A/N: Woo! Another update! And...a shout out to all my WONDERFUL reviewers! This story would be nothin' without you guys!

stechpalme (thanx! -huggles-), wytchkat (thank you! luv the penname, btw, don't know why, sounds kool :oD), NataNly (yer welcome for clearing it all up! and yes, i did notice that you ended everything with an exclamation point! i luv the enthusiasm!), Andeldaiel (thank you! i'm glad you like it! -huggles-), sugarontop1 (hee...i know, he's just the sweetest guy eva! thanx for the review!), Quietrockchick (thank you:oD yes, his symptoms are rather suspicious...hopefully it will all be sorted out...), Mirfien (thanx so much for the compliment! you get a cookie for being so nice. -hugs-), Black Lace101 (OMG! you gave me the largest review out of everyone! thank you! that really made my day! i'm really glad you like it! -huggles-), Andraya TheLat (i updated as soon as i could! thanx for the review!), Crecy (hmm...have a hunch, do ya? hehe...it shall all be explained. thanx for the wonderful review!), SAGA123 (BOOYEAH! lol. you have a thing for caps, don't ya? ;D your reviews are the most enthusiastic of all the ones i recieve! thank you! -huggles-), MusicalCharlaten (whoa! i updated, i updated, don't kill me! lol. thanx for the review! i hope you get your thoughts in order. ;D).

Thanx again guys! I luv you all! xoxoxox

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Disclaimer: I can only say what I need to say without the witty comment because my dad wants me to go to bed and he's giving me the evil eye. Legolas isn't mine.

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ch.5

At around five in the morning, I involuntarily woke up. It wasn't one of those omigosh-something's-wrong moments, I was just turning over when my mind came to partial awareness. Usually I would have rolled over and went back to sleep, but in the small time it would take for me to do that, I instantly thought of Legolas and if he was all right or not. I convinced myself that he should be fine and I closed my eyes to go back to sleep again, but my mind was slowly waking and urging me to go check on him. Eventually, with a tired sigh, I consented to what my brain kept telling me to do and I stumbled out of bed and into the hall, my footfalls soft on the white carpet.

When I emerged from the hallway, my eyes fell to the couch, which I saw was empty, the blanket Legolas had used neatly folded and resting on one of the cushions. My eyes swept the room to find him standing motionlessly by the wide living room window, staring at the lightening sky. I kept as quiet as I could as I made my way across the room, not wanting to startle him. When I was halfway there, he spoke.

"I had a dream last night."

I froze, blinking. How could he hear me? I couldn't even hear myself. Throwing the confusion aside and focusing on what he'd said, I dropped the stealthy act and went to his side. Once there, he didn't turn to face me, simply kept staring out the window. I followed his gaze and ignored the other buildings, streets and electrical lights, focusing on the horizon that was steadily growing lighter as the sun rose.

"What about?" I asked softly. It took a little while for him to answer. I waited patiently, not wanting to push him. I concentrated on the sound of our breathing, the sight of the day creeping slowly over the horizon, the feel of the temperature rising in the room as the sun's rays wormed their way through the window and warmed the air. Finally, I heard Legolas inhale deeply, then let it out slowly, his answer flowing out with his breath, adding a wistful, longing tone to his voice.

"My home."

I felt a pang in my heart and nearly winced visibly. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. He was still staring out the window, his sapphire eyes betraying the sorrow he felt. I inconspicuously inched closer to him.

"What did you see in it?" I whispered to him. He shifted slightly and leaned his hands against the windowsill. His gaze dropped from the rising sun to the white paint below his fingers; then his eyes closed entirely.

