and before long Thranduil's study was filled with his closest friends and family members. The formal announcement of his return would be made throughout the kingdom the next morning at breakfast but only those close to Legolas had been called to greet him. There were a few tears and a bout of merry-making before his father finally bid everyone to leave Legolas to rest, for which Legolas was very grateful. Though an elf rarely grew tired, Legolas had been traveling for many days with little respite and food to go on. He had not known how exhausted he was until he was left alone in his room. Though it would have been nice to have a servant wait on him, Legolas felt the need to be alone with his thoughts for a little while longer.

Legolas sighed happily and sipped his wine, remembering the way everyone had greeted him. How good it had felt to be welcomed home- to be greeted by kind faces and gentle voices! How absolutely wonderful it had been to see the familiar hallways and decorations of his home!

The only mar upon his perfect homecoming was the absence of the one face he had been longing above all to see.

Though Legolas knew that it was late and she was sleeping, it still saddened him not to find Karalynn among those who had come. Even Kythe had not been there. He had scanned the crowd in his father's study many times, hoping against hope that Karalynn would be there looking at him with her bright eyes and ever present smile.

But she had not been there.

"Perhaps it is better that we meet in private," Legolas said quietly as he stared into the fire. "Beyond the eyes of others."

He sat up when he heard his door slowly open and close.

"Oh, Legolas," said a sweet, soft voice. "How many times must I remind you that I am a married elf now and a mother as well. You must not wish for us to meet in private any more!"

Legolas put his glass of wine on the floor and got to his feet, whirling around to face his visitor.

She was dressed in a heavy white gown and dark green robe, and her long golden hair was left unbound. Her cheeks were pink as if she had hurried to his room and her eyes were merry and full of delight.

"Kythe!" he said happily. "Long have I missed your teasing! Why were you not in my father's study with Faran?"

Kythe rushed into his arms and they hugged each other. They stood there for a long time, simply holding one another as old friends long separated. For a moment, Legolas felt as if he were a child once again and the memories of his childhood days spent with Kythe and Faran and Fortinbas were sweet and pleasant in his mind.

Finally they drew apart and Kythe looked up at him, her green eyes narrow in study.

"The others did not lie," she said after a moment. "You have changed, my friend."

Legolas blinked in surprise and then chuckled.

"Have I?" he said, faintly amused. He took a step back and leaned on the arm of his chair. "No one made mention of that. What do you see, Kythe? What have they said?"

"Your eyes are older," she said. "Sadder, perhaps. Or maybe not. Are you seeking a physical description, Legolas? You will get none. I feel a change in you as the others have, even in that short amount of time. There is a strength about you now and it surrounds you like a light. Yet something else lies behind your eyes. Something… else- I know not what exactly."

The smile on Legolas's lips grew small and weak as he contemplated her words. Had he changed so obviously? Could the other elves see the restless contradictions inside of him?

Kythe tilted her head to the side and then laughed, though her eyes were still dark in thought.

"Well, perhaps the change is only for this night," she said in a lighter tone. "And tomorrow you will return to that impossibly stubborn elf that I knew."

Legolas shook his head and laughed again.

"You speak in riddles, Kythe, like a certain wizard we know," Legolas said. He gestured to the seat across from him and she sat down. "But now is not the time to speak of him. How are you, Kythelin? Why did you not come to my father's study? Did Fortinbas fail to wake you? Faran was there, though I suppose he had just come from patrol at the time."

Kythe looked away and Legolas felt as if she were trying to avoid giving him an answer.

"Oh, Fortinbas did not fail to tell me you were here," she said, looking at the fire. "But I was occupied with… with other duties. I did hurry here as soon as I could."

She paused and looked at him again.

"You feel it, do you not, Legolas?" she said. "The call of the Sea. I can see it in your eyes though perhaps its affects are faint and not yet strong. So many of our friends have succumbed to the longing and have gone to the Grey Havens and beyond. We had feared that you had already gone and forgotten to send word in your haste. Faran and I were tempted at times… the longing came upon us like a sudden cold wind in the heat of summer. We almost left but we could not. Not when we did not know where you were. Not when…"

Legolas nodded. He knew what she meant and was glad. They would not have taken Karalynn away from him, no matter how powerful the call of the Sea grew in their hearts.

