Sorry, I'm late again, darned real life!

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Chapter 6--Troubled Soul

Legolas couldn't deny Jaisia was right. Her mother was good at baking. Both of them ate a hearty lunch then separated to tend their separate duties. Several days passed and they only saw each other at meals.

Jaisia wandered along the river, thoughts in awhirl. She was glad she and Legolas had been separated so much. He would know something was wrong, but she wouldn't be able to tell him what it was. Cierce, her cousin, was to take a mate in just a few short days.

Once Jaisia had thought she would settle with a mate and have lovely foals like Kai, but things had changed rather dramatically. Several stallions had shown interest in her which would have delighted her before. She now realized that the attention actually didn't interest her at all. She was scared. Making a decision, she turned and trotted off towards Lilith's shelter. She would talk to her and perhaps the older mare could help her sort out her thoughts.

Lilith looked up the minute Jaisia entered the shelter, sometimes it was hard to believe the shamaness was blind. She always seemed to see more then anyone. "Come in, Jaisia, what troubles you, my dear?" she asked.

Jaisia entered the shelter and settled down across from her. "I d-do not know Lilith," she said. She was horrified and embarrassed to realize she was near tears.

"Calm down, child and do your best," Lilith said.

"I think I am going mad! I always thought I wanted to have a mate and foals of my very own, but now the thought leaves me cold! I do not understand what is wrong!" Jaisia wailed. "I know that I will follow Legolas when he leaves and I know that he will leave. I feel like I do not know my own mind anymore. I am so afraid, Lilith."

"Let me ask you this, child and think carefully before you answer. Do you love Legolas in ways that are not sister like?" Lilith asked.

Jaisia was quiet for a long time and Lilith didn't rush her. She let her think. Finally Jaisia shook her head. "No, I look at him as my baby brother that I must protect even though I know he is my senior by thousands of years, but he looks so young," she said.

"Your heart is sure. I can sense it. You, Legolas and Kai share a soul bond, but you and Legolas have spent much more time together then Kai. You have used the bond many times to save each other. It is because of that the bond has become so strong. Legolas and you have formed a bond stronger then the deepest friendship and beyond the deepest love. I understand it can be frightening, but it will also strengthen both of you in ways that neither of you can imagine. Do not fear it, Jaisia, instead treasure it," Lilith said.

Jaisia nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you, grandmother Lilith. I will heed your advice," she said and trotted from the shelter.

"Do not allow the strength of the bond to tear the two of you apart, Jaisia. Some day it will be the one thing that can save both of you," Lilith whispered. The day was warm, but she shivered anyway. Settling herself comfortably, she fell deeply asleep.

Jaisia did feel better and decided to seek out Legolas and apologize for her behavior. She finally found him by the river and laid down next to him. "I am sorry if I hurt your feelings, sweet cheeks. I just had some things to work out," she said.

"I understand, did you work them out for now?" Legolas asked.

"Yes, everything is fine now," Jaisia said.

They sat watching the river for a long time without speaking. They were past needing words between them when they were together….

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There, framework is laid! R/R please!