"I saw…the forests. The trees swaying in the wind and the streams running below their branches. I heard their whispers on the wind, I could hear them calling me. I saw herds of deer grazing in small valleys, does nursing their fawns while bucks kept watch over their families." He paused a bit, and a sharp tremble ran through his lithe frame. I waited for what he would say next. "I saw my people, walking down the forest paths, enjoying each others' company and laughing among the trees. I saw elflings playing with one another in a garden, their mothers seated on stone benches, smiling and speaking friendly with one another." Here he opened his eyes and returned his gaze to the sky. He spoke next with pride. "I saw their fathers taking part in patrols to rid the woods of evil creatures to keep their families safe." His voice lowered to an almost inaudible whisper. "I saw…my mother, smiling and welcoming me back to the place I belong. I saw my elder sister laughing and coming to embrace me. I saw the love in their eyes." He paused again, breathing slowly. He next had to speak quiet enough so his voice wouldn't break.

"But I'm not so sure I'll ever see it again."

He turned away from the window and left the small square of light the sun created through the window, returning to the darkened living room. I stared at where he had been standing before, my mind whirling with the description of his dream…the description of what he believed to be lost to him. I had so much pity welling inside me, I wanted to weep. I turned my back to the window and followed him into the shadows. When my eyes adjusted, I saw him sitting on the couch, hunched over, his head cradled in his hands. I slowly sat down next to him, hoping he could find consolation in merely my presence. I really didn't know what to say to make him feel better. I couldn't throw him false hopes; no one appreciates those. So I simply sat silently next to him, him silently next to me, out thoughts whirring and our hearts heavy as stones.

At last, he raised his head and stared at the wall through his fingers. Then he dropped his hands. "Elves are normally able to control their dreams," he murmured softly. "Though there are instances when our emotions take over and show us what we truly feel in our hearts. I did not recognize the longing I held in my heart until I saw my dream. I had been feeling that hollow sorrow ever since I overcame the shock of my arrival, but I never confronted it until after I woke. It is also the reason why I had been slumbering with my eyes closed."

Understanding dawned on me, but I still kept my silence. This was not my turn to express things, it was his, and I would make sure to listen. When he glanced up at me, my eyes softened and gently urged him to continue. He swallowed tightly and glistening tears rose in his deep blue eyes.

"Will I ever be able to return to my home?" he whispered, but even the low volume of his voice was not able to hide the wavering crack of anguish. I bit my lip and took his hand. I turned it over in mine and drew meaningless symbols on his palm with my fingernail, wondering what to say to reassure him. As I thought, he stared at what I was doing with his hand, seeming to be lost in thought himself. The tears hadn't left his eyes yet, and I chewed my lip further, wanting to dry them, but not knowing how. Finally I just let out a breath and decided to say what my heart was telling me.

"Honestly…I'm not sure if you ever will see your home or not," I whispered. Legolas raised his eyes to mine, and one pearly tear escaped his eyes and slid down his cheek. I raised my hand and brushed it away with one swipe of my finger. "But I can promise you this.…" I inched closer to him and gripped his hand tightly within both of mine. "I promise, I will do everything I can to return you to where you belong. Everything within my power, little as it is." Despite the fact that I was trying to comfort him, Legolas caught the self-scorn in my voice. And, despite the fact that he needed comforting, he tried to comfort me, the sweetie.

"You have so much power, Kyla," he murmured, and he seemed so sure of what he was saying. I felt my eyebrows lower in disbelief, and, through his tears, he smiled. He then raised his free hand and placed it over my heart. "Everyone has incredible power hidden within them. The problem is finding it. Some people believe that they're weak because they cannot find their own power. But it's there, whether you know it yet or not."

"I…but…I've never…" I stammered, uncertain. Doubt clouded my heart and I found that I truly didn't believe his words. There were so many things I cowered from. I hid from my family in shame of what had happened to my brother, and…I guess I shied from the idea of getting a job, possibly because I was afraid of committing myself in the real world. So many things…how could he say I had power?

"The time will come," he whispered to me, and his hand fell from its place on my chest. I wondered vaguely what he meant, but decided not to ask. Instead I averted my eyes and stared down at our joined hands. I was alerted by Legolas' voice as he next spoke.

"I really believe that you can somehow find a way to help me. Hannon le, Kyla," he murmured. "You have been so kind to me, and I don't know how I'll ever repay you." I looked back up at him and saw the small smile on his face, and I smiled in response.

"I…It's nothing," I muttered, feeling a bit shy all of a sudden. Legolas only smiled wider than before.

"Liar," he said, mildly joking.

About three hours later, Legolas and I were sitting in the kitchen, a plate of eggs in front of both of us. I hadn't made eggs in such a long time, it took me a little while to remember and get the facts straight (this is years I'm talking about here; all I've been eating was microwavable crap every morning). The end result wasn't too bad, in my opinion. At least Legolas hadn't grimaced in disgust and shoved the plate away when I set it in front of him. But he might have been too hungry to care. This was the first time he'd eaten since he had arrived, poor thing. I silently scolded myself. Living beings need to eat, dolt! Just because a fictional character just happens to pop into your house with no reason whatsoever doesn't mean you should forget your common courtesy! Jeez.

We were both silent as we ate, me reading a magazine (the subscription was Fran's) distractedly. I lowered the magazine when Legolas asked,

"Who's he?"

I turned the subscription over and looked at the cover. Surprise, surprise, 'twas Orlando Bloom's darling face smiling out at me. I studied the actor's face a moment or two before answering Legolas' question. Really, the two of them looked nothing alike. Sure, Legolas had blond hair and blue eyes, like his movie impersonation, but Orlando had high, defined cheekbones, whereas Legolas' face was slightly softer and thinner. The two had a similar build, but Orlando was thicker where Legolas was slender. And, call it a hunch, but I think Legolas was a mite taller than our good ol' Mr. Bloom.

"That's Orlando Bloom," I replied flatly, turning back to the page I was reading.

"Why is he important?" Legolas asked curiously. I pursed my lips and set the magazine down. The elf sitting across from me watched me patiently, his sapphire eyes glittering with interest.

"Well," I stated, real smart-like, "he's a very good actor and a lot of people like him." No comprehension came to Legolas' face. Apparently, he was looking for more of an explanation. I exhaled deeply and folded my fingers on the tabletop.

"There are a lot of people in this world," I said slowly. "Basically, if you're able to act in a movie—"

"The moving tales you showed me yesterday?" Legolas cut in. "The ones created for entertainment?" I nodded, not minding the minor interruption.

"Yes," I replied. "If you're able to play a character in one and get your name posted somewhere, people will most likely start to like you. Really, they turn you into what's considered a god: everyone knows your name but hardly anybody is allowed to touch you. Like Orlando Bloom," I said, standing the magazine up so his picture was facing outwards. "His face is in magazines, on TV, in movies, and on the internet. Billions of people know his name, and they all want to meet him. But he's only one person against nearly the entire world. What's more, he's just a regular person that has his own interests, hobbies, and desires. If he had never become an actor, he'd just be a regular guy walking through the streets, even if he is incredibly handsome." (Boy, is he! I can feel a swoon coming on!)

"So they're like kings?" Legolas asked, gesturing with his fork. "Everyone knows a king's name in his kingdom."

"You could say they're like kings," I replied, tilting my head side to side as I lay the magazine flat again. "They do have the power to alter people's opinions sometimes. Like if they take part in an ad of some sort, everybody will want to be like them, so they'll start buying that product. But really, by law, they can't order countries around and expect their commands to be taken out."

Legolas stabbed his fork into another slice of egg. "Your world is awfully complicated," he grumbled. I smiled grimly.

"Tell me about it."

We both looked up as Fran marched into the room, her face stormy. She carried with her a thick sheaf of papers, as well as two books tucked under her arms. She stomped straight up to the table and slapped the papers down in front of me, startling me and causing my hair to blow back with the wind she created. She then slammed the books down with possibly even more force than before.

"I've looked everywhere!" she exclaimed in utter frustration, throwing her hands into the air. She poked the neatly printed papers as she spoke, "I have gone to every Tolkien site known to man, monkey, and fish! I have typed so many words in that stupid Google bar, my fingers are about to crack! I have clicked on so many links, I bet you all the money in Oprah's pocket that everything related to the term "Lord of the Rings" or any of Tolkien's books are all highlighted!"

"Fran…" I warned, noticing the look of slowly growing hopelessness emerging on Legolas' face. He was frozen, staring at my roommate with wide eyes, his fork poised halfway between his plate and his mouth.

"No," she snapped, "I've tried everything, Kyla. There is nothing—I mean nothing—that indicates a portal, a time machine, any way of transportation between one world and another! Now what, Kyla? Where should we look? For all I know, Legolas is stuck here for the rest of his immortal life!"

That was completely the wrong thing to say. If they ever made a book of "Stupid Blunders in Speech" or "Totally the Wrong Times to Say Things", that last sentence she blurted would have topped both lists.

The kitchen went deadly silent. The last ring of Fran's voice faded away, leaving no sound except for the distant bawling of a child downstairs. Then, a loud clatter drew our attention to Legolas. He had dropped his fork and was pushing away from the table, causing the chair legs to screech on the linoleum floor. All signs of frustration and anger drained away from Fran's face as she realized what she'd just said.

"Shit, Legolas, I didn't mean—" she started, reaching out at him, but he evaded her touch and left the kitchen silently, his face completely emotionless, but his eyes beginning to glisten with unshed tears. I stood up and began to follow him, at the same time throwing Fran and heated glare and muttering,

"Way to go, Fran."

She stared at me, open mouthed, as I ran down the hall after Legolas. I grabbed his shoulder to slow him down and stepped in front of him. He halted, but he bowed his head and kept his face turned away from me.

"Legolas…" I murmured, unsure of what to say. How could I alleviate fears when they'd just been more pronounced than before?

"Please," he whispered, "don't. I'd rather not talk right now, Kyla." I didn't stop him when he pushed past me and went into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. I stared at the door for a few seconds, wanting to knock and ask him to come out, but I knew it was useless. I reluctantly turned away and slowly made my way back down the hall and into the kitchen, where Fran was still standing in the same place I had left her, an immensely guilty look on her face. She looked up at me when I came into the room.

"Where is he?" she asked softly, her voice slightly wavering. I sighed and sat down on one of the kitchen stools, resting my forehead in my hand.

"He locked himself in the bathroom," I muttered. "He said he didn't want to talk."

"God, I'm such an ass," Fran said, plopping down into a chair, folding her arms and resting her head on her forearms. "I shouldn't have said that," she mumbled to the table. "What was I thinking?"

"He might not have reacted so strongly if you had said that yesterday," I said. "He'd just realized how much he missed his home last night, and then you come stomping in declaring that the situation is hopeless. Man, this is turning out to be really tough." I pressed the heels of my hands into my eyes, watching as small bursts of color exploded behind my lids at the pressure.

Fran gave a mirthless chuckle from her spot at the table. "Yeah," she agreed. "It's like that puppy you've finally gotten after begging your mom for it forever, and then realizing how much responsibility is involved if you want to keep it thriving." It was a rough analogy, but it was one I could relate to, at least.

"That about sums it up," I said. "Fran, you can go to work. I'll be here if—when—Legolas wants to come out and talk." She nodded and slowly stood up, as if she didn't want to leave. She left the room and gathered her things. I could hear her bustling quietly about in the living room. Right after I heard the jingle of keys, she appeared around the corner of the kitchen.

"Tell him I'm sorry and that I didn't mean it," she whispered, her large hazel eyes concerned and anxious at the same time. I nodded and made a shooing gesture with my hand.

"Will do," I replied. "Go on, Fran. I'll look out for him." She nodded and disappeared again, and I could hear the front door open and slam closed. Utter silence remained in the apartment. I wondered vaguely what Legolas might be doing in the bathroom. Was he thinking about his family, his friends? Was he thinking about the love and laughter he must have shared with them, and then realizing that those things could have been snatched from his grasp forever?

Shuddering, I drew my arms around myself and prepared to sit and wait for as long as I needed to.

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Aww...so sad, so sad...hey, people, it's only the second day he's been in the 21rst century, for those of you who think he's too timid. Give the guy a break and let him adjust...besides, I've got some good ideas and his true character will begin to show...-evil snicker-

Reviews, please! I luv you all! -mwah!-