"Then you and Faran are friends worth more all the riches of Middle Earth," he said softly. He leaned forward suddenly, all mirth gone from his features.

"Karalynn… how…" Legolas's voice faltered and he lowered his eyes, feeling suddenly cold and unsure of himself. "I have been away for so long, Kythe, but believe me when I say that she has never been far from my thoughts. I promised her that I would return to her as soon as I could and I… I broke that promise. Will she forgive me? Do you think she could forgive me?"

"No," Kythe said softly. Legolas blinked, dismayed, but she looked at him kindly. "In her mind, there is nothing to forgive. She may not have fully understood why you left, but she was never angry at you for doing so. You have never been far from her thoughts as well, Legolas."

"How is she?" Legolas asked. "There are things that I do not yet understand though Fortinbas tried to explain them to me. Perhaps later we may talk of them but now… Is she very ill? May I see her? I do not wish to disturb her sleep but… just a glimpse of her face, Kythe, is all I ask."

"Legolas… there are things that I wished to tell you before you saw her," Kythe said slowly. There was an expression of uneasiness on her face and she looked away from him again. "The Ring has been destroyed for nearly forty years and the world has changed, has it not? A great evil has been lifted from Middle Earth and the effects of that have been far-reaching in their scope. Things in Eryn Lasgalen have changed."

Kythe moved uneasily in her seat and Legolas looked at her in confusion. For some odd reason, Kythe was uncomfortable and he did not know why. Had he said something, done something to make her act so? He watched her carefully as she curled and uncurled her fingers and then crossed her legs. Kythe was not a typical elf maiden- she was far more emotional and her expressions were often clear indicators of her feelings. It was clear now that she was trying to be calm but failing.

Is she hiding something from me?

"What exactly has changed?" Legolas asked, after a long silence. "You offer me vague hints as if you are afraid of frightening me off with the truth."

Kythe glanced at him and smiled though it seemed strained. She stood up and smoothed down her robe, brushing her hair from her shoulders with one sweeping gesture.

"It is late and Faran will be relieved from patrol soon," she said. "This night has been full of wonders. You do know how to make an entrance, Legolas! Walking home on foot without sending word ahead. Ah, let us continue this conversation tomorrow, when we have rested."

But Legolas would not be put off. A sliver of worry had entered his heart and he shook his head, holding out his hand to keep her from walking away.

"Is this about Karalynn?" he asked. "Fortinbas told me that it was not a serious affliction. What has happened to her, Kythe? Will she never be free of troubles? Have I done nothing to help her?"

Kythe sighed and shook her head. The uneasiness was replaced by a look of resignation and pity.

"Nay, Legolas," she said. "Forget my words. They are of no consequence to us at the moment. Karalynn is sick, yes, but it is not something to worry about. I was tending to her when Fortinbas told me you had arrived."

"May I see her then, Kythe?" he asked, getting to his feet once more.

She took his hand and squeezed it.

"Do not worry and think not of my words," she repeated. "She has just fallen asleep. I am afraid that if you entered her room now, she might awaken and she needs her rest, Legolas. Lohr's medicine is working within her as we speak though her sickness has made her uncomfortable enough to delay her rest. Allow her to lay in peace now, my friend, and allow yourself some rest also. This is your first night home- do not spend it in worry and distress. Karalynn is fine. Tomorrow you may visit her."

Kythe's advice was wise and though Legolas wished to see Karalynn at that moment, he knew he should wait. He could wait one more night- after all, he had lasted so long without seeing her face, what were a few more hours? Legolas sat down, compliant, as Kythe pushed him gently back in his chair. She took the glass from the floor and handed it to him with a wink.

"Now, I must attend to my husband," she said. "Have your drink and cherish it, for I am sure your father will spare you no more- beloved firstborn or not! Be of light heart, Legolas- spend this night in peace. I command it!"

Legolas laughed and took a sip under Kythe's watchful eye. Within seconds, his body was again pleasantly warm and relaxed and Kythe nodded, satisfied with the peaceful look in his eyes.

"Good night, Legolas," she said, as she made her way towards the door. "May your first night home be a good one."

Legolas smiled and raised his glass in response. She closed the door behind her and Legolas was once more left alone with his thoughts.

( "Things in Eryn Lasgalen have changed." )

Legolas wondered what Kythe meant.

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The next day Legolas awakened at dawn, feeling refreshed and renewed. He had grown accustomed to rising at the first light and even now, in the still darkness of his room, he knew the sun had begun its slow climb above the horizon. Legolas sat up and stretched languidly, taking pleasure in the act. For the first time in many years, he was in his bed surrounded by elven finery and craft. He enjoyed being outdoors and being closer to the trees but he could not deny the simple joy of rising from his own bed.

He stood up and looked around him, pushing away his rumpled blankets and sheets that had been made warm by his sleep. Though he wore only a pair of sleeping pants and a loose shirt , Legolas was not bothered by the cool morning air. He walked towards the large windows and pulled back the heavy curtains, smiling at the sight before him.

The woods was covered by snow. For as far as he could see, the land was white and clean, its purity broken only by a few thin branches of the trees. He knew that most of the warm-blooded creatures that made Eryn Lasgalen their home would be sleeping in caves or in other safe havens, away from the eyes of elves and men alike. There were no more spiders, nor other creatures of the dark. The wood was clean. He had walked among the trees and stepped lightly on the snow and now, as he stood above all, he saw how truly beautiful everything was.

The land was sleeping and even the trees were drowsy. It was as if all were resting and waiting for the bright and blooming dizziness of Spring to arrive.

A knock sounded at his door and Legolas was drawn from his thoughts.

"Come in," he said, turning his back on the window. The door opened and Legolas smiled as Lohr walked in jauntily, bouncing on his heels like a young elfling. There was an air of constant energy about him, one that Legolas recognized from Lohr's youth. He was glad to see that it had not faded despite the passing years and his station as the royal healer.

"Good morning, Legolas!" Lohr said, with a grin. "I see that traveling has made an early riser out of you! My job is half done now for I came to rouse you from sleep."

Legolas laughed and Lohr reached out to give his older brother an embrace. Legolas held onto him tightly. He had spoken to Lohr for only a moment the night before and he was glad that Lohr had made an effort to spend some time with him.

"And I see that age and duty have not darkened your light, little one," Legolas said, pulling back. He held Lohr by his upper arms and studied him, looking in wonder at the elf who he still thought of as a baby.

Though Lohr was much younger than him, they were of similar stature and build. Even their features were alike- they shared the same delicate features and golden hair. Their brother, Daurwyn, though handsome and pleasing to the eye, differed slightly in appearance. Daurwyn's hair was a shade darker and his lips were not as thin. His eyes, which reflected a scholar's mind, were also darker than Legolas'. Lohr and Legolas were so alike that other elves who were not so well-versed in their habits and ways, often mistook one for the other. Though this did not happen as the two grew older.

The most noticeable differences between Legolas and Lohr was that Lohr's step was lighter and his laughter more quick and easy. His eyes were often full of mirth and mischief. Lohr's playful nature was reflected through his expressions, much as Legolas' more serious thoughts were reflected in his own. It was understandable, of course- Legolas was the older son and had been groomed from birth to prepare for the crown, if he so chose it. Lohr had more freedom to go his own course.

All these thoughts passed through his mind as he looked at Lohr and after a moment, Legolas smiled.

"You have done a bit of growing up, I see," Legolas said. "I do not believe I would have recognized you last night, if you had not approached me first."

His eyes looked pointedly at Lohr's clothing and Lohr blushed.

"Is it so hard for you to believe that father appointed me the royal healer?" Lohr asked, touching the silver pendant at his neck. He wore light colored leggings and a robe, held at the waist by a sash. It was a healer's attire, simple and comfortable, yet significantly muted in color.

"Nay, but I must admit- this is the first time that I have felt truly old," Legolas said. "My baby brother, the healer of Eryn Lasgalen. You have done well for yourself, Lohr. Even if you were not his son, I am sure that father would have appointed you the healer."

Lohr grinned and Legolas hit him lightly on his shoulder.

"Though I am still wary to be treated by you," Legolas teased. "As I recall, my right leg was once broken by a small, mischievous little elfling who jumped…"

Lohr hit Legolas back, though not as lightly.

"That is the past!" he said, feigning offense. "Besides, you are getting by in your years, Legolas- perhaps your memory has suffered as a result."

"Ah, if you came here to fling insults at me, you had best leave," Legolas said, arching his back and gesturing to his weapons on a nearby chair. He had left them there the night before, atop his folded cloak. "I was given that bow by the Lady Galadriel. One more slur on my age, and I will remind you how true my aim is."

Lohr's eyes grew wide and he looked at the bow and quiver with reverence. The strand of elf hair gleamed in the growing light of the sun, winking at Lohr in return. He looked at Legolas and blinked.

"I am no warrior but that is a fine weapon," he said. "It looks as if it has just been taken from its maker's hands and yet you have used it for a time. It is a good gift; a fine gift for an archer."

Legolas walked to the chair and picked up one arrow. He tested its point with one finger and nodded.

"Aye, no words could convey my gratitude for this gift," he said, putting it back in the quiver. "It has served me well on my journey. But now I am home and I have no need for weapons and no want for war."

"Well, that is good to hear for there is neither to be found here," Lohr said. "I have come to take you to breakfast with father and Daurwyn. I have but an hour or so until I must meet with my new apprentices for the coming year."

Legolas laughed in amazement. "My brother- a teacher!" he said. "I do not know how many years it will take for me to grow accustomed to that thought."

Lohr shook his head, though a smile was fighting to emerge from his lips.

"Aye, the world has changed, Legolas," he said. "Things in Eryn Lasgalen have changed."

Legolas frowned, suddenly remembering the events of the night before. Kythe had uttered the same words, had she not? She said that he could visit Karalynn in her sickbed- but would Lohr concur with her decision?

"Is Karalynn awake?" Legolas asked suddenly. "Will she be eating with us or is she still asleep?"

At the mention of her name, Lohr's cheeks grew pink and he lowered his eyes. Once again, Legolas was reminded of Kythe's odd behavior.

Are they hiding something from me? Fortinbas, Lohr and Kythe? And if so- what can it be?

What does it have to do with my Karalynn?

"The medicine I gave her last night was strong," Lohr said, after a short silence. He raised his eyes with a bit of effort and met Legolas' gaze. "She will most likely be asleep for a time longer and I doubt that anything will wake her before her body is ready."

"What is this sickness, Lohr?" Legolas asked. "What are her symptoms and how long has it lasted? I still do not understand how she could have acquired an illness that humans suffer."

Lohr shifted his weight nervously from one foot to another. He pulled at his sash and then smoothed it out with his palm.

"It is nothing but a cough and a fever, albeit particularly severe this year," Lohr replied. "A common human malady around this season- the cold air aggravates the symptoms though they are not harmful. I have found that they fade on their own after a few days. A week at the most. Karalynn fell sick but only two days ago- it simply has to run its course."

Legolas' frown grew deeper and Lohr spoke on.

"Legolas, she will recover in due time," he said. "I have given her something to ease her cough."

"And the fever?"

"It is high but manageable," Lohr said. He frowned. "I understand your concern, Legolas, but try to understand that I will not do anything to exacerbate her illness. I may be a young healer, but I am not incompetent."

Legolas sighed. "Nay, do not be offended by my questions," he said softly. "I only want to know if I may be able to see her. Even if it is for a short time."

Lohr's expression softened and he nodded.

"Of course," he said. "She will most likely be sleeping the rest of the morning, perhaps even into early noon. When she wakes up, she will be a bit disoriented and groggy so she may not even recognize you. However, my advice, Legolas? If you wish only a glimpse of her, then do so while she sleeps. I am afraid that if she wakes and finds you there, she may grow excited and waste whatever little energy she has."

"I understand," Legolas said. So he would have to wait a while longer to see Karalynn- it was a minor delay, nothing more.

Lohr took a step back and lifted an eyebrow. Legolas nearly laughed. His brother's resemblance to their father was suddenly undeniable. He recognized that look as a caricature of his father's impatience.

"Now, you had best wash up and dress," Lohr said. "Father and Daurwyn are most likely already at the table, waiting for you. Really Legolas, it is your first day back home- the least you can do is be on time for the first meal."

Legolas laughed and walked over to his cabinet. He put his hand on the handle and Lohr turned to walk out of his room when Legolas stopped him.

"Fortinbas mentioned something last night that troubled me, Lohr," Legolas said. Lohr paused at his doorway and looked back at Legolas.

"What did he say?" Lohr asked.

"He said that Karalynn played with human children- the children of the Lake-men," Legolas said. "When did Karalynn start visiting the human village? When did the wood-elves become so friendly with the men of the Lake?"

"After the fall of the Ring the men of Esgaroth helped to slay some of the dark creatures in the wood," Lohr said. His cheeks had grown quite pink again and it was clear he did not want to answer the questions. "We are now much more closely allied as in the days before the Battle of the Five Armies. Every month or so, sometimes twice a month, your father sends out a small company to trade goods and services with the men. For the most part, it is a symbolic gesture, but it works to build a healthy relationship between us. Karalynn accompanies the group sometimes, and when she does, Faran is with her."

Legolas stared at him, astonishment clear in his eyes. He was silent and Lohr, seeing the disbelief on Legolas' face, spoke on.

"It is all safe and good," Lohr said. "The men and women seem to understand that Karalynn is… rather special. They handle her as they would any other child. She enjoys the attention and the playmates she has in the village. She is in no harm, Legolas."

"You say that though she lays in her sickbed as we speak?" Legolas asked. He titled his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. "I do not think that being ill means no harm. Until I learn more about this sickness and the men of the Lake, I do not want Karalynn to go on these visits."

Lohr opened his mouth to say something and then thought better of it. For a moment, the two brothers stared at each other silently. Finally, Lohr shook his head and let out a long sigh.

"Whatever concerns you have for Karalynn should be made to Kythe, not to me," Lohr said.

"I am above Kythe in status, Lohr," Legolas said. "And perhaps more objective in this matter than Kythe. It is fine and well that Karalynn has playmates but at the risk of falling prey to an illness? I can not believe my father would allow Karalynn to go on such visits."

A flash of emotion darkened Lohr's eyes but he said nothing to Legolas. Instead he turned his back on him and walked towards the door, placing his hand on the silver knob.

"We shall wait for you at the table, brother," he said and before Legolas could respond, he walked out into the hallway and shut the door behind him.

Vaguely disturbed at his brother's reaction, Legolas turned towards his window again, trying to find the peace he felt when he first awoke. The scene before him was still and quiet but now he could find no serenity in its white blankness.

The wood may have been cleansed of foul creatures but the trip to the Lake is still perilous. How could they allow her to join on such a journey?

( "The people of the Lake have the same illness…" )

How could they expose her to disease?

Legolas shook his head and moved towards his cabinet of clothing, taking out articles of clothing that he had not worn since his departure to Rivendell. The fabrics and materials had been well-preserved and taken care of, and Legolas was surprised to find that, though none of his clothes had been altered, they fit him quite loosely. It was no wonder. He had been away from steady meals and rest and his travels had molded his arms and legs into leaner forms. He was thinner than he had been but most definitely not weaker- just the opposite, really. There was no extra flesh to be found on his body.

As Legolas tightened his belt around his tunic, he thought about all the things he had experienced and all the things he had seen and witnessed. In his mind, humans were such fragile beings. Illnesses and afflictions could warp their bodies, stripping them of health and youth within days. He had seen robust men turn into sunken creatures in the space of mere weeks and he had heard the fevered, painful groans of the old and young alike.

That Kythe and his brother and father would allow Karalynn to come into contact with sickly creatures was beyond Legolas' understanding. Didn't they see how dangerous that was to her? Well, perhaps they had never seen a human suffer- truly suffer from an illness. To have men die in a war was a tragedy; to see men die slowly and in great pain from disease was torture.

Legolas braided his hair swiftly, his fingers deft and gentle in his hair. He tied it back and glanced at himself in his mirror before moving towards the door. He had many concerns and issues to speak to his father about and not the least of all was Karalynn.

But another issue was on the forefront of his mind, large and looming, and it lingered in his thoughts as he made his way to the royal dining room.

Ithilien.