hey guys! this is one of my first stories that i started way back when the first movie came out. the beginning is kinda elementary in its style of writing, but i've been working on it for a while now, so it gets better. i forgot to put a disclaimer on the first two chapters, so i'll put one in here somewhere. stick with me for a while and i promise it'll get better.

disclaimer: don't own anything you recognize (wish i did ) everything else is mine. don't sue me.

daydreamer8301: thanks for the review. i'll try to keep the updates regular and close together. i've got a lot of the story written already, but depending on how people like it, it might change from the original that i have. thanks again.

marisa: hey! it really surprised me to see you found my story so quickly when i just posted yesterday. your fic was great, i absolutely loved it, so it's cool to get a review from you. thanks.

Chapter 3:

Legolas stared at her in shock and confusion. He shook his head lightly to try to relieve himself of some of the perplexity. "How?"

"Tell me something about me that only you would know, if indeed, you are my husband."

Legolas smiled. "Of course. What do you want to know?"

"My birthday…"

"June 16…"

"Favorite color…" Linilya demanded.

"Green…"

"Food…"

"Fresh strawberries…" Legolas answered quickly.

"Favorite holiday…"

"Yuletide…"

Linilya gaped at Legolas. How did he know all those things? There was no way he'd guessed for all of them. And he'd answered all of them as soon as they were out of her mouth. He didn't even have to think about them. She tried to think of a hard question.

"What's my biggest fear?" she finally questioned.

"Spiders," he replied without hesitation. "Or losing everyone that is close to you."

Linilya thought harder. She fingered the delicate chain around her neck. "Where did I get this?" she asked, but not before realizing she didn't even know. She'd had it for awhile. In fact, she couldn't ever remember not having it, let alone where she got it.

Legolas smiled again, this time reaching out to touch the fragile necklace. The chain was gold, the small pieces finely woven together. A green leaf shaped pendant hung from the chain, resting softly above her chest. Silver veins were etched carefully into the leaf, swirling around through the deep forest green. His fingertips lightly brushed over it, softly caressing her skin.

"I gave it to you, years ago, when I first told you I loved you, in the gardens. See, the date is carved onto the back along with our initials," he said turning it over in his palm.

Linilya looked down at the leaf in his hand. Indeed, there were two sets of initials and a date inscribed into the metal. She'd never noticed it before. She tried desperately to remember where she'd gotten the necklace, but her memory failed her. How did she come into possession of someone else's belongings from another world?

"Do you remember?"

"No. I don't. I'm sorry," she replied, tired of fighting and thoroughly exhausted with thinking. Maybe she was Elenayave. But how? She slumped back into the bed and moaned. "Are you still offering food?"

"Of course, my lady. What would you like?" Malia asked.

"Anything. I'm famished. Thank you."

Malia and Nivereal, who had been watching the exchange between the Prince and his princess curiously, turned and left to get Linilya some food. Legolas remained in the chair at her side. He stroked her cheek longingly, gazing down at her with his sad blue eyes. Linilya sank lower into her pillows, trying to get comfortable in the large bed.

"Are you sure you have the right person?" she inquired one last time.

"Aye, melamin. You are Elenayave, my princess."

"What happened?"

Legolas settled down in his chair and rested his chin on its back. "Five weeks ago, you decided to ride to Imladris to see your father. You asked me not to send a guard with you, so I didn't. I thought you would be all right without one. You had barely reached the western edge of the forest when you were attacked by orcs. You fought and killed many, but not enough."

Legolas paused, taking in a shaky breath. He continued. "They overtook you and captured you. You were missing for over a week. When we found you in the southern borders of the forest, you were barely alive. You're lucky you didn't bleed to death. They'd beaten and whipped you. They…" his voice trailed off.

"What? What did they do?"

"They raped you, Lena. That's why it took you so long to wake up. Your soul was broken. Malia didn't think you'd make it. I didn't think you would make it. I didn't know if my love was strong enough to help you."

Linilya sat in shock. No wonder he was so worried about her. She knew Elves were immortal, but she also knew that they could die of grief.

"Legolas…I don't think I'm Elenayave. I'm from a completely different world, okay? I'm really sorry about her, but…"

"Malia said there was a chance you wouldn't remember anything. It'll take a while for your memory to return," he said matter-of-factly.

Stubborn ass! I'm not your wife! her mind screamed at him.

"Look…"

"Shh, melamin. You need to rest. Malia will be here soon with your meal."

Linilya sank further into the pillows in defeat. She sighed loudly and closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them, she'd be in her own bed. She knew it was her wish to be an Elf that brought her here. God had granted it before she died. But she didn't want to be some other Elf that already had a life! She heard Legolas stand. He smoothed out the sheets over her body and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.

Instantly, Linilya felt sparks stream through her body. She'd never felt such a thing in her life. Something familiar pounded in the back of her head, though she couldn't quite place it. Her eyes flew open and landed on his retreating form.

"Legolas! Wait…"

He turned and looked at her. "Yes?"

"How long have you…we…been married?"

