spotnmushlover246: nope. we lost. but that's okie. first game and it was really a scrimmage. I played right field that game, but I usually play first. hope you like this chappie. took me long enough.

Myri78: hmmm, that didn't quite make it into this chapter. maybe the next one. and no, reminding me about the fries doesn't hurt anything. I might actually get it in there one day.

IwishChan: hehe. had you fooled, didn't I? I feel bad for Elrohir though, and you'll see why after this chappie!

loveroflegolas: hehe! fooled you too! anyway, you were supposed to be in this chappie but I got a little carried away. so you'll definitely be in the next one though!

Leah's Lovely: thanks much for the compliment about my twins! hope this chappie lives up to your expectations!

Megara: I don't think you calmed down that much, really. but I won't tell anyone if you won't. thanks!

Marisa: whew! haven't been here for a while. remember when you had the flu? I think you gave it to me! who's the naughty girl now? hehe, you're right though. mischievous leggy is cool!

Rodwen Blaire: hmmm, another violence lover I see! hehe. thanks for the review!

xSilverShadowsx: thanks!

Legolaslover: thanks much!

Dora-the-elda: yea! a new reader! thanks for the review. you're opinion is incredibly close to the one I chose for the sequel! way to go!

Tommy14: thanks so much! I appreciate it!

GreenEyedElfGoddess: hehe! thanks! leggy is fantastic. I love him!

sebstar: hehehe. me too! thanks much!

forfiwen bloom: thanks. its okie. homework always comes first. I know how that goes. keep reading!

Orange Glow: thanks so much. I'm glad you like my style. I try to do it realistically. I wanted to give the twins some actual story time. they are important characters. and one dimensional twins are no fun!

longivity101: hehe. me too! thanks!

Disclaimer: refer to previous chapters! I'm sick of saying that I don't own Legolas, because I really wish I did!

Chapter 30

Legolas padded softly into the bedchambers that had served as Lena's room before they'd wed. The small elleth was already fast asleep, cuddled up in the sheets to her chin, eyes drooping, but not quite closed. Quietly closing the door behind him, he tugged off his tunic and slipped into the bed next to her, wrapping her wholly in his warm embrace. He pulled her closer against him and she stirred in her slumber as the bare skin of his chest came in contact with her cheek. Not wishing to wake her from her much needed nap, he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead and burrowed his head down in the crook of her neck.

"Sleep well, sweetling," he whispered.

Over three months had passed since the twins had last left with the Dunedain Rangers of the North. It seemed their escapades into the wild took more and more of their time away from her. She fairly understood their desire to avenge their mother's suffering, but honestly, did it have to take up three months at a time? She waited reluctantly at the gate to be the first one there to welcome them back when they arrived. She hadn't wanted to seem overly eager to see them again, but they had been gone so long…

"I see our gwathel sword sister is lingering at the city gates to greet us after out toils in the wild," a cheerful lilting voice said from a little further down the path.

"Aye, and quite a sight she is, brother! What say you we whisk her away into our chambers and keep her to ourselves for a fortnight?"

"I wholeheartedly agree!" Elrohir concurred, pulling his mount to a stop before her.

"I am not going anywhere until you explain to me how a few days turns into three months," she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest haughtily.

"Did we say a few days, lovely one? I am quite certain that we..."

But she quickly cut him off as she pressed a kiss to his lips. "Shut up, Elrohir," she mumbled against his mouth. "I'm just glad you're back."

"What about me?" Elladan pouted, sticking out his bottom lip. "Didn't you miss me too?"

Elenayave giggled and threw her arms around the other half-elf's neck. "Yes, Elladan, I missed you too!"

"But not as much as me, mind you," Elrohir stated, cockily, winking at the giggling elleth. "That's why she kissed me first."

"Mayhap it was merely because you were first to enter the gate, brother," Elladan retorted, glowering at his younger brother.

Elrohir cocked a brow and glanced at Elenayave, who was now pinned between both of them, her arms around Elladan, but her eyes on Elrohir. "I highly doubt it."

"Well, she is courting you, after all." Elladan quickly whirled the elleth around in his grip so that she now faced his brother. "But we can share, can we not?"

"Of course, brother! Sharing is always best."

"Do I not get a say in any of this?" Elenayave questioned, leaning into Elrohir's arms.

"Nay," both answered in unison, before Elrohir locked his lips over hers again. He eased himself into a passionate kiss, sliding his tongue gently over her lips, begging for entrance. When finally they parted, he immediately claimed the new territory as his own. Elrohir's kiss was slightly aggressive, demanding, and yet yielding at the same time. His tongue battled with hers for dominance in a seductive dance, but she never gave any ground. He cradled her face softly in his hand as he deepened the kiss, eliciting a soft moan from the back of her throat.

