Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR.

Rating: PG-13

Author's Note: I would like to thank my generous reviewers. Writing Unfinished Earth right after Beasts of Burden left me utterly drained and very ill, and wonderful reviews are always such a surprise and comfort. I am now less terrified of tackling this new mammoth project, thanks to the reviews. They rejuvenate me and keep me going. Thank you!

Many thanks to Templa Otmena and Beling for reviewing Unfinished Earth! Responses are at the bottom of the page. ;)

Thank you also to Rhys for reviewing Unfinished Earth and Beasts of Burden! It was so kind of you to review stories that were already finished, from which I have already moved on. And to leave a review for each chapter! ;) I am happy to see that you caught the implications in Beasts of Burden – I do plan on writing about the incident with Aragorn and Legolas' disagreement. And your praise for Unfinished Earth honored me to no end – to be called the best in any category is enough to send a humble author into a fainting spell ;) Your descriptions of what you saw and what you felt in me while reading were very helpful to me as a writer, and your understanding of the character's motivations was beautiful. Thank you so much for your kind words!

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by Kasmi Kassim

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From Twilight to Dawn

Chapter 1: Mysterious Tidings

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Though none had warned of the arrival – because none knew of it – the lord of the valley was waiting at the path. Standing alone amid the grass and the flowers, he was a serene stillness of the earth, the gentle wave of the wind. His eyes were deep as he looked up at the early morning sky; his robes were swaying in the light breeze. Birds were singing under the pale sun. Spring was at its peak.

As the early flowers uncurled their shy petals upon the earth, a distant figure approached from afar. A gentle smile blossomed upon the elven lord's lips. The white steed trotted along the path until its rider spotted the dark-haired elf standing in the path; then the speed of the horse quickened.

"Lord Elrond!" exclaimed the rider, leaping off of the horse as the animal slowed. Elrond held out his arms.

"Welcome, Legolas."

Halting his attempt at a bow, the young prince moved into the welcoming arms with a bright smile. The twinkle in his eyes caught the rays of the sun, sending a pale glint toward the sky. His slender back was warm under Elrond's hands.

Pulling back with his hands still upon the youth's shoulders, the lord of Imladris looked into Legolas' face with a smile.

"How fares your father? And your home?" Taking the younger elf's hand, he began to walk toward the house.

"My father is well," answered Legolas, devouring the sight of the valley with his eyes. "Mirkwood is not much different from when you saw it last." Elrond could see that he was distracted, and chuckled to himself. The young eyes were brighter, his lips parted in absorption into bliss, as the wood elf looked around. Upon his first visit, the elfling of the woodland realm had called the Last Homely House a palace.

"And how fare you, Legolas? Have you been well?" Elrond watched the younger elf with affection glimmering in his dark eyes. The wood elf was radiating happiness, basking in the warmth of the peace that resided in the valley.

Turning quickly back to Elrond, Legolas smiled apologetically. "Yes. Well – my father did not allow me to leave until days after my begetting day. Forgive me my belatedness."

A twinkle akin to amusement emerged in Elrond's eyes, as his mind conjured an image of a certain blond elf who had once apologized to him just so. He shook his head, and with a smile, led the youth across the grass. The morning breeze was still quite chill, merging with a fresh scent of flowers and a honey-gold warmth that was Imladris. Their steps were idle as they strolled side by side, occasional voices mingling with shy winds.

When Elrond stopped before the halls and bid a household advisor to escort Legolas to his usual guest room, he still wore the serene smile upon his lips. But as soon as the youth turned away and disappeared down the hall, the elven lord folded his arms behind his back, watching the disappearing golden hair with a troubled expression.

Legolas Thranduilion was not a skilled liar.

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Arwen looked up from her book when she heard a soft rapping on the door. She frowned. Her brothers never knocked that softly. Well, not unless they were plotting to drag her into another one of their wild adventures or mischievous schemes. In that case, she would stay on the bed, and pretend to be absent.

However, the caller was persistent; the knock came again. It was the same soft rapping, patient and cautious. Only then did Arwen remember that her brothers had already left for their hunt; quickly resting the book on the dresser by her bed, she untangled her legs from the mess of sheets and blankets. Slipping bare feet onto the carpet, she rose and approached the door.

"Who is it?" she called, running her fingers through unruly locks of hair.

"Arwen." The call was a whisper.

Eyes wide, the elleth quickly swung her door open. She barely had time to step aside as a flash of gold and green slipped past her and ducked into her room. Swept up in the air of excitement and secrecy, she shut the door and locked it. Then she turned.

"Legolas!" she exclaimed softly, hurrying toward the elf who sat on the floor. "Why...when...how...?!"

Azure blue eyes smiled up at her. Legolas rubbed his eyes, still plopped down upon the carpet. "I see your father did not tell you that I was coming."

"Valar, no!" exclaimed Arwen again, falling to her knees and looking into her friend's face. It was a joy to see him again, though this sudden appearance was rather surprising. She had begun to think that he would not come this year – again. "How have you been? Why have been gone so long? You-" she stopped when Legolas brought a finger to his lips. She frowned, and looked back at the locked door. Legolas seemed to be listening. Soft footfalls faded away down the corridor outside.

Visibly relaxing once more, Legolas smiled up at her. He reached out and touched her cheek lightly. "You become fairer with the seasons, my lady," he remarked, a bright smile upon his lips. Arwen replied with a dazzling smile of her own, and reached out to trace his cheek as well. She stopped when her finger felt a scar under his chin. She leaned closer, a frown marring her face. When she lifted his chin and tilted her head to get a better view, Legolas pulled away.

"Let me see it," demanded Arwen, the frown deepening. Legolas smiled.

"It's healing, Arwen."

"Yes, but-" glancing back at the door, Arwen chewed on her lip. Why the secrecy?

But then again, old habits did not disappear easily; when Legolas walked into her room, she always locked the door. During the winter, they used to huddle against the hearth and share adventures they had experienced in their respective homes. They used to crawl under the blankets late at night and tell each other scary stories they heard from their fathers. They would play hide-and-seek against the entire population of Imladris, remaining huddled and stifling giggles within the darkness of a closet or a cellar or a bush or a tree, until the entire valley was upturned with a frantic search for the missing elflings as Lords Elrond and Erestor and Glorfindel watched lazily on. Only once had they been caught before coming forth to be found, which was when Arwen fell off of her perch atop a high shelf in the library – straight on top of Erestor.

Of course, the older elf had not embarrassed them or scolded them. But the two never tried high places again. Arwen refused it, and Legolas knew better than to dispute her.

Legolas read the question in her puzzled gaze. He smiled feebly.

"I have a few scratches on my back, and I cannot dress them properly."

Turning her head from the locked door, Arwen stared incredulously. "A few scratches?" She shifted, and rose to her feet. "Scratches serious enough to make you fear publicity?" She held out a hand. Legolas took it.

"Not enough to make a scene," muttered the wood elf, lifting his body off of the carpet as Arwen pulled him up. "I did not want injuries to be the first sight to greet your father."

Hands on her hips, Arwen sighed dramatically. "Ai, to think that I now stand to conspire against my father!"

Legolas chuckled as he walked to her bed. "I am forever indebted. How may I be of service to repay this kindness, my lady?"

Arwen smiled. Dark hair swirled around as she busied herself with taking out healing equipment from the drawers of her dresser. "I shall think of something," she said flightily, assembling various utensils on the bed. Legolas pulled himself onto her mattress, and Arwen smiled with her back turned toward him, listening to his relaxed breathing in the familiarity of her room.

In all earnest, she was relieved that her friend had come to her. She knew how much Legolas disliked making a public scene of himself; he would go out of his way to keep from becoming a burden to his hosts. Sometimes Elladan would roll his eyes and tell him to relax, since Imladris and Mirkwood were in friendly relations and the twins visited Mirkwood often anyway – but that did not stop the humble prince from bowing politely, declining offers of hospitality, slinking away to be inconspicuous. At least he had enough sense to come to her, instead of hiding his injuries in neglect.

Legolas unclasped his tunic and began to slide it off his shoulders. His movements were strained, however; it was obvious that the wounds were still causing him pain. Arwen's fingers stopped him. "Let me."

Gratefully he remained still, sitting cross-legged on the bed, as cool fingers glided against heated skin. Kneeling behind him, Arwen carefully removed the tunic from his torso, and sucked in her breath.

"Ada will be less than happy if he sees this," she muttered. Legolas frowned.

"Is it not presentable?" he asked over his shoulder. Arwen pressed her lips into a thin line.

What could she say? That his shoulder blades looked like they had been torn open by wargs? That bite marks – human bite marks – laced his fair skin from neck to waist? Some lacerations were deeper than others. There were what looked like whip lashes, nail scratches, bite marks, and – something else. Long lines of red burns. Burns?

"Legolas," she breathed, tentatively fingering a burn. The body beneath her cool fingers flinched. "What happened to you?"

The body stiffened under her touch. She gently placed her hand on a part of a shoulder where there were no deep wounds. "Legolas," she called again, softly. "You know you can trust me."

A sigh. And then, the tension in the shoulders left. Arwen gently brushed his hair with her fingertips, gathering it to let it fall over his right shoulder. She began to prepare to clean the wounds.

"I encountered some...trouble." The voice was tired, hesitant. Careful hands of the apprentice healer dabbed the wounds with a soft damp cloth. She could feel muscles tensing again.

"Go on," she encouraged, dipping the cloth in the small basin of water once more. As she wringed the cloth, soft droplets of water trickled through the silence of the room. Legolas leaned forward, lost in thought.

"Arwen," he called abruptly. "Have you ever come into contact with an orc?"

Distracted by the suddenness of the question, Arwen blinked. "Of course I have. But only contact through a blade – why?" After tentatively wiping away the dried blood on his back, she began to dress his wounds. Tingling sensations of magic seeped through his broken skin, the tender healing touch bestowed from her gifted hands.

Legolas did not answer. Arwen did not press further, and worked in silence. The trickle of water soothed the hush of the room.

"Legolas." Arwen tapped his shoulder. "All finished. Wake up."

Jolted from whatever reverie he was in, Legolas began to put on his tunic. His movements were smoother now, and the scars were almost completely erased due to Arwen's healing. They would fade away in less than a day. Satisfied with her work, Arwen gathered up the utensils and scrambled off of the bed. Putting the equipments away, she glanced at the locked door, and grinned. "If the kitchen elves hear your voice outside this door, they would be horrified."

Legolas smiled as well, swinging his legs down the side of the bed and placing bare feet upon the floor. "Of course, to find a growing lad in a lady's room. Very improper, horrifically scandalous."

Her back turned toward Legolas once more, Arwen put the items away into the drawers, waiting for Legolas to finish his explanation regarding his wounds. But he did not speak further, and she sighed inwardly. Males were so unreasonable. Especially Legolas. Why did he have to be so reserved sometimes?

"How long will you stay?" she asked nonchalantly, deciding to let this pass. Perhaps he would tell her later. He usually did.

Legolas' fingers were busy clasping on his tunic as he answered. "I am leaving tomorrow."

"What?" Arwen whirled around, mouth agape. Legolas looked up, and smiled apologetically.

"I hoped to catch your brothers before they left again."

"You know they leave soon after your begetting day. Winter has passed." Arwen frowned, looking decidedly unhappy. "Can't you-?"

Legolas shook his head, and smiled once again with apology in his eyes. "I wish I could. But if you wish to stay longer, you can-"

"No," cut in Arwen. "You promised to escort me to Lorien, and I am leaving with you tomorrow." Seeing the guilt in his eyes, she sighed. She threw on a light cloak. "Well," she muttered, looking out the window, "we have some time before supper. Join me for a walk in the garden, and you can tell me about your exciting life in Mirkwood while I tell you about my boring life in Imladris and Lorien."

Rising to his feet, her companion threw a rare smile of roguish charm inherited from his father. "It would be an honor, my lady," he said gallantly with a bow; Arwen giggled and slapped his arm. Grinning and snickering as if reverted to elflings once again, the pair quickly climbed out the window, and landed soundlessly in the garden. And arm in arm, they strolled away, giggling and chatting, into the fading sunlight.

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To Be Continued

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merrymagic26: I'm glad to hear you're liking it! Thank you!

Deana: Haha, I hope I don't disappoint you! Thank you!

Mornflower: Well, at least one person approves...;) Thank you!

Brazgirl: Ah yes, a healthy dose of Thranduil, yes? ;) I hope I didn't make you wait too long! And as a fellow student, I give you my sympathy. Sigh. Well, hopefully my story can make you feel better for at least a while! Thank you for reviewing! And curious readers are good...yessss....kekeke...

MidKnightDragonz: Haha, taking a year updating? That is a thought. Hmmm. Hohoho. Anyway, I hope your curiosity is answered soon! Thank you!

elvingirl3737: I am happy to hear that I depicted the adolescent thing to your satisfaction! Yay! Thank you for telling me how you felt!

Rede: Oh, you went way out of your way to clarify for me. I am so humbled. Thank you so much! Your encouragements mean so much, and it's a joy to see a reader who sees and understands the thought that goes to putting meanings beyond meanings. Your descriptions were so honest, so encouraging. Thank you again! I am so honored.

KissTheRainGirl12489: It's good to see you again! Thank you for reviewing!

Beling: Ah, happy am I to see you again! You left me breathless with your reviews. As for From Twilight to Dawn, I am so glad to hear that someone with experience approves of my portrayal of adolescent relationship complications! It was quite a challenge, trying to write from both points of view, since I have never been a parent...;) I breathed a great sigh of relief when I read your review. And the way you read into every word from the father – wow. One can tell that you have been there, done that – you just radiate insight in this matter! So deep and understanding. I can just see you reaching out and probing gently into and around the characters, feeling the pulse of their beings with your own. It's breathtaking to watch!

And Legolas' self-deprecating thoughts...I am quite experience in that field, I admit, because being in my last month of teenage, I still bear traces of that adolescent turmoil. I grew up being constantly told how selfish I am, since I'm always lost in thoughts and wrapped in my own little world, and consequently become unaware of other people...and so my periodic rounds of reproaches, nervous efforts and self-conscious doubt, complacence and reproach again – those were used as models for my perfectionist, adolescent Legolas. I hope I didn't make him too much like little me. ;) And as for Unfinished Earth – I thought you decided to just review my latest update, and was happily surprised when I saw your long review. Your reminiscence of The Strength of One Green Leaf (I'm giddy to hear that you like the title so much!), your insight into Thranduil's role in Legolas' development of character, and everything else...wow. You saw everything so beautifully. And your understanding of my flashback scene was so beautifully sublime. And your line, "The life that Legolas live is not one of fairybook tales with happy endings, It is real, it is dirty, and it is dangerous..." was beautiful. Your lovely visualizations of the strong, wounded creatures that come full circle in a bond of healing is breathtaking to behold. Thank you so much, mellon nin – you move me every time with your kindness as well as your insight.

Ninna: Wow, a new reviewer! I am so glad you decided to leave me a review! See, one always wonders how many people actually read her stories. And boy, is it a happy surprise to hear that you even enjoy my bio page! I am humbled to no end. ;) Thank you for the review, and for telling me what you thought of Unfinished Earth!

Templa Otmena: My dear, you win the prize for Longest Review Kasmi Ever Received on a Single Story Award. ;)

Before going off into sputtering rounds of thanks, I would like to congratulate you on your vigorous start of a new phase in life! So diligent with the job search, the applications...sigh. I hope you get into the university you want!

And as for your reviews...;) I am glad to hear that you liked the beginning of my new story! You need not feel pressured into reviewing for me, though I do adore your reviews so very much – and believe me, they are very much worth the wait! Your review for Unfinished Earth just moved me to tears. Such insight and thoughtfulness! You liked my Haldir? Hehehe. Yes, you are correct in pointing out a long-standing relationship between the Mirkwood royalty and Haldir; I am glad to see that you are already looking forward to a back-story on that, as I am actually planning on writing one! In fact, the new story I started is full of it...;) I was also delighted to see you mention how Thranduil pretends to have come only because he missed his son, because his last two sentences were the first visualization I had that gave birth to this work centered on the theme of fatherly love, until the piece gained more and more themes on top of each other and culminated into this monster of a vignette. ;) I am honored that you see layers in the piece, as was my humble wish. As always, your grasp at implied themes and vaguely hinted truths amaze me and enlighten me on what I had subconsciously wanted to depict. I draw what I feel, you see coherent themes and meanings in them, and I thrive on your perceptions of them, and the new light they shed upon my work.

I am now fascinated with your experience in England as well as Australia...;) I like Seattle, because like you, I prefer rain to sun – though many people find it depressing and an excuse to get addicted to coffee (is it true that other cities or countries don't have coffee shops around every other corner of the street?). Western Washington is like this, but once you cross the Cascade Range that cuts down the middle of the state...things start looking like California. ;) I would give you a tour (despite my interesting sense of direction) if you would ever visit...! ;) Anyway, I am finally decided on my major, following your path in majoring in English. Do you know what kind of jobs an English major could survive on? ;) Ah well, I shall follow your advice and answer your belief in me by setting my foot in that direction. Now, my 20th birthday may be a joyful event, it had not been only 10 days after the election – I would be very sad if a certain someone got reelected. ;) Ahh, enough babbling. Thank you so much for your magnificent reviews, for your concern – and take care!

Unsung Heroine: I am grateful to hear that! Thank you for reviewing despite your computer's lack of cooperation! And your comment on being incoherent in my reviews...I will interpret that as a great praise. Thank you!