"Close to a century, Lena."

She averted her eyes and nodded, letting the information sink in. Legolas, seeing that she had no further questions, exited the room quietly, leaving Linilya by herself to think.

Several days passed in much the same manner. Legolas came in to see her at least twice a day, to see how she was feeling. Linilya still felt a nagging in the back of her mind. Something was very familiar about him. The way he spoke, the way he looked, the way he acted.

Legolas was sweet and caring to the point where Linilya wished he could be in there all day. He talked with her and listened to her about her world. Though, he didn't believe that was where she came from. He simply brushed it off as a dream she'd had while she was unconscious. Legolas was always gentle and kind, but was firm and steadfast in his decisions. He never lost his patience with her or yelled, but simply remained there for her.

Linilya was at a loss on how to get back home. But she wasn't really sure she wanted to leave. Legolas was winning her over, bit by bit. There was just something about him. He had gained her trust quickly, and she often followed his will. She yearned to be close to him, to learn of the Elves and all they did. He was a never ending source of information, and Linilya soaked it up like a sponge.

Soon, Linilya was allowed to leave her bed and to roam about freely. She longed to explore the grounds and to learn about her environment.

"Legolas?"

"Hmm?" he mumbled, running his fingers through the stray strands of red curls. Actions like this, Linilya had grown used to, for she knew Legolas desired to be near his wife. She knew he wanted more than just to be close to her, but she wasn't willing to take that step if she wasn't really Elenayave.

"Can you take me on a tour of the grounds?"

"Of course, pelleth," he replied. "But you need to get dressed."

"Well, duh!" Linilya exclaimed, hitting him playfully on the arm. "I thought I'd go out like this."

"You most certainly will not!" he cried, releasing her hair immediately.

"Why not?" she pouted.

"You need to put some clothes on," he stated, looking over the scant silk night chemise she wore. It was short, barely reaching her mid-thigh, and possessed no sleeves or straps. Instead, it was held up by her chest and a few well placed clasps up her back. Though she did look rather stunning with her red curls falling lightly over her shoulders and her sparkling green eyes, he did not wish for anyone to see her so…exposed. He was used to seeing her as such, but the others…well…they were not her husband. "I will not let you out of this room dressed like that!"

Linilya giggled. "You sound like my mother. What would you have me wear?"

"Something other than that. A dress maybe."

"I don't wear dresses," she stated firmly.

Legolas met her gaze. "No?"

"No."

"Then a pair of leggings and a tunic?"

"Sure. Why not?"

Legolas smiled, remembering well how Elenayave hated dressing up. He used to have to force her into gowns when a feast was in order for the evening. She'd much rather have worn pants, boots, and a tunic.

Legolas searched the closet in the room and found some suitable clothes for her. He pulled out a set of riding clothes. They looked like they would fit.

"Will these do, melamin?" he questioned, holding them up for her approval.

"Those will be fine, Legolas," she replied. "Thank you."

Legolas handed her the clothes and waited expectantly. Linilya stared at him, not sure of what to do.

"Aren't you going to turn around or leave or something?"

"Is there a need to?" he asked, furrowing his brow in confusion.

"I'm changing my clothes. Of course there's a need to!"

"Why? It's nothing I haven't seen before," he stated simply, crossing his arms.

Linilya's cheeks blazed to a deep crimson. "What?!"

Legolas sighed and shook his head. "We're married…remember?"

"But we haven't…"

Legolas stood there, his eyes locked on hers.

"Oh," she murmured. "Oh, right. Sorry. I forgot. Elenayave…"

"You," he stressed, "are Elenayave. Why do I have to keep telling you? Do you not believe me?"

Linilya didn't answer, but instead stared at him, holding the clothes in her hand pointedly. Legolas sighed and turned around, not wanting to start an argument with her. He heard the rustle of clothes behind him and wished that she would undress for him. He missed their intimacies, but she didn't believe she was Elenayave. Maybe if he could get her into bed, she'd remember how much he loved her, how much he cared for her. It wasn't likely.

"I'm done," she said softly, resting her hand on his shoulder. "We can go now."

Legolas led her out of her room and through the winding halls and corridors of the Mirkwood palace. Linilya took in everything around her, amazed that such a place could even really exist. Torches lit the wide halls and doors lined the passages. Legolas explained to her what they led to, which ones she couldn't enter, and the ones she shouldn't enter, and which ones she could. They finally reached the main gate, and he led her outside into the sun.

Linilya breathed in the fresh air and sighed. She paused, tilted her head back, and grinned.

"What is it, love?"

"It feels so good to be outside," she replied, basking in the warm rays of light.

Legolas smiled and took her hand. "Let us go to the stables first. That way, we can ride through the grounds."

"On horses?" she asked excitedly.

"Yes, Elenayave. On horses."

"Awesome. Do I have a horse, too?"

"Yes, but I suggest you ride with me until you are used to riding again. You may get hurt," he warned.

Linilya readily agreed. She'd never ridden a horse before. She didn't want to ride by herself. Riding with Legolas would be fun.