Elladan watched as his brother stole the breath of the maiden before him, and wondered why she remained a maiden in the first place. No doubt Elrohir would wish to be welcomed this way every time he returned home, but the younger ellyn wished for more than simple kissing. It was all he spoke of on their travels. Elrohir wanted so much more than Elenayave was willing to give. He could see that it was taking all of his brother's will to keep from picking up the elleth and whisking her off to bed. It wasn't that the girl didn't trust or love Elrohir. In fact, their relationship was pretty solid. It was just further than she planned on going at the time. It was her loss, he decided. He knew well of the way Elrohir made love, as he'd shared many of the elleths his brother had brought to their chambers, and it perplexed him as to why Elenayave had not given in to his persistent inquiries

Elrohir finally broke from Elena, allowing her to take in several gulps of air. A grin broke across his features as he realized his brother had excused himself from their presence to search for their father. He nuzzled against her hair softly and whispered, "We have some time alone, little one…"

"No, Elrohir," she stated firmly. "Not yet."

Elrohir furrowed his brow and frowned. "How do you even know that was what I was going to ask?"

"Because you are so completely predictable, Elrohir," she said, placing a light kiss on his nose.

"Is that a bad thing?" he asked, still frowning.

"No," she replied. "Not too bad a thing."

"Good." He paused for a moment. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Elrohir. I'm sure. Now is not the time."

"Elena! How can you say that? I've courted you for almost three years now! Can we not just once…"

"No, Elrohir! I won't. I cannot bind myself to you."

"I'm not asking you to, Elena. I just want one night. Please, let me show you…"

"I can't," she stated flatly in a tone that brooked no argument. "I don't know if you're the one."

Elrohir sighed and turned his head away, and berated himself for pushing her in the first place. "I apologize, Elena. I meant not for our reunion to be as such."

"Nor did I, Elrohir. It's all right, mellon-nin."

Elrohir winced at the word as it came out of her mouth. 'Mellon-nin'… friend. That's all he would ever be…just a friend. Just like he had been the past three years. He'd taken his time to woo and court her properly after his little incident of tumbling down the waterfall. And for once in his life, he thought that he might have found her, his mate. But his hopes were completely dashed whenever he uttered his love for her. She never returned his words, but only smiled a sad smile and brushed his cheek with her fingers. . Perhaps she already belonged to someone else. But if that were the case, why did she return his affections?

Elrohir shook his head, clearing his mind of his thoughts when her voice broke into his reverie. "What did you say, Elena?"

"I said your father is waiting for you. You'd best go." She caressed his face softly and pressed another soft kiss to his lips, and then lightly pushed him away.

Elrohir stood before her, hands on his hips and a frown on his beautiful face. His whole body felt weak and tense, as if he would collapse if he but moved an inch.

"Why, Elena? I don't understand, mellethen."

"Please, Elrohir. Don't call me that," she started. "This has to end."

"Tell me why."

"Elrohir…"

"No!" he said. "I want you to explain this to me, Elena. I don't understand why this is happening! Five years of courting and planning, and now suddenly, you wish to end our relationship! Why?"

"It's not working, Elrohir. I can't do this anymore."

"Do what, Elena? We haven't done anything!" he fumed. "You deny me every time I come near you. You never return my sentiments in words, never once have you said you loved me, not once!"

"Because I don't!" she cried. At seeing the heartbreaking look on his face, she continued. "I mean, Elrohir, that I care for you. And I do love you, but not as a lover. As a sister. After five years, I realize that I could never love you as anything more."

"It took you five years to figure that out?" he spat. "Who is he, then?"

"Who is who?"

"The one that is keeping you from loving me. Who is he?"

"Elrohir, there is no one, you must understand."

Elrohir turned angrily and glared at the tree across from him rather than set his stormy eyes on her. Why? Why was she doing this? Did she not see that he loved her with every fiber of his being? Did she not know that every word she was uttering was ripping his heart into a million tiny pieces?

"Elrohir…" she tried, hoping he would still listen.

"No. I am finished here," he stated tonelessly, starting to head back indoors.

"Elrohir, please. You must understand," she beseeched, following his steps. She reached out for his arm, but he shook her off with little trouble as the rain started to pour out of the darkening clouds above.

"I understand," he replied, his voice breaking. "I understand that all I have done has meant nothing to you. I understand perfectly."

"No, Elrohir. You know that's not true."

He stopped and turned back to face her. Gripping her arms, he responded, "I'm not sure what I know anymore. You have taken that knowledge from me, along with what was my heart. Know that you have it, always."

And with that, he left her, standing in the summer downpour, dripping wet and soaked to the bone. Her tears mixed with the rain droplets as they both rolled down her cheeks, and she fell to her knees in the muddy ground. Her fervent whisper went unheard to the ears it was meant for.

"Elrohir, I'm so sorry."

sorry it took so long guys. I'll probably be down to updates once a week until further notice. it's just that hectic time of year. maybe during spring break I'll write more. we'll see. hope you like…